What has been going on in LaLiga this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from UD Almería's new signing to Cádiz CF and Real Betis' friendly victories over Manchester United.
While the World Cup continues in Qatar, with 22 LaLiga players having reached the semi-finals, there is also a lot of activity back in Spain as the LaLiga Santander clubs prepare for the competition to return in late December. There have been warm-up friendlies, as well as a contract renewal and the announcement of a winter transfer. All those stories are outlined in more detail below...
22 LaLiga players reach the World Cup semis, more than any other league
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar has now reached the semi-final stage, with Croatia, Argentina, Morocco and France the only sides remaining. Each of these national teams has multiple representatives from LaLiga, with a total of 22 LaLiga players still in the tournament. That's the most of any league, with the Premier League, the next best represented competition, having 16 players left.
En-Nesyri leaps into the history books
Morocco have been the surprise package of the World Cup and have several LaLiga players, including Sevilla FC's Youssef En-Nesyri, who scored the winning goal of the team's 1-0 quarter-final victory over Portugal. His jump to head in that goal was measured at 2.78 metres, the highest leap for a goal ever measured at the World Cup.
The World Cup coaches who played for Real Racing Club
Interestingly, two of the final four coaches at this World Cup used to play for Real Racing Club. Morocco's Walid Regragui was with the Santander side from 2004 to 2006, while Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni was there from 2006 to 2007, and he also represented Deportivo La Coruña and RCD Mallorca during his career.
Luis Suárez will play for UD Almería
UD Almería have already announced a winter transfer, with the Colombian striker Luis Suárez to join the LaLiga Santander club at the beginning of January. He'll arrive on loan from Marseille and is returning to Spain, after having previously played for Granada CF, Real Zaragoza and Gimnàstic de Tarragona.
Cádiz CF and Real Betis defeat Manchester United
Several warm-up friendlies have been taking place ahead of the resumption of LaLiga Santander on December 29th. This past week, for example, English side Manchester United visited Cádiz CF and Real Betis and both of the Spanish teams won, with Cádiz CF putting together a spectacular 4-2 victory before a Nabil Fekir goal saw Real Betis defeat the Red Devils 1-0.
José Gayà's return to action
After suffering an untimely injury just before the start of the World Cup, one which ruled him out of the tournament, Valencia CF captain José Gayà has now returned to action. He did so in Los Che's friendly match against Clermont Foot, with the LaLiga Santander team winning that one 4-2.
Benzema is back at Real Madrid training
Another player who had to miss the World Cup because of injury was Karim Benzema, but he is now making good progress and was able to return to the Real Madrid training pitches this past week. The Ballon d'Or winner will hope to return stronger than ever and to keep up his brilliant form in 2023.
A new contract for Unai García
Unai García has been rewarded for his excellent start to the 2022/23 season, with CA Osasuna offering him a new contract. The 30-year-old centre-back has accepted the offer and put pen to paper on a new deal that will now run until 2025.
Dates and kick-off times for the first LaLiga Santander games of 2023
There was confirmation this past week of the dates and kick-off times for LaLiga Santander's Matchday 16, which will be the first round of action of the new calendar year. Those matches will take place from January 6th to January 9th and this matchday includes Atlético de Madrid vs FC Barcelona, which will be held on Sunday January 8th at 21:00 CET.
LaLiga holds a general assembly meeting in Dubai
There was a LaLiga general assembly meeting this past week and it was held in Dubai, with several events and meetings organised around it to help further the presence of LaLiga and its clubs in the MENA region. This immersion experience saw directors meet with local business people and experts on the MENA market, providing valuable insight.
