Posted by Stephen Kuzner

By Stephen Kuzner - WFD Fan Correspondent

These are entertaining days in La Liga. I spent my Sunday afternoon convincing my father to get an additional sports package from Comcast that included GolTV so I could see La Liga games when I visit on Sundays. At first, he didn't understand why I needed to watch Real Madrid every week when I am a Barcelona supporter. So I explained that the winner of the league is who sits atop the standings with the post points at the end of the year. As long as Madrid is in first (or near first), a Madrid loss or draw is just as important as a Barca triumph. If you support Barcelona or Madrid you are tied to both. Your team's destiny is dependant on your rival's results.

It can be unhealthy rooting against the same team week after week. It can fill you with hate and resentment or worse you can start to relate to your enemy. Seeing them week after week, you realize they are not a band goons void or worthy of human compassion. You begin to understand where they are coming-from and that they are people like anyone else. You learn their back-stories. If you are not a righteous supporter this is a healthy thing. Sometimes it's better not to watch, consequently keeping your vision of an arch-nemesis intact. I can't. I dissect Madrid more than I do Barcelona. I watch Madrid as if I was Pep's #1 scout.

The game started and, being new to La Liga, my Dad asked about some of the players. He recognized Ronaldo and didn't like him. That was good. I wouldn't have to disparage an easy target. Instead, I described how Ronaldo was part of the duality of world's two best players with Lionel Messi. In a way, they need each other the way Magic needed Bird and Bird needed Magic. The antics and smirks soon eradicated this flowerly description of sporting soul-mates.

There couldn't have been a better game to have someone learn how to root against Madrid than the match at Sporting Gijon. This game was ridiculously physical and contentious. The backdrop of Jose Mourinho getting a few match ban for feuding with officials in the Copa del Ray coupled with his comments about Gijon boss Manolo Preciado fielding a team against Barcelona that would have gotten him jailed in England created a frothing venom-filled caldron at the El Molinón. I'm not sure if I believe in the "White Hand" working its way through La Liga yielding favorable officiating for Madrid, but it's presence could be mistaken in such a belligerent fixture. Above all of this, sat Mourinho perched in a corporate box with the lights turned low. An outline of him visible to the camera. He seemed to be alone up there. This image gave a hint of Emperor Palpatine thus adding an aura of villainy.

On the field Madrid and Gijon slugged it out. Listening to Ray Hudson laud the effort given by the Gijonudos (meaning ballsy Gijon) versus La Liga's Goliath made it easy to side the smaller "David-ish" club. At the 82nd minute, the score remained 0-0. A well-earned Gijon draw appeared imminent. But it was not to happen. Sergio Ramos sent in a cross that was tamely headed by Karim Benzema. Then, bobbled by Gijon keeper Juan Pablo Colinas landing at Gonzalo Higuaín's feet for an easy tap home. Sometimes, grit can create luck. Soon defensive substitutions were made with Lassana Diarra and Álvaro Arbeloa ensuring a beyond well-fought Madrid victory. This was a great game to introduce my father to rooting in opposition to Madrid. But, I know over time the more he sees them, the more he'll be able to relate and, worse, respect them.


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