"The Premier League is the best in the world for its dynamism, appeal, stadiums always packed with fans, and because players do not dive. However, the highest quality football is played in La Liga," coach Manuel Pellegrini stated on the evening of 19/3, responding to a question about whether La Liga is the strongest national league globally. He added, "The national team, and clubs in the champions league and europa league have proven this. Perhaps La Liga can improve its appeal and reduce player diving, but there is no doubt that the highest quality football is played here."

Coach Manuel Pellegrini (right) helped Betis secure a 4-1 aggregate victory against Panathinaikos in the europa league round of 16 on the evening of 19/3. Photo: RBB

Pellegrini has achieved success in both La Liga and the Premier League. The Chilean coach led Villarreal to a third-place finish in La Liga in the 2004-2005 season and reached the champions league semi-finals in 2005-2006. He also guided Man City to the Premier League title in 2013-2014 and the champions league semi-finals in 2015-2016.

The debate comparing La Liga and the Premier League has been contentious recently. Theo Walcott, a former Arsenal player, once speculated that Real Madrid would only rank in the top 8 if they played in England. Similarly, Wayne Rooney, former Man Utd captain, asserted that Barca would not withstand the intensity of the Premier League.

However, recent results have contradicted these former players' opinions. Three La Liga representatives convincingly defeated their Premier League counterparts in the champions league round of 16: Real crushed Man City 5-1, Barca overcame Newcastle 8-3, and Atletico eliminated Tottenham 7-5.

Another Premier League team, Chelsea, suffered a 2-8 defeat to PSG. Only two English representatives advanced to the champions league quarter-finals: Liverpool and Arsenal, after victories against Galatasaray and Leverkusen, respectively.

La Liga also has a strong presence in other European competitions. Pellegrini's Betis and Celta Vigo reached the europa league quarter-finals, while Rayo Vallecano advanced to the conference league quarter-finals.

Thanh Quy (according to Marca)