Schuster has definitely brought the best out of a number of players. For instance, Robinho, a player sadly stigmatised by Capello for much of last season for being “led astray” by the likes of Ronaldo. The incident late last year following a Brazil game, which Schuster decided to pretty much ignore, gave the player a much needed boost when the press were sharpening their knives. Raúl is sporadically showing flashes of his form and even Guti is less irregular (for him) than customary.

Capello’s legacy wasn’t a particularly solid defence (Casillas is still reponsible for much of the bacon saving heroics). He did leave, however, a core of players with a degree of self-belief that had been lacking for the best part of three years. Schuster has harnessed that and, if possible enhanced it. How, I don’t honestly know. He says it’s all about psychology, whatever that means.

Finally, I think the rest of the top sides in the league have been going through some sort of identity crisis. In Valencia’s case, this has been mostly self-inflicted. Sevilla stumbled following the death of Antonio Puerta and the departure of Juande Ramos. They have shown some flashes of the form that brought them back to back UEFA cups and may yet recover in time to give a good accounting of themselves in the Champions League, but they are out of league contention. Barcelona are, I think, still reeling psychologically from throwing the league title away last season and the subsequent accusations of complacency that have attached to some of their key players in previous seasons, especially Ronaldinho. Their fall hasn’t been as spectacular as Real’s in 2003-2004, but it seems some sort of renewal is necessary to give them the confidence they need. Atlético are, well, Atlético. Villareal are also reaping the benefits of this state of affairs and fully deserve their third place spot (and may even challenge Barça for second if a couple of results go their way).

Pascal Cygan was mad that Raul had tripped him prior to Sneijder goal. It looked accidental. I have no idea how he managed to get tripped by a player that was in front of him.

Also, I know that strikers are afforded time in La Liga, but how much time did Robinho spend celebrating his two goals? It was ridiculous