Madrid will head into the New Year only two points behind leaders Barcelona after the capital side picked up a scrappy win over a stubborn Sevilla at the weekend. The visitors, perennial at the top of the table, have been having a year to forget after crashing out of the Champions League in August and squeaking through Europa League group phase. Combined with a steady decline in league play, the Andalusians were looking to right the ship at the Bernabeu Sunday afternoon in the last fixture of 2010.

The ever-so-brash Mourinho delivered a phenomenal post-game press conference in the aftermath of his team’s victory, though it is hard to argue that he was wrong in attacking the officiating done Sunday night. The referee, brandishing nine cards in Madrid's direction, was unquestionably harsh to the hosts. Nonetheless, Angel di Maria was able to salvage all three points with his late strike, maintaining their pace with holder’s Barcelona atop the table. Winning the matches when you are not playing your best versus sharing the honors with a inferior opponent can and will make the difference come May. And to this point, Los Blancos have been fantastic in doing just that, finding a way to win. Although they find themselves chasing their Catalan rivals, Mourinho has his club exactly where he wants them to be, in contention.

The weekend also saw Real Madrid discover their European fate as Spanish giants drew the team that eliminated from the Champions League a year ago. Lyon is a physical side that could give Los Blancos some troubles as they attempt to see off Madrid two years in a row in the Round-of-16. A rejuvenated Madrid side has been more consistent in front of net, which could spell early trouble for the French runners-up; however, Madrid need to set the tone in the first leg this campaign. Finding the back of the net in Southern France will be crucial as it was a late away goal that sealed Madrid’s fate, with the teams even on aggregate, a season ago. An away goal(s) at the Stade de Gerland will be of vital importance before the return leg at the Bernabeu.

Angel di Maria celebrates his winner ©GettyImages

And so what does the rest of 2011 bring? Well the New Year will ring with the opening of the January transfer window, which is always interesting in the Spanish capital. Nothing short of a championship is acceptable and with Los Blancos trailing Barcelona yet again, albeit by only two points, look for Mourinho to make a move to add depth to his side. Assume nothing when discussing the transfer dealings of Real Madrid but it is almost a certainty that the club’s overcrowded midfield will not be tinkered with but rather the focus being on the attacking or defensive core.

Mourinho’s presence at the Bernabeu has lead to a greatly improved back line but age and injury concerns could see the Portuguese manager looking to make a deal at the left back or center back position. Cristiano Ronaldo’s form has been unreal since the start of the season, with the Portugal international tied for the league lead in goals (17 through only 16 matches played); however, injuries to Higuain and Benzema’s inconsistency have drawn attention to Madrid’s lack of talent in the attacking third. Carlos Tevez has withdrawn his transfer request, seemingly taking the Argentina star off the market but, with essentially limitless funds, if Madrid want to make a move for a world-class striker, they may be able to steal a big name away from a mid-table club (like a Fernando Llorente, for example).

Regardless of whether or not Madrid make a move to sure up their squad, 2011 will surely be an interesting year at the Bernabeu. If for nothing less, Jose Mourinho will still be giving press conferences after every match. The talent is there to win the league and contend for a European crown; however, to be hoisting a trophy at Wembley come May, they will need to add a striker with pace or a Javier Mascherano type defender.