There was some high-intensity Cup action in mid-week in both Spain and Italy, with the matches filled to the brim with delicious, flowing football.
From the derby in Madrid to the drama in Rome, the football proved that both La Liga and Serie A are overflowing with quality and deserving of more attention from football fans.
Atletico shoot themselves in the foot
The Madrid Derby at the Santiago Bernabeu ended in tragedy for Atletico Madrid as they got smacked 3-0 in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey.
Big result for Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti looks set for his chance to win a first trophy with Real Madrid.
Diego Simeone put out a full strength side (minus David Villa, who is out with an injury) but own goals by Emiliano Insua and centreback Miranda, as well as inspired goalkeeping by Iker Casillas have almost certainly cost Simeone a chance to contest a final against Barcelona.
Yes, I know that Barcelona only hold a 2-0 advantage from the first leg at Camp Nou, but it is difficult to envision Real Sociedad scoring two without reply from the Catalans in the return leg next week.
Inigo Martinez's straight red on the stroke of half-time did not help matters, though Barcelona's dominance in possession did not translate into a hatful of goals. Gerard Martino will still be pleased with a clean sheet and victory.
All indications point to a Real Madrid versus Barcelona final and it will be a big test for Carlo Ancelotti and his 4-3-3 formation.
The midfield three of Luka Modric, Xabi Alonso and Angel di Maria do not give the required balance to the team (despite reverting into a 4-4-2 when defending against Atletico) and it is a surprise as to why more teams have not beaten this midfield trio.
Real Madrid's attacking prowess has never been in doubt, though it is highly unlikely that Ancelotti will set out with this identical line-up against Barcelona, be it in the league or cup.
Drama in Rome
Over in Italy, a Gervinho double (let that sink in) lifted Roma to a 3-2 win over Napoli in the first leg of the Coppa Italia.
Rafael Benitez's side found itself 2-0 down within the first 35 minutes, clawing their way back before succumbing to an 88th minute winner.
Going back to Naples with a pair of away goals does make the defeat feel less tragic than the circumstances would seem for Napoli.
Gervinho. Gervinho?!? What can you make of this man with the most questionable hairdo in football?
Taribo West's forfeiture of the title was due to his retirement, but even if he was still an active footballer today, his hairdo would pale in comparison to the enigmatic Ivorian with a mysterious hairline.
The forward who could not shoot straight for Arsenal in England may have just booked the Romans an appearance in the Coppa Italia final.
Perhaps playing with an established playmaker rather than one in the making (Jack Wilshere) has made goal-scoring opportunities easier to come by – an exquisite through ball by Francesco Totti for Gervinho's first suggests this is indeed true.
There was a fantastic array of stars on display in Rome as Napoli contributed to a sparkling game of football.
The composure of Mehdi Benatia in defence and the streetwise Kevin Strootman in midfield are two examples of class that has to be seen to be appreciated, their contributions failing to light up the back pages of newspapers as often as they should.
The Naples outfit, too, showcased the precocious talents of Lorenzo Insigne and Jose Callejon. And mind you, these players do it week in and week out.
Obviously Francesco Totti, Daniele de Rossi, Gonzalo Higuain, Gokhan Inler and Marek Hamsik are already world class and bring their talent to a new level with almost a smirk to the rest of the world.
My advice? We all should watch more Italian football.
Though it is not the dramatic showcase which is the English Premier League, the Serie A has plenty of quality for one who appreciates tactical nuance.
You could also do a lot worse this weekend than to take heed of my advice as third-place Napoli host AC Milan on Saturday night (Sunday, 3.45am) while Roma travel across town for the fiery local derby against Lazio (Sunday, 10pm). – February 8, 2014.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.
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