I think quite a few team would fit in the contest of The Surprise Team of the Year:
- Galatasaray (but is it really a surprise considering the quality of their squad?)
- Valencia (but is it really a surprise?)
- Calais
- La coruna
- etc...
But I think that the real surprise team of the year is Alaves, 3rd in the Liga!!!!!!!
They are just amazing and gives us an idea of how the Spanish Liga is tough and competitive this year.
Post your comments please...

Alaves has to remind you of Mallorca 2 years ago, Rayo Vallecano is also a big surprise to me, they were thought to be heading for relegation but did quite well this year. I agree with you on Valencia, apparently a step away from Champions League final, I think the odds were pretty long on that one too.

I would also include Juventus as a surprise team, hardly anyone expected them to be on top this year but they are just one win away now from Championship.

The biggest negative surprise is Atletico Madrid what a disaster, relegated!