These clubs have proven that football speaks the last. Their outstanding season is an indication of greed failing to submerge their dream. Football will always be played on merit and cannot ever by a closed shop. At least in clubs of tradition and legacy. With the fallout of the breakage of the European Super League still mending the wounded hearts, we look at some of those clubs achieving something beyond their expectations.
All of these teams are having a stellar season and wish to end it on a high. Some are gunning for Europe while others are surprise table-toppers. Their games have been a treat to watch.
In each of these series, we will put down 5 clubs that are creating wonderful stories in the 2020/21 campaign.
West Ham:
Premier League wonder team, West Ham United have defied all odds to be in top-four contention this season. After a downward campaign last term, the Hammers completed some decisive signings in the summer that went on to aid them in the future. The arrival of Thomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal from Slavia Prague clicked perfectly in David Moyes's tactics with the loan signing of Jesse Lingard from Manchester United just put them on a different level. Lingard breathed again after sustaining a poor run of form in his parent club and has since contributed to 12 goals in 10 games. It won't be a surprise if this pack of excellent footballers does the unthinkable by playing in the Champions League next season.
RC Lens:
Ligue 1 is moving out from its 'farmers league' labeling. Surely, they are the most competitive and exciting league to watch in the top five leagues this season. One such club is RC Lens. Gaining promotion from the second division, the club from the north is in dreamland by climbing to the sixth position and trailing Marseille by two points for a Conference League place. European football is up for grabs for this side. Lens's attacking style of play has caused disarray for sides like Lyon, Monaco and even PSG. They are also unbeaten in the league in the last twelve fixtures. Former Chelsea player Gael Kakuta has relished his career here joined by the impressive Massadio Haidara at the back. An impressive side that is all set to embrace their fairytale rise.
Also Read | Premier League: Who's getting into the top four?
Lille:
Len's arch-rivals Lille are a mainstay in the league for sure but now they are walking to be the champions. Another admiring summer recruitment done by the excellent scouting eyes by Luis Campos with the experienced coach Christophe Galtier, Lille restrained the known dominance of Paris Saint-German on the league. Although the Parisians are just a point away and Lille's inconsistency plays a part, they are a fascinating side to watch. Talented striker in Jonathan David and veteran signing of Burak Yilmaz has certainly provided them with enough arsenal in the attack. The midfield duo of Jonathan Bamba and Benjamin Andre is one of the best in Europe while center-back Sven Botman is a transfer target for financially rich clubs. There is no denying that if Lille keeps their form intact they can repeat their feat of the 2010/11 season.
Real Sociedad:
At one point, Real Sociedad was seriously competing for the La Liga title but then there was a sharp decline. Nevertheless, the Basque side is dreaming bigger and bigger. Currently tucked in an Europa League spot after also losing out to the top four, Sociedad is hoping to gain as many points come to the end of the season. They have to make sure they don't lose out on European places with Betis and Villarreal sniffing for a chance with just a point out. Mikel Oyarazabal, their talisman, is playing another fine campaign partnered by the Swedish Alexander Isak's regained scoring form. The free signing of Spanish legend David Silva from Manchester City has been a significant move made by the Whites and Blues. If they are to keep their nerves stable, they will soon be a driving force in Spain alongside the known three.
Sporting CP:
The Portuguese side's story is extra special. No top-flight title in 18 years, jostled by financial management and also lackluster performances on the pitch, here they are leading the Primera Liga. More precisely, they have not lost a single since the start of the 2020/21 campaign. This is the most emphatic story you have ever witnessed. Sporting are leading Porto and city rivals Benfica by four and ten points respectively. In a time of uncertainty when this wouldn't have been a reality, it certainly is. Like most other clubs in this article, summer spending has been a major boost for their title ambition this season. Signings like Paulinho, Nuno Santos, Antonio Adan, Pedro Porro on loan from Manchester City and most importantly Pedro Goncalves from Famalicao has changed the faith of this historical club. The latter is the top goalscorer of the club with 17 goals and chasing the golden boot this season. These individuals are crafting an unbelievable season to remember for them for years to come.
Also Read | Serie A: Who's getting into the top four?
