Real Madrid legend Michel Salgado believes his former club’s collapse from La Liga title challengers to also-rans over the last fortnight has been caused by the distraction of their impending Champions League final against Atletico.
A shock 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday saw Carlo Ancelotti’s side mathematically ruled out of the race, leaving bitter rivals Barcelona and Atletico to scrap it out for domestic glory in this Saturday’s epic decider at the Nou Camp.
Los Blancos had been as high as second at the end of last month after a run of four thumping victories, but are winless in May after two deflating draws with Valencia and Valladolid prior to the weekend reversal in Galicia.
During that time, Real thrashed holders Bayern Munich 5-0 on aggregate to storm into the final of Europe’s premier club competition against city rivals Atletico.
Speaking at the announcement of Kellogg’s sponsorship of Dubai Soccer Academy, Spanish Soccer Schools and Socatots, Salgado
“I would never have expected the last two weeks. It has been crazy,” said the 38-year-old.
“Especially seeing Real Madrid giving up a little bit, and thinking about the Champions League final.
“It is normal, as I can feel the expectation of the fans and club to win the 10th after so many years from 2002 when I was playing. The excitement has done some damage in the mind of the players and club over the last two weeks as we were in a really good position to win it.”
Salgado earned a reputation as a tough-tackling and committed right-back during a trophy-filled decade at the Spanish giants. During that time, he regularly battled for honours with Barca and endured heated derbies with Atleti.
But the ex-Spain international joked the pain of watching Real’s enemies scrapping for silverware means he will miss their crunch game this weekend.
“It is going to be a difficult day,” he added. “For some of us, we will not watch the TV as it is not easy to see Barcelona and Atletico Madrid competing when we are out of it.
“Barcelona now have all the advantage as they only have to win a game at home. Atletico have been the most regular team for me in La Liga, but things are now as they are.”
