Whilst the international world of soccer has inevitably been transfixed by events as they are unfolding at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the end of the tournament doesn’t spell the usual sustained period of doom and gloom for soccer fans.
One of the relative upsides of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup during the winter, means that many of the major leagues across the world will be ready to return to action straight after the final in Lusail Stadium, Doha on December 18th, 2022.
National team success in Spain has been relatively hard to come by for a few years, with the last major success enjoyed by the Spanish side coming back at Euro 2012.
An agonizing defeat to Morocco on penalties put Spain out in Qatar and for many of their key men, they will be desperate to get back to domestic action in La Liga.
Inevitably, Barcelona and Real Madrid will be the sides to catch when the action returns in 2023, and with the armies of fans for both clubs present in Asia, America, and beyond – it promises to be another intriguing title battle.
Nou Camp legend Xavi has certainly enjoyed a positive impact in the time he has spent as manager of FC Barcelona and how he would love to press home the advantage his side currently has in the La Liga title race.
Prior to the World Cup, the Catalans opened up a 2-point gap on Real Madrid, with Xavi’s young side impressing hugely domestically.
Being knocked out of the Champions League could prove to be a blessing in disguise for Barcelona, who will be targeting domestic honors over the Europa League – meaning they should be fully invested in the La Liga title race this term.
At -140 with Caesars sportsbook in NY, Barcelona will kick off as favorites once the La Liga action returns in the last couple of days in December and they will be eager to hit the ground running.
Meanwhile, old foes Real Madrid will be on the hunt for Champions League and La Liga glory in 2023, a feat they achieved in 2022.
Carlo Ancelotti is one of the most experienced operators in the game and he knows how to get sides over the line when it matters most.
The two-point gap Real Madrid is currently looking to overturn isn’t hugely significant, balancing all of the egos in the Real Madrid squad and sustaining a run of form will be key in 2023.
Expectations are high at Real Madrid, especially with Barcelona on their backs but at +160, everybody is fully aware of what the Galacticos can achieve in 2023 and it promises to be a title race to remember.
