La Liga Table

[bigfooty]

The problem with goal difference is that whilst you may be playing on the same pitches and within the same rules you're not always playing the same exact line-ups putting in the same exact effort every week. For example Barca could play some relegation threatened side who decide to do a Sheff Utd and rest a few of their better players. Naturally Barca find this side even easier than normal and slaughter them 6-0.

Then a couple of weeks later Real Madrid roll into town but this time the side decide to field their best XI, maybe because Madrid have a couple of injuries. Madrid still win, but its only 2-1. You can make an argument that it balances out over a season, but were goals scored or goal difference to be used Barca have gained a clear advantage because of the actions of another team - not their own.

Okay, so injuries or wotnot might still play a part in these head to heads, but the reality is when Barca and Madrid clash they will nearly *always* be trying to get a result.

I think this is the basis of how we got past Olympiakos in the group stages in that we had to win by two clear goals to better their result. Thus when YOU BEAUTY happened we moved above them in the table because we were winning 3-1, making it effectively 3-2 over the two games rather than 2-2 with them ahead by virtue of the away goal they had scored.

[Reece]

Real Madrid could win every game 1-0.
Barcelona could win every game 4-0.

But if RM have a better head to head then they will win the league? ****e rule IMO.

[dww]

The problem with goal difference is that whilst you may be playing on the same pitches and within the same rules you're not always playing the same exact line-ups putting in the same exact effort every week. For example Barca could play some relegation threatened side who decide to do a Sheff Utd and rest a few of their better players. Naturally Barca find this side even easier than normal and slaughter them 6-0.

Then a couple of weeks later Real Madrid roll into town but this time the side decide to field their best XI, maybe because Madrid have a couple of injuries. Madrid still win, but its only 2-1. You can make an argument that it balances out over a season, but were goals scored or goal difference to be used Barca have gained a clear advantage because of the actions of another team - not their own.

Okay, so injuries or wotnot might still play a part in these head to heads, but the reality is when Barca and Madrid clash they will nearly *always* be trying to get a result.

I think this is the basis of how we got past Olympiakos in the group stages in that we had to win by two clear goals to better their result. Thus when YOU BEAUTY happened we moved above them in the table because we were winning 3-1, making it effectively 3-2 over the two games rather than 2-2 with them ahead by virtue of the away goal they had scored.

But inherent in the league system is the idea that over a season these things should roughly even out. You are never going to find an ideal solution. I have to agree with Dhavlos that a system which relys on the whole season is better than one which decides things on a single game or subset of games. I don't think goal difference is perfect, but like penalties it is the best available solution to a difficult problem.

[bigfooty]

Real Madrid could win every game 1-0.
Barcelona could win every game 4-0.

But if RM have a better head to head then they will win the league? ****e rule IMO.

But if Barca beat Real Madrid 4-0 and Real Madrid beat them 1-0 then Barca would win.

[bazza76]

Goals scored is my preferred method as it encourages attacking entertaining football.

not necessarily.
For example, I couldn't see a team starting the season with that in mind. maybe towards the last couple of games if it is tight, but that sort of rule wouldnt dictate a teams style of play over the course of a season.

[Mattshark]

They should what they do in Italy.

If two teams finish on the same points then they will play a two legged playoff to decide the title.

No the team who pays the ref most wins the league in Italy, everyone knows that.

[REDSCOUSER]

It is a **** ruling the head to head but hopefully RM will lose it in the last 2 games.

week 37 its
Barca v Espanyol : local derby which Barca plays without Roon but got too much class to lose points
Zaragoza v R Madrid : Zara is an excellent team pushing for UEFA CUP spot, they'll beat RM
Mallorca v Sevilla : nothing at stake for Mallorca, Sevilla easy win

In a fortnight its

Nastic v Barca : already relegated nastic will be easy pickings for barca
Real M v Mallorca : another easy win for RM
Sevilla v Villareal : very tough game for Sevilla as the yellow submarines hold the best form in La Liga of the past 2 months.

I see it finish

Barca 78
Real M 75
Sevilla 74