What has been going on in LALIGA this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from Barça's impressive attacking display to Pacheta and Sergio Ramos' winning debuts.
With the resumption of LALIGA EA SPORTS, there were several major talking points in the world of Spanish football this past week. From winning debuts to impressive victories, the main headlines are outlined here.
FC Barcelona put on a spectacle of attacking football
On Saturday night, FC Barcelona thrashed Real Betis 5-0 at home, putting on a spectacle of attacking football for their supporters. João Félix, Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, Raphinha and João Cancelo got on the scoresheet, with all five of their goals beautiful in their own way.
Real Madrid maintain their perfect start
Real Madrid and Real Sociedad played out a fascinating 2-1 duel on Sunday night at the Bernabéu, with the visitors going ahead early on via Ander Barrenetxea before goals from Fede Valverde and Joselu turned the game in the capital city side's favour. That result means Real Madrid have now won all five of their LALIGA EA SPORTS games so far and sit top of the table.
Pacheta gets off to a winning start at Villarreal CF
New Villarreal CF coach Pacheta was able to enjoy a winning start on the bench of the Estadio de la Cerámica. El Submarino Amarillo achieved a dramatic 2-1 victory over UD Almería in Matchday 5, with Gerard Moreno scoring one goal in first-half stoppage time and Alexander Sørloth turning in the winner in second-half stoppage time.
Valencia CF's youngsters dazzle at Mestalla
Valencia CF produced one of the most impressive performances of the weekend, defeating Atlético de Madrid 3-0 at Mestalla. Los Che have the youngest squad in LALIGA EA SPORTS and their starting XI for this match was under 24 years of age on average, but they played with an impressive maturity and secured a memorable victory with a brace from Hugo Duro and a strike from Javi Guerra.
Thomas Lemar suffers an Achilles tendon rupture
There was sad news at Atlético de Madrid, as Thomas Lemar suffered an Achilles tendon rupture. The Frenchman will go for surgery and begin a lengthy recovery process, with colleagues from across LALIGA EA SPORTS wishing him well.
Sergio Ramos feels like a Sevilla FC player once again
It was a dream re-debut for Sergio Ramos at Sevilla FC, with the centre-back helping the Andalusian side to a clean sheet and a 1-0 victory against UD Las Palmas in Matchday 5. This appearance came more than 18 years after his last game for his hometown club, which was back in August 2005. "It was really emotional," the defender stated after the win.
Vedat Muriqi is up and running
Vedat Muriqi, who was RCD Mallorca's top scorer last term, is now up and running for the 2023/24 campaign. The centre-forward scored his first goal of the campaign in his team's 1-0 victory away at RC Celta, the islanders' first win of the season.
Óscar Valentín commits to Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano announced this past week that midfielder Óscar Valentín has signed a new contract, putting pen to paper on a deal that'll run until 2027. The 29-year-old has been playing for the Vallecas club since 2019 and is excited to stay with the team, calling this a "special" renewal.
Six LALIGA EA SPORTS goals for Spain
On Tuesday, as part of the September international break, Spain defeated Cyprus 6-0, with all six goals scored by LALIGA EA SPORTS players. FC Barcelona's Ferran Torres bagged two, while his club and international teammate Gavi netted one, in addition to one goal each from Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino, Real Madrid's Joselu and Villarreal CF's Álex Baena.
The date and time of ElClasico is set
The kick-off time for the first ElClasico of the 2023/24 LALIGA EA SPORTS season was confirmed this week. Fans can now look forward to the mouth-watering duel between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, which will take place on October 28th at 16:15 CEST at the Estadi Olímpic in Barcelona.
