Another weekend and another win for the perfect Sporting KC. Despite being so early in the season, the KC – LA game had significant implications for both teams. Despite LA’s slow start, this game provided them the chance to send a message to the rest of the league that, with the right result, they are still the same dangerous LA team that was, without a doubt, the top MLS side. Instead though, the Galaxy slumped again and now sit at the very bottom of the Western Conference with a mere three points. On the other hand, the match against LA provided Sporting KC the opportunity to demonstrate their early success has not been a fluke and that they are the real deal. Sporting certainly rose to this challenge and now stand a solid six points ahead their nearest competitors, the New York Red Bulls atop the Eastern Conference. With Vancouver losing away to San Jose, Sporting KC is now the only undefeated team left in all of MLS.
Across the pond, numerous changes occurred at the top of the various leagues, some of which all but wrapped up the league champion, and others that ensured the title races will go right down to the wire. In England, the collapse on Manchester City continued along with the persistence of Manchester United. The most notable result came on Sunday, where Arsenal deservingly snatched a 1-0 late win over Manchester City. After Manchester United had won earlier in the day, the result left City eight points behind United with only six games remaining. By all indication, especially considering the current form of both teams, United should carry on to win and repeat as champions of England.
In Spain, the race for the La Liga crown became more interesting as Real Madrid could not find a way past Valencia, ultimately drawing at home 0-0. Barcelona had won early in the weekend, 4-1 away at Real Zaragoza, thanks to two goals and an assist from Leo Messi. Real Madrid have seen their comfortable ten point lead closed down to four with seven games remaining. The Clasico in just a little under two weeks is shaping up to be a major game with significant title implications. Considering that the game comes sandwiched between the Champions League semi-finals, that week will be quite decisive for both clubs. In Italy, Juventus swapped spots with AC Milan at the top of the league. A late goal by Amauri, who coincidently is on loan from Juventus, saw Fiorentina defeat Milan in Milan by a score of 2-1. Juventus meanwhile continued their undefeated campaign in Italy with a 2-0 win away at Palermo. Two second half goals were enough to propel them to the top of the table. However, with seven games still remaining and only one point separating the two clubs, the Serie A crown still certainly up for grabs. Those were the big story lines from this past weekend, but, as usual, feel free to share your two cents about what may have been missed.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
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