Sporting Gijon gave Real Madrid new life, stealing points from Barca, only to have Deportivo and their anti-football tactics take it away from the capital side a fortnight later. The dour draw, coupled with a Barcelona win, sent the holder’s seven points clear at the top yet again; however, since the disappointing result in Galicia, Karim Benzema and Madrid have seemingly rediscovered their potent goal scoring form. A seven goal route was Madrid’s response to Manuel Pelligrini’s return to the Bernabeu with the often maligned French striker’s double (in compliment to Ronaldo’s hat-trick) setting the table for an embarrassing return for the Chilean manager, who only a year early was at the helm for a record year at the Beranbeu. Unfortunately, Barcelona also set records, at just a better pace to win the league, leaving Los Blancos trophy-less. Sunday, the Frenchman’s double again powered Jose Mourinho’s side, earning the visitors a very crucial three points, faintly maintaining hope of a league title with Barcelona winning the day before.

Too often is the focal point of the football media that of the striking issues (at times), defensive lapses or the news generated by Mourinho or Ronaldo. I'm as guilty as the rest of the pundits covering Spanish football;nevertheless, more needs to be said about Mesut Ozil. The Germany star has been phenomenal all season for Los Blancos. Not only did the German international acclimate quickly to the style and pace of his teammates, but Ozil has been an integral part of Madrid’s success thus far this campaign. Epitomized by his role Madrid's first on Sunday night, Mesut Ozil has been as consistent and dangerous attacking midfielder as exists in Europe. The German produced a phenomenal one-two with Benzema after his innovative run opened play (started by the equally brilliant ball from Xabi Alonso), weaving his way around defenders before selflessly playing the ball square to Emmanuel Adebayor, the Togolese striker only needing a touch to tap in and give Madrid the advantage. Trophies remain on the table for Madrid, a lot in part to the brilliant play from Ozil.

Eleven games left in the domestic campaign have Madrid supporters focused on Barcelona’s remaining fixtures just as much as their own. Trips to Sevilla and Villarreal for the Catalan outfit could pose potential problems, but Madridistas are hoping that a Barcelona team drops as many points in eleven games than they’ve dropped, combined, in the first twenty-seven. Week by week, the prospect of dethroning Barcelona from domestic dominance becomes even more of an unlikely outcome. Even winning the Copa del Rey, an opportunity to seek some very overdue revenge against their Catalan rivals, won’t be much of an accomplishment in the grand scheme of things. The league is more prestigious, few would argue the contrary, and Barcelona's continued continental success would only add to the notion that Barcelona, not Madrid, are the Spanish side to beat.

Europe, therefore, is the most important frontier, providing Madrid a chance to reclaim the global respect they are so accustomed to having. Sure, winning Champions League would be the highlight of any team's season; however, not every team has the tools with which to do so. Madrid have the talent to hoist the trophy in May at Wembley. Unlike some of the English teams still afloat in the tournament who will be fighting for next year's Champions qualification through the final weeks, Madrid's comfy position in the top heavy Spanish league means they can put all of their eggs into one proverbial basket. One has to imagine Mourinho has thought this through, and while it might provide for an anticlimactic La Liga finish, Madrid's unfortunate position in the league does not necessarily mean all is lost this campaign. Not saying they will roll over and concede the league; however, their two-time Champions League winning boss knows that spreading themselves too thin will only inhibit their chance of European glory, potentially leaving Madrid without a trophy on their mantle. The squad chosen at the weekend against a relegation destined Hercules team should begin to show Mourinho's intentions with that vital return leg against Lyon few days later. On the other hand, Jose has never been one to back away from a challenge so the Portuguese could very well still go for it all. Technically, a treble is still on the table.

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