What has been going on in LALIGA this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from Real Madrid’s win at Valencia CF to the first signings of the January transfer window. The first week of 2025 was a busy one in the world of Spanish football, with the first LALIGA EA SPORTS fixture of the year proving to be a thriller, with the Copa del Rey Round of 32 producing several shocks and with the first transfers of the winter window taking place. Here’s all you need to know.
Late goals put Real Madrid top of LALIGA EA SPORTS
The first LALIGA EA SPORTS fixture of 2025 was held on Friday night, as Valencia CF and Real Madrid met in a rescheduled match that was originally due to be played back in November. In what was new coach Carlos Corberan’s first game in charge, Valencia CF played well and took the lead through Hugo Duro. However, Los Blancos fought back and won via late goals from Luka Modrić and Jude Bellingham, a result which, at least temporarily, puts them top of the table.
The Copa del Rey produces some shocks
There was also Copa del Rey action this past week, and a few top-tier sides suffered elimination, namely RCD Mallorca, Sevilla FC, Real Valladolid and UD Las Palmas. With two Round of 32 fixtures still to be played – CD Minera vs Real Madrid and CD Eldense vs Valencia CF – the 14 clubs already qualified for the Round of 16 are made up of 10 LALIGA EA SPORTS sides, two LALIGA HYPERMOTION clubs, one Primera Federación team and one Segunda Federación club.
Atlético de Madrid equal their record winning run
Atlético de Madrid were one of the teams to play and win in the Copa del Rey Round of 32, as an Antoine Griezmann goal delivered a 1-0 win against Marbella FC. That makes it 13 consecutive victories for Atleti across all competitions, equalling the record winning run in club history.
Valencia CF sign Umar Sadiq for their relegation fight
The arrival of January means the opening of the winter transfer window, and several clubs have already made moves. One of the most interesting is Valencia CF’s acquisition of Umar Sadiq on loan from Real Sociedad. Los Che hope the 27-year-old centre-forward can help them escape the relegation zone.
Facundo Garcés reinforces Deportivo Alavés’ back line
Deportivo Alavés were one of the first clubs to make a signing in January, bringing in Argentinian centre-back Facundo Garcés on a free transfer. The 25-year-old has spent his entire career so far at CA Colón in his homeland and now wants to make an impact in Europe.
Pablo Ramón will make his return from injury at RCD Espanyol
RCD Espanyol have completed the transfer of Pablo Ramón from Real Madrid. The 23-year-old centre-back arrives injured, having suffered an ACL injury while playing for Real Madrid Castilla, but he is expected to return in a few weeks and should be able to help the Catalan side in their bid to avoid relegation.
Jon Aramburu commits to Real Sociedad until 2030
There was a contract renewal for Real Sociedad to celebrate this past week, with Jon Aramburu putting pen to paper on a new deal that’ll run until 2030. The 22-year-old defender had previously extended his contract to 2027 and has now added another three years to his commitment.
Sevilla FC hold a farewell event for Jesús Navas
Sevilla FC fans packed the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán for a farewell event that the club organised for Jesús Navas. The 39-year-old is hanging up his boots after an incredible career and this event was held to give supporters the opportunity to remember and pay tribute to his efforts over his 705 games for the club.
Andrea Berta leaves Atlético de Madrid
Atlético de Madrid have announced a mutual agreement for sporting director Andrea Berta to leave the club. The Italian started working at the capital city club in 2013 and became the sporting director in 2017, helping to construct some of the most talented squads in Los Colchoneros’ history.
Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Athletic Club and RCD Mallorca prepare for the Super Cup
The first trophy up for grabs in the 2024/25 Spanish football season will be the Spanish Super Cup, which is taking place in Saudi Arabia over the coming week. The four participating clubs are Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Athletic Club and RCD Mallorca, and they’ve each been preparing in their own ways over the past few days.
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