What has been going on in LALIGA EA Sports this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from the BASQUE DERBY to the latest transfers. This past weekend was a weekend of derbies, in the Basque Country and in Madrid. The results from those matches and the others are summarised below.
Athletic Club rescue a point in the Basque Derby
Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta was the hero for Athletic Club, as they earned a 1-1 draw in Sunday’s Basque Derby at San Mamés. His goal in the 88th minute cancelled out Gonçalo Guedes’ opener, to prevent Real Sociedad from achieving the double over their rivals this season.
Lamine Yamal leads FC Barcelona to victory
FC Barcelona added another three points to their title charge, to remain in first place. Los Azulgranas overcame Elche CF 3-1 on the road, with Lamine Yamal setting the tone early on by scoring in the sixth minute.
Mbappé’s 100th minute penalty earns three points
Real Madrid also picked up three points thanks to a 100th minute penalty scored by Kylian Mbappé. It had looked like Los Blancos would be held to a 1-1 draw at the Bernabéu by Rayo Vallecano, but their star striker converted a very late spot kick to earn the win.
Real Oviedo finally win again
There was a big result for Real Oviedo at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere this weekend, with Los Azulones winning 1-0 against Girona FC. It was the Asturian club’s first win since September and first under new coach Guillermo Almada. They remain bottom of the table for now, but will hope this can be a turning point.
Real Betis fight back to defeat Valencia CF
Real Betis produced an impressive comeback to defeat Valencia CF 2-1 at home on Sunday. After Álvaro Valles had to save an early penalty and after the visitors went on to take a lead anyway, Los Verdiblancos fought back to win, with a Chimy Ávila spot kick and a late Pablo Fornals winner.
Deportivo Alavés soar up the table
After falling into the relegation zone a couple of weeks ago, Deportivo Alavés have bounced back with two victories in a row. Their latest – a 2-1 triumph away at RCD Espanyol – has put them into 10th place and the top half of the table. Fortunes can turn in an instant in LALIGA EA SPORTS.
LALIGA EA SPORTS clubs make winter signings
The winter transfer window is about to close, and several LALIGA EA SPORTS clubs have been strengthening their squads over the past few days. Guido Rodríguez is back in Spain having joined Valencia CF, RCD Espanyol have brought in Cyril Ngonge, Villarreal CF have strengthened with Alex Freeman, Fer López has returned to RC Celta and Elche CF have signed Chilean winger Lucas Cepeda, with several others moves taking place too.
The Madrid clubs learn their fate in the Champions League
The draw for the Champions League playoff round has paired Real Madrid with Benfica and Atlético de Madrid with Club Brugge. The two clubs from the Spanish capital will hope to overcome these opponents to join FC Barcelona in the Round of 16.
RC Celta are paired with PAOK in the Europa League
Meanwhile, in the Europa League playoff round RC Celta will take on Greek side PAOK to try to earn a spot in the Round of 16, with Real Betis already into the next stage thanks to their fourth-placed finish in the league phase.
Fermín López renews until 2031
As well as developments in the transfer market, the past week was also one for contract renewals and FC Barcelona announced that Fermín López has committed to the club until 2031. He is enjoying a stellar season, with 10 goals and 11 assists already across all competitions.
