In the most recent three rounds of the league, Real Madrid suffered a draw away to Athletic Bilbao, marking their third draw of the season.
Fortunately, in the same round, Barcelona lost away to Atlético Madrid.
After 19 rounds, Real Madrid stand at 16 wins, 3 draws, and 0 losses, with 51 points at the top of the table.
Barcelona, with 16 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, sit close behind with 49 points.
The two-point gap is still precarious, and while it's hard to imagine Barça losing again, it's even harder to overtake them without that happening.
Top Scorers Race:Suker has scored 26 goals in 19 league matches.
At this rate, a 30+ goal season is highly likely.
Messi bagged a hat-trick in Round 17, and thanks to Barcelona's late-season stamina, he's slowly closing in on Suker.
Right now, Messi has 24 goals, just two behind Suker.
Their race for the Golden Boot is still heating up.
Champions League:Suker continues to top the UCL scoring chart.
But now, it's not Messi chasing him—it's Cristiano Ronaldo.
These two just won't go away.
In La Liga, Messi is right behind him.In Europe, now it's CR7 breathing down his neck.
Sometimes Suker feels like he can't catch a break—these two are relentless.One slip, one missed goal, and they'll pounce.
So Suker has to stay at his absolute best.
Coach Pellegrini still relies heavily on Suker—he really has no choice.
Without Suker, Real Madrid have very few consistent attacking outlets.
Casillas remains the undisputed starting goalkeeper.Pellegrini isn't Mourinho—he doesn't have the guts to challenge the local Spanish core directly.Even though his relationship with Casillas is frosty, Casillas' starting spot is safe.
Summer Transfer Window Plans:Real Madrid is once again preparing for major summer spending.
This being a World Cup year, the transfer window promises to be intense.
It's not just about the top leagues—lesser-known players can shine on the World Cup stage and earn big moves.
Players like:
Thomas Müller, Götze, part of Germany's golden generation.
James Rodríguez, who exploded in the 2014 World Cup.
And Kylian Mbappé, who burst onto the scene during the tournament.
The World Cup isn't just a national competition—it's a showcase for emerging talents to get noticed by top clubs.
Florentino Pérez's transfer strategy is in three parts:
Bring Kaká from AC Milan—this was his promise to Suker.
Line up a new manager—likely already in contact with Mourinho.
Save a war chest for "World Cup shopping"—picking up breakout stars.
Even though the tournament hasn't started, the groundwork is already being laid.
Monday Rest Day:Suker received a call from the South African World Cup organizing committee.
"Hello, we're with the South Africa World Cup organizers. We need your permission for a few things."
Suker put the call on speaker.
"Go ahead."
The caller sounded nervous—his voice even trembled.In the background, you could hear cheers and excitement.
Suker chuckled.
"I won't charge for image rights, but you need to tell me where you'll use them. Also, get to the point, please."
"Yes! Sorry, I'm a huge fan. I'm just so happy—"
Suker: "..."This guy just couldn't stop talking.If it wasn't the World Cup organizers, he might've hung up already.
"We're working on the music video for the World Cup theme song. Since most players are busy with club matches, we've decided to use in-game footage—specifically, we want to include your Euro Cup highlights. UEFA already granted us permission."
"That's fine with me." Suker replied.
"Also... we'd like a separate video clip from you. It's optional, of course, but your fans would love to see you in the MV."
"I'll do it. Do you have a template?"
"Yes! We'll send it by email."
"Anything else?" Suker asked.
The man stammered again, then finally blurted out:
"Could you also mail us some signed jerseys? We'll pay the shipping—just one, really. We're huge fans!"
Suker scratched his cheek.
"Are you all my fans?"
"Of course! We watched your game yesterday—your low shot past Laure, the 71st-minute assist to Raul for the comeback—amazing!"
"Alright," Suker agreed casually.
The line fell silent for a second—then erupted into cheering.
"SUKER! SUKER! SUKER!"
Suker smiled. He hadn't expected this many fans in South Africa.
"How many jerseys do you want?"
"Three!"
Then voices started arguing in the background.
"Six! Suker, I'm your fan too!""Liar! You're a Messi fan—get lost!""No no! I'm a true Suker fan! Give me a jersey and I'll be loyal forever!"
Suker laughed.
"Ten max. You decide how to split them."
He hung up, shaking his head.
"Are tournament officials always this chaotic?"
His agent Zorancic said with a grin,
"It just shows how popular you are—it's a good thing."
"Handle the jersey mailing for me.""On it. Oh, do you need a filming crew for the MV clip?""No need." Suker replied.
He already knew the scene:Wearing casual clothes, holding the match ball, tapping his chest.
Simple enough—he could film it with a borrowed camera.
Feb 12 – Copa del Rey Semifinal, Second LegReal Madrid vs Atlético Madrid
In the first leg, Atlético forced a 3-3 draw at home.
After beating Barcelona in the league and drawing Real in the cup, Atlético's morale was high.
Now, this return leg at the Bernabéu was make-or-break.
Atlético sent out their strongest XI:Agüero, Forlán, Reyes, Simão... full force.
Real Madrid made a notable tactical switch:
Lineups:Real Madrid (4-4-2):GK: CasillasDEF: Arbeloa, Garay, Ramos, AlbiolMID: Higuaín, Gago, Alonso, Di MaríaFW: Benzema, Suker
Atlético Madrid (4-3-3):GK: De GeaDEF: Álvaro, Perea, López, UjfalusiMID: Jurado, Assunção, ReyesFW: Simão, Agüero, Forlán
Commentators discussed how Pellegrini had finally started phasing out aging players and forming a new, younger core.
Suker and Benzema had started developing real chemistry.The Argentine wingers were direct and threatening.Alonso commanded the midfield.
Still, Gago was a weakness at defensive mid, often exploited by opponents.
Without Pepe, Ramos had to step up as defensive leader.
As the match kicked off, Pellegrini barked orders from the sideline.
"Their weak spot is the left side—because Forlán won't track back!"
Indeed, pre-Simeone Atlético lacked discipline.Forlán's refusal to defend and Assunção's attitude made them vulnerable.
Kickoff:
Suker started the match.Benzema received, returned it.Alonso sent a long pass forward.Benzema chested it down and nudged it left—perfectly into Suker's path.
Suker surged ahead, pulling away.
Then—CLANG!Defender Perea launched a two-footed scissor tackle from behind, chopping Suker down.
A loud WHISTLE!The ref wasted no time—RED CARD!
Three minutes in, Atlético were down to 10 men.
Perea was stunned. Usually, early tackles like that only got yellows to preserve the flow of the game.
But not this time.
In the VIP stands, Florentino Pérez smirked.Zidane asked,
"Was that your doing?"
Florentino shook his head.
"Do you know how much tax Suker pays in Spain?"
Zidane blinked.Florentino grinned:
"He's a VIP taxpayer. Spain's tax authorities have liaised with the FA and the referee committee—Suker must be protected. Any reckless challenge against him will be punished to the max."
"That's the perk of paying taxes."
Zidane turned to the pitch, pitying Perea.
"He messed with the wrong guy."
Suker got up, having deliberately rolled into the penalty area.But the ref awarded a free kick just outside the box.
Suker didn't take free kicks—he hadn't "unlocked" that skill yet—so Alonso stepped up.
Ramos joined the box.Alonso lobbed it in.Benzema pulled defenders to the near post.Suker dragged others to the far post.
That opened space in the center.Ramos charged in, leapt—BANG!GOAL!
5 minutes in, Real Madrid led 1–0.
Atlético were in deep trouble—down a man, trailing on the scoreboard, and away from home.