What has been going on in LaLiga this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from the LaLiga players who have become world champions to the signing of Brazilian talent Endrick.
Now that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has reached its conclusion, with several LaLiga Santander players lifting the trophy with Argentina, thoughts now turn to the resumption of club football. All of the major LaLiga storylines from these past few days are outlined below in more detail.
10 LaLiga players win the World Cup with Argentina
Argentina have become world champions for a third time, winning a thrilling World Cup final on penalties against France after a 3-3 draw. There were 10 LaLiga Santander players in the Argentina squad, more than any other league. They were Atlético de Madrid's Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo De Paul and Ángel Correa, Sevilla FC's Marcos Acuña, Papu Gómez and Gonzalo Montiel, Real Betis' Germán Pezzella and Guido Rodríguez, and Villarreal CF's Gerónimo Rulli and Juan Foyth.
Montiel scores the winning penalty in the World Cup final
The moment that Argentina fans will remember forever came courtesy of a Sevilla FC player, as it was Gonzalo Montiel who scored the winning penalty in the World Cup final's shootout. When the right-back stepped up to the spot, he knew that a successful penalty would seal a 4-2 shootout win and he made no mistake, instantly becoming an Albiceleste hero.
Medals for nine other LaLiga players
Several other LaLiga players will also leave Qatar with medals, even if they didn't win the World Cup. Runners-up France had six Spain-based players in their squad, namely Jules Koundé, Antoine Griezmann, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Ousmane Dembélé, Eduardo Camavinga and Karim Benzema. Meanwhile, Luka Modrić captained Croatia to third place, alongside fellow LaLiga players Ivo Grbić and Ante Budimir.
Modrić takes the Bronze Ball
In addition to his third-place medal, Luka Modrić has also claimed the World Cup Bronze Ball for his performances at the tournament. This is the prize given to the third-best player of the competition and the Real Madrid midfielder can add it to his collection, after winning the Golden Ball last World Cup in Russia.
Endrick is coming to Real Madrid
A significant transfer was announced this past week, even if the move won't take place until the summer of 2024. It was confirmed that Real Madrid have won the race to sign Endrick, the hugely talented Brazilian forward at Palmeiras. He is currently just 16 years of age and will move to the Spanish capital when he turns 18 in July of 2024.
Cádiz CF defeat another European giant
The clubs of LaLiga Santander have been preparing for the return of the competition by playing friendlies across Europe and Cádiz CF have been very impressive. After they defeated Manchester United 4-2 last week, the Andalusian side have now beaten AS Roma 3-0, thanks to goals from Rubén Alcaraz, Théo Bongonda and Álvaro Negredo.
Hugo Duro is back
In another warm-up friendly match, Hugo Duro scored for Valencia CF against Nottingham Forest and this was a special goal for the striker. He suffered a painful ankle injury back in August and, although he didn't spend too long on the injury report, Duro didn't feel like his normal self. Now, though, he has described the World Cup pause as "a reset" and is ready to play his best football once the competition resumes.
Juan Cruz is staying at CA Osasuna until 2026
Juan Cruz is committed to the project at CA Osasuna and the defender has demonstrated this once again by signing his second contract extension in the space of a year. After renewing his contract with the club until 2024 back in January, now he has signed another new deal that'll run until 2026.
Work advances at the Spotify Camp Nou
FC Barcelona have made the most of the pause for the World Cup by continuing construction work on the Spotify Camp Nou. Part of the third tier has been removed, with this then creating space for the rest of the redevelopment project to continue.
Matchday 17 will take place over one weekend and one midweek
More dates and kick-off times were announced this past week, with the schedule being revealed for Matchday 17. Eight of the matches in this round will take place over the weekend of January 13th to 16th, however Real Betis vs FC Barcelona and Real Madrid vs Valencia CF will be held on Wednesday February 1st and Thursday February 2nd respectively, since those four clubs will be playing in the Spanish Super Cup during that middle weekend of January.
