The title race in LALIGA EA SPORTS is even tighter following the results of Matchday 23, which are discussed in more detail below alongside the rest of the main headlines from the past week.
It’s another draw in the Madrid Derby
It’s always such a tight and close affair when Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid face off, and so it proved once again in Saturday’s ELDERBI DE MADRID at the Bernabéu. For the fourth time in the past five league games between the capital city rivals, it finished as a 1-1 draw, with Julián Álvarez opening the scoring from the penalty spot and with Kylian Mbappé equalising for Los Blancos.
FC Barcelona close in on the top two
After ELDERBI DE MADRID finished in a draw, that gave FC Barcelona an excellent opportunity to cut the gap in the title race. And, Barça didn’t waste this opportunity, thrashing Sevilla FC 4-1 on the road. As such, the top of the table is now: Real Madrid in first on 50 points, Atlético de Madrid in second on 49 points and FC Barcelona in third on 48 points.
Oihan Sancet’s hat-trick leads Athletic Club to victory
Athletic Club defeated Girona FC 3-0 on Saturday, and all three goals were scored by Oihan Sancet. The attacking playmaker now has 11 LALIGA EA SPORTS goals this campaign, making him the leader in the race for the Zarra Trophy, given to each season’s top-scoring Spaniard.
Villarreal CF and Rayo Vallecano strengthen their grip on fifth and sixth
Looking behind fourth-placed Athletic Club, Villarreal CF have strengthened their grip on fifth place by winning 2-1 away at UD Las Palmas, while Rayo Vallecano are still in sixth after a 1-0 victory over Real Valladolid and they’re now four points clear of their closest challengers.
Mouctar Diakhaby scores an emotional and important goal for Valencia CF
Valencia CF have now won three home league games in a row, most recently defeating CD Leganés 2-0 on Sunday. The goals were scored by two defenders, in Cristhian Mosquera and Mouctar Diakhaby, with the latter scoring in just his fourth game back after a long-term knee injury. It was an emotional moment for everyone at Mestalla.
Antony scores but Real Betis lose in Vigo
New Real Betis signing Antony scored his first goal for the club, opening the scoring during Los Verdiblancos’ away game against RC Celta. The visitors even took a two-goal lead, however it wasn’t enough as RC Celta produced an incredible second-half comeback to win the match 3-2 and keep the points in Vigo.
Getafe CF make it three away wins in a row
Getafe CF didn’t win their first away game of this LALIGA EA SPORTS season until January, but they’ve been incredible on the road since then and have now won three consecutive away league games, most recently overcoming Deportivo Alavés 1-0. It’s the first time in seven years that Los Azulones have won three away league matches in a row.
LALIGA EA SPORTS clubs strengthen their squads on deadline day
Last Monday was the final day of the winter transfer window and there were several late transfers completed by LALIGA EA SPORTS clubs. For example, Real Betis won the race to sign striker Cucho Hernández, CD Leganés strengthened their left flank with the additions of Borna Barisic and Duk, Getafe CF brought in Ramón Terrats and Juan Bernat on loan from Villarreal CF and Real Valladolid signed the exciting 18-year-old full-back Adam Aznou on loan from Bayern Munich.
Contract renewals at Real Betis and Real Sociedad
There were also a couple of important renewals of existing members of clubs’ squads, with Real Betis and Johnny Cardoso agreeing to a new contract that’ll run to 2030 and with Real Sociedad and Jon Ander Olasagasti committing to each other until 2027.
The Copa del Rey will be won by Atleti, Barça, Real Madrid or Real Sociedad
The Copa del Rey quarter-finals took place this past week. Atlético de Madrid thrashed Getafe CF 5-0, FC Barcelona conquered Valencia CF by the same scoreline, Real Madrid edged past CD Leganés 3-2 with a stoppage-time winner and Real Sociedad saw off CA Osasuna by a 2-0 scoreline. The draw for the semi-finals, which will be two-legged ties, is coming up on Wednesday.
SOURCE: LALIGA CONTENTHUB.
