What has been going on in LALIGA this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from Girona FC's statement win to Jesús Areso's wonder goal.
There were amazing goals and dramatic finishes to several of the matches which took place in Spain this past week, producing fascinating storylines which are discussed below, along with the rest of the week's news
Girona FC put on a show to stay top
Girona FC entered Matchday 21 aware that victory would allow them to maintain their position at the top of the LALIGA EA SPORTS standings. Not only did the Catalan club take the three points, but they did so in style by thrashing Sevilla FC 5-1. Artem Dovbyk, the December Player of the Month, kept up his good form by scoring a hat-trick in the game.
It truly was a Sunday of goals in LALIGA EA SPORTS, with 22 of them scored across the day's four matches. However, there was no goal like Jesús Areso's winner for CA Osasuna, as they defeated Getafe CF 3-2. The right-back whipped in a fierce ball from near the corner flag, and then watched as it went all the way in. Without a doubt, it was one of the most incredible goals of recent years.
Baraja's Valencia CF are clicking
Valencia CF have now won four LALIGA EA SPORTS games in a row, most recently defeating in-form Athletic Club 1-0 at Mestalla courtesy of a Hugo Duro goal. Coach Rubén Baraja has this young squad clicking, and European qualification is a real possibility
Real Madrid and Barça win with late drama
Just behind Girona FC are Real Madrid, who took three points of their own by coming back from a 2-0 deficit to overcome UD Almería 3-2 on Sunday, with Dani Carvajal netting a 99th minute winner. FC Barcelona were also involved in a dramatic game on Sunday, as they won 4-2 away at Real Betis thanks to a 90th-minute João Félix strike and a 92nd-minute Ferran Torres goal, with the latter completing a hat-trick.
Cádiz CF move on from Sergio González
There was a coaching change this week, as Cádiz CF decided to move on from Sergio González after the club's winless run in LALIGA EA SPORTS was extended to 17 matches. It was a difficult decision for the club, as Sergio had led the club to safety in each of the past two seasons, but Los Amarillos have decided to search for a new leader.
Gonçalo Guedes is back in LALIGA EA SPORTS
Former Valencia CF player Gonçalo Guedes has returned to Spanish football, with the Portuguese winger having signed for Villarreal CF on loan from Wolves until the end of this campaign. He links up with his former coach Marcelino, and will hope to make an impact at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Real Sociedad have a new striker
One of the other interesting transfers that was completed this week was that of Sheraldo Becker, who has signed for Real Sociedad from Union Berlin. The centre-forward netted 11 Bundesliga goals last term, and will hope to achieve similar numbers in the Basque Country.
Guardado bids an emotional farewell to Real Betis
Andrés Guardado has left Real Betis to return to his native Mexico, and he bid an emotional farewell to the fans of Los Verdiblancos before jetting off. He made 218 appearances for the club since joining in 2017, the most of any foreigner in club history.
Muñoz's season is over
There was some unfortunate news at Real Sociedad this week, as left-back Aihen Muñoz suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee, one which means his 2023/24 season is over.
The Copa del Rey quarter-finals are set
There was also Copa del Rey action in midweek. The competition is now at the quarter-final stage, where the match-ups are: RC Celta vs Real Sociedad, RCD Mallorca vs Girona FC, Athletic Club vs FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid vs Sevilla FC.
