The Most Competitive Football League Is...

The Spanish Primera Liga, or La Liga, is not given the credit it is due for competitiveness, as far as football league systems go. Many people seem to have the perception that it is a league dominated by Barcelona and Real Madrid. I get the impression a lot of people think the Premier League (English Premier League or Barclays Premier League to respect the sponsors of the beautiful game) is more competitive. While the Bundesliga is the number one football league in the world in terms of attendance, Bayern Munich's 23rd title victory in record time leaves that league out of the debate.

Atletico Madrid, in the last game of the season, had to overcome losing two key players early in their game, against Barcelona, away from their home ground, to win their tenth title as La Liga Champions. The English League system has the same number of teams as the Spanish League system, so comparing points is probably what many use as a base for arguing competitiveness.

Atletico Madrid, were crowned champions last night, and achieved 90 points for the season, with Barcelona second on 87 points and Real Madrid third on 87 points. In England, Manchester City were crowned champions last week Sunday, finishing the season on 86 points,  with Liverpool second on 84 points and Chelsea third on 82 points.

The bottom of the log for the two leagues is also not miles apart, as would be expected given the perception that La Liga is a doddle for the top teams. In La Liga; Osasuna, Valladoid and Real Betis were relegated having amassed 36, 36 and 25 points respectively. In the Premier League, Norwich City, Fulham and Cardiff City were relegated, collecting 33, 32 and 30 points respectively for the season.

You could argue that I am looking at a snapshot of one season. Well, what if I mentioned that in the last decade La Liga has seen 9 clubs crowned as champions while the Premier League in the same period has seen only 5 clubs crowned as champions.

So next time you want to embark on the which football league is the most competitive argument, don't let your judgement be blinded by the bias of the most watched football league in the world.

Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction | Bleacher Report (via http://ble.ac/teamstream-) http://teamstre.am/1jpvjQK