What has been going on in LALIGA this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from Jude Bellingham's impressive debut to Sergi Darder's instant impact at RCD Mallorca.
The 2023/24 LALIGA EA SPORTS season is up and running, with Matchday 1 producing all kinds of fascinating storylines. The main headlines from the first few fixtures of the new season are outlined in detail below.
Bellingham dazzles on his Real Madrid debut
One of the best individual performances from the opening weekend of the new LALIGA EA SPORTS season was that of Jude Bellingham, as the Real Madrid midfield signing scored in his side's 2-0 victory away at Athletic Club and played exceptionally well, winning the game's MVP award. His performance helped Los Blancos start the season perfectly, with the result putting them joint-top after Matchday1.
Isi Palazón scores the first goal of the LALIGA EA SPORTS season
The first goal of the 2023/24 campaign was scored by one of the stars of last season: Isi Palazón. The Rayo Vallecano man kept his cool to convert an early penalty in his side's visit to UD Almería in the opening fixture of the season, as the team from Vallecas went on to win 2-0. They and CA Osasuna, who also won 2-0, in their case against RC Celta, join Real Madrid at the top of the table.
Valencia CF and Real Betis secure late victories
Of the eight fixtures played so far in Matchday 1, there were three draws and five victories. In addition to the three 2-0 wins outlined above, Valencia CF and Real Betis each achieved last-gasp 2-1 wins on their travels. Los Che did so away at Sevilla FC, thanks to youngster Javi Guerra, who picked up where he left off last season. As for Real Betis, Willian José headed in a stoppage time winner at Villarreal CF.
Getafe CF keep another clean sheet against FC Barcelona
The final fixture of Sunday saw Getafe CF and FC Barcelona play out a thrilling goalless draw, one packed with drama even if there were no goals. The result means that Barça have now failed to score at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez on each of their past four visits.
Courtois and Militão both suffer ACL injuries
There was terrible injury misfortune at Real Madrid this week, as two of last season's best players, Thibaut Courtois and Éder Militão, suffered ACL injuries. The goalkeeper did so in training, while the centre-back did so in the first game of the season. The Spanish footballing community joined together in wishing both the Belgian and the Brazilian the best of recoveries.
Darder signs with RCD Mallorca and makes an instant impact
RCD Mallorca completed one of the most eye-catching transfers of the week as they secured the signature of former RCD Espanyol captain Sergi Darder. The midfielder, who was born on the island, made an immediate impact for his hometown club, coming off the bench to assist Antonio Raíllo with a corner kick for RCD Mallorca's equaliser in their 1-1 draw at UD Las Palmas.
Arribas will continue his career at UD Almería
UD Almería made a splash in the transfer market this past week, signing right-back Marc Pubill and midfielders Iddrisu Baba and Sergio Arribas. The acquisition of Arribas is especially exciting for the club's fans, as the 21-year-old is one of the most highly rated midfielders to come out the Real Madrid academy in the past few years, and he made 14 appearances for Los Blancos' first team before departing.
Ledesma is staying at Cádiz CF
At Cádiz CF, the fans have been celebrating a contract renewal this past week, as star goalkeeper Jeremias Ledesma has agreed to a new deal that'll run until 2026. His total of 131 saves in 2022/23, the third-most in the competition, were key to Los Amarillos staying up and the fan favourite will remain in goal at the Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla for a long time yet.
CA Osasuna's Conference League playoff draw
The Conference League playoff draw took place this week, with CA Osasuna drawn against the winner of Club Brugge vs KA Akureyri. No matter who they end up playing, the first leg will be held at El Sadar on August 24th and the second leg will be played away on August 31st.
LALIGA HYPERMOTION is up and running too
It wasn't just the top division of Spanish football that got underway this weekend, as LALIGA HYPERMOTION, the second tier, held its opening matchday as well. There were several interesting results, such as Racing de Ferrol defeating Elche CF 1-0, Albacete Balompié holding RCD Espanyol to a 1-1 draw or Real Racing Club de Santander thrashing SD Eibar 4-0 to go top after the opening round.
