La Liga legend weighs in on Real Madrid’s clash with the league – ‘Their statement is the tip of the iceberg’ | OneFootball

The upcoming derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid is always a highly anticipated event, but it won’t be a game that determines the outcome of La Liga.

That is the view of former goalkeeper Santiago Canizares, who played for notable clubs like Celta Vigo, Real Madrid, and Valencia. Now a football commentator, Canizares believes it’s premature to see this match as decisive for the league title.

He reflects on past experiences, recalling how assumptions about Barcelona’s title chances after their commanding win at the Bernabeu were made too early.

“I don’t think the derby will decide La Liga. We already made that mistake when Barça won resoundingly at the Bernabeu and then those of us who thought that.

“Although there was a lot of La Liga left, Barça had a difference in points and considerable solvency,” he said as quoted by SPORT.

On the pressing issue

Real Madrid are in battle with the referees at the moment. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

One of the pressing issues surrounding this derby is the ongoing conflict between Real Madrid and other football agents in Spain concerning refereeing decisions. According to Canizares, referees are often unfairly blamed for mistakes.

“The climate of tension has been marked by a very serious mistake against Madrid. The same would have happened against Atletico Madrid. Perhaps we are overreaching, but Madrid’s statement is only the tip of the iceberg.”

The criticism referees face, he argues, is disproportionate, as few acknowledge their influence when decisions benefit teams. The complaints always seem louder than the rare words of appreciation.

“I think that behind all this there have been statements from all over the world, complaints from all over the world and surprisingly no one thanks the referees when a mistake conditions the match in their favour. Everyone always complains.”

Defending Ancelotti

When it comes to derby games, Canizares highlights the crucial role of coaches. He believes that while player talent and personality matter, these matches require something more—experience, strategic thinking, and composure under pressure.

Canizares has defended Carlo Ancelotti. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“Coaches have a lot to do with these types of games. It is a match where the talent and personality of the players prevail much more.

“They are different games, which are played at many revolutions and experience and other concepts matter a lot,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Canizares does not see a clear frontrunner for the La Liga title. All the top teams have shown inconsistencies, making it difficult to predict an outright winner.

“I don’t see a clear favourite to win La Liga. There is a long way to go and the three teams have shown irregularities at certain times and not have a constant presence when it comes to getting points.”

He emphasises that the months of April and May will be critical in shaping the league standings.

Additionally, he notes that this season’s competitiveness is heightened by improved performances from teams lower in the table compared to previous years, making LaLiga more unpredictable and exciting for fans.

“The months of April and May will make the difference. I think it’s a league of three and we should be grateful that the teams below are more competitive than last year and that LaLiga is so competitive,” he added.