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This week’s listening report is a LaA LigaA preview. You can listen to the report by clicking on the link above, and you can also read the transcript of the report (below). There is also explanations of key vocabulary (in bold).La Liga Preview 2015/16
The 2015-2016 La Liga seasonA kicks off this weekend. In this listening practice report, we take a look at the favourites, a dark horse and some of the teams that may be fighting relegation.
Favourites
This season will again be a three-horse race between the Champions, Catalan side Barcelona, and the two Madrid sides, Real and Atletico. Out in front is Barcelona, who are narrow favourites to pick upA their 24th title. The reason they are most people’s favourites is the fearsome front three South Americans,A Suarez, Neymar, and Messi. Despite losing their Plan B, Pedro, to Chelsea theyA remain the team to beat. Real Madrid will be under new management, with old boy, Benitez taking the reigns. he will have a hard job keeping the ego of Ronaldo in check, particularly as Benitez has been tasked with introducing Gareth Bale to a more central attacking role, and perhaps the limelight that CR7 has been used to.A A Atletico will provide both with a challenge. They haveA a great team ethic, and while they don’t have as many stars as RealA and Barcelona, Koke, Martinez, and Phillipe Luis are no journeymen. And remember they did win it two seasons ago!
Dark Horse
Valencia, who finished fourth last season, just mayA break the stranglehold Real, Atletico and Barcelona have had on the top three spots. Added to the intimidating atmosphere generated at the Mestalla, their home ground, Valencia can add the money of Singaporean businessman, Peter Lim. Chelsea have shown how money can buy titles, and Valencia just might be on the road back to success, last tasted under Benitez in 2004.
Fighting Relegation
The newly promoted sides, Real Betis, Las Palmas and Sporting Gijon, will of course face a struggle, but Betis and Sporting couldA be safe. Their fantastic support base could give them the vital points they need from home games to survive. Las Palmas, however, will join Eibar, surely the weakest side, in a scrap at the bottom. Joining them may be a side with a great tradition in the top flight, Deportivo La Coruna, who have been yo-yoing between the second tier and the top for the last decade.
These are our predictions, how about yours? Let us know by posting below!
Vocabulary
a three-horse race: A season with three teams with a chanceA to win
a pick up: to get; to achieve; to claim
fearsome: scary; frightening; threatening
Plan B: an option thatA can give flexibility when the main plan is not working
taking the reigns: taking charge; leading; managing
in check: under control
CR7: Cristiano Ronaldo’s nickname
journeymen: professional players who are not stars but can play as part of a squad; not stars
stranglehold: control; ownership – keeping others out
the top flight: top league; division one
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