It's not the only way to judge teams. I base it on watching both leagues regularly and seeing their performances. United aren't at their best and are top by default because they're the least worse of a bad bunch. BTW don't think I'm like another poster on here who slates all things United, I'm not. I'm a passionate United fan but I'm also a realist and not blinkered enough to think we are playing better than Real at the moment. The CL will only compare the top 2/3 of each league against each other. That isn't a great way to judge them at all bcos you have to consider how they'll do with other teams in the respective leagues. But even if we are to consider the CL, why limit it there? Wouldn't a greater comparison in the depth in quality of both leagues be considered looking at the UEFA Cup as well? And if you look at that over the last 5-6 years the mid-table spanish teams have easily outperformed the English teams in that competition. Using your argument that means the likes of Real and Barca are facing tougher opposition in their leagues than the like of United, Chelsea and Arsenal are in ours?
How can you judge teams from different leagues on their domestic performances when they are playing different oppostion to each other? It doesn't make sense. As for the UEFA Cup/Europa League, a lot of the English sides don't take the competition seriously and play their reserves unless they reach the latter stages.
The EPL isn't having its best season, but that doesn't justify your argument. You could easily look at Real's 5-0 thrashing by Barca and conclude that they are just the least worse of a bad bunch. You can only beat the teams that you go up against, and tactics are just as important as possession and attacking intent. Tactically, most mid table Spanish teams have no idea how to get results against the likes of Barca and Real. And would probably have similar problems against the top four / five in the EPL, as Valencia had against Utd in the group stage. Just going for short passing and attacking football is far too predictable, and unless you have world class players like Xavi, Messi and Ronaldo, coaches of the quality of SAF and Wenger will just pick you off. As for your argument about the Europa League, again that bears no weight at all. Comparing performances over the past four years: 2010/11 - 2 English teams left in the competition at this stage, 1 Spanish team. 2009/10 - 2 English teams in the QF and 2 Spanish teams. 2 English teams in the SF, 1 Spanish team. 2008/09 - 1 English team in the QF, no Spanish teams. 2007/08 - 3 English teams in the Round of 16, 1 Spanish team. Your argument seems to be purely based on the Spanish win in 2010, which was purely because Atletico got dumped out of the CL at the group stage. English teams have outperformed Spanish teams in three out of the last four Europa Leagues. Individual Spanish teams often do will in Europe (Real from 1998-2002, Barca from 2006 onwards) but for strength in depth the EPL usually comes out on top.
