Hibernation in January Transfer Window:-

The transfer window is a period, when there is a continuous volume of rumors to fuel the avid fan with hope that his/her team is going to invest heavily in a top class player. The window at the beginning of the year is traditionally one which sees a less costly move; usually mid table clubs are involved heavily to help them to avoid any drop or the bottom clubs which are fighting to avoid relegation.
But this January saw an anomaly not in England, Italy but in Spain. Juan Mata to Manchester United, Nemanja Matic to Chelsea, Hernanes to Inter – almost all European major teams are completing the semi significant deals in the transfer window, almost everywhere except Camp Nou and Santiago Bernabeu. Yes, we are talking about the hibernation of the Classico duo in this January transfer market. Many pundits and fans claim that it won’t affect the top dogs in their performance in the Spanish Premier League, domestic cups like Copa Del Ray or the main event UEFA Champions league. But according to me they have missed a chance to strike a blow in La Liga title race to Athletico Madrid, and in the process close the gap in Champions League to Bayern Munich.
The first month of the year is generally described dangerous to do business but to remain inactive Barcelona and Real Madrid may regret their decision. This accord has increased Athletico Madrid’s chances of getting their hands in the Spanish title. With the Spanish giants battling it out at the top of their domestic championship in a title race which is destined to go to the end of the wires, January offered the classico duo a perfect opportunity to strike a blow over each other.
If we keenly observe the points table, Athletico Madrid is at the summit with 57 points and is sandwiching both Barcelona and Real Madrid who are at 2nd and 3rd position with 54 points each in 22 matches. Athletico Madrid has capitalized on January’s transfer window very smartly, the signing of Jose Sosa and return of Diego from Wolfsburg has improved their chance of becoming the first team in the decade to break the big two’s stranglehold on the Spanish title. It is really inspired and shrewd business by manager of Athletico Madrid Diego Simeone.
Recently the Catalans lost 3-2 to Valencia, whereas Real Madrid settled with a draw against Athletic Bilbao. Both the clubs should have seized the chance of Januarys transfer window to improve their weak areas. For instance, Barcelona should have brought a new central back; it’s true that they bought Marc Batra – a youngster who was exposed so painfully 12 months ago by the hands of the German giants Bayern Munich. Moreover their captain and defense spearhead Carles Puyol is constantly suffering with injuries and with age not on his side, 2011 Champions League winner Barca could have captured a top class centre back like Matt Hummel’s from Dortmund. As for Real Madrid no doubt they have lots of attacking options, but by selling Higuain and relying completely on Benzema was a big mistake from their part. They should have found a substitute for Higuain.
More Importantly, It is in the champions League where both Barca and Real can pay the heaviest price.  Bayern Munich is head and shoulders the best team in Europe right now and has not lost a league game since 2012. The Bavarians look unstoppable in their quest to become the first team since 1990 to retain the Champions League – with talent such as Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thiago, Toni Kroos, Philipp Lahm in their ranks.
The inadequacy to seize a deal this January has made both Barcelona and Real Madrid underdogs when attempting to topple Bayern in the Champions League. Meanwhile, Athletico Madrid have been handed the best chance they will ever get to stun both the Spanish giants at La Liga.