The 2024/25 LALIGA EA SPORTS title race is absolutely fascinating, and the results of Matchday 17 mean it is so tight at the top. Those matches are discussed below, along with the rest of the week’s Spanish football headlines.
CD Leganés earn a historic victory over Barça
CD Leganés pulled off one of the shocks of the season so far on Sunday night, by defeating FC Barcelona 1-0 in Catalonia. A fourth-minute goal from Sergio González gave Los Pepineros an early lead, and they managed to nurse that all the way to fulltime to claim a historic victory against the league leaders.
Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid play out a thrilling draw
Real Madrid only half-capitalised on FC Barcelona’s defeat, given that Carlo Ancelotti’s side could only manage a 3-3 draw away at Rayo Vallecano in Matchday 17. It was a thrilling back-and-forth game, with Isi Palazón scoring the equaliser that meant the spoils were shared.
Atlético de Madrid make it 11 wins in a row
Out of the top three, it was Atlético de Madrid who enjoyed the most successful weekend. They found it tough against Getafe CF, but managed to grind out a 1-0 win thanks to an accurate header from Alexander Sørloth. That means they’ve won 11 matches in a row in all competitions and six in a row in LALIGA EA SPORTS, which puts them level on 38 points with leaders Barça although the Catalans have played a game more.
Jesús Navas wins his last game at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán
On Saturday, Sevilla FC captain Jesús Navas played his final home game with the club, ahead of his imminent departure at the end of the calendar year. It was a triumphant farewell for the right-back, as Navas and Sevilla FC defeated RC Celta 1-0 thanks to a goal from Manu Bueno.
Diego Cocca is the new coach of Real Valladolid
Real Valladolid announced this past week that Diego Cocca has taken over the vacant head coaching positions, which has been free since the sacking of Paulo Pezzolano. Cocca is a 52-year-old Argentinian coach, who most recently managed the Mexican national team.
Real Valladolid move off the bottom of the table
The new Real Valladolid coach inherits a squad that just won their most recent game, a 1-0 victory over Valencia CF when Álvaro Rubio was in charge as interim coach. Anuar Tuhami scored the only goal of the game, to earn Los Blanquivioletas three crucial points.
10-man RCD Mallorca climb up to fifth
RCD Mallorca continue to prove that they are a serious contender to earn European football next season. Jagoba Arrasate’s side have now climbed up to fifth position in the table, thanks to a 2-1 win over last season’s breakout team Girona FC. They achieved this win despite going down to 10 men in the 32nd minute, with Cyle Larin the hero for the islanders by scoring both his side’s goals.
10-man Real Betis achieve a statement win
Another team to win while playing most of the game with 10 men was Real Betis. They scooped up all three points from their Matchday 17 visit to Villarreal CF, thanks to goals from Giovani Lo Celso and Vitor Roque, even though Los Verdiblancos went down to 10 men in the 36th minute.
Unai Simón makes his return
After winning the Zamora Trophy for the 2023/24 LALIGA EA SPORTS season, as the goalkeeper with the best goals-conceded record, Unai Simón hadn’t yet played across the first months of the 2024/25 campaign due to injury. On Sunday, he finally made his first appearance of the season, featuring in Athletic Club’s 1-1 Basque derby draw against Deportivo Alavés.
The Copa del Rey third round is set
The draw for the third round of the 2024/25 Copa del Rey also took place this past week, and there are some eye-catching ties as the four Super Cup sides finally enter the competition at this stage. UD Barbastro v FC Barcelona, CD Minera v Real Madrid and Marbella FC v Atlético de Madrid are among the most interesting fixtures.
Barca's Yamal faces three to four weeks out with ankle injury
football16 December 2024 15:10| © AFP
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Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is set to miss between three and four weeks after injuring his right ankle in Sunday's 1-0 defeat by Leganes in LaLiga.
"Tests carried out this morning revealed a grade 1 injury to a ligament in the ankle," Barcelona said in a statement on Monday.
The club estimated he would be out for up to four weeks, meaning he will miss Barcelona's final game of the year against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Barcelona face fourth-tier Barbastro in the last 32 of the Copa del Rey on 4 January before travelling to Jeddah for the four-team Spanish Super Cup.
The 17-year-old Yamal hurt his ankle in a challenge in the first half against Leganes but despite the pain, continued to play until he was replaced in the 75th minute.
Barcelona remain top of LaLiga despite winning just one of their last six games, a run which has allowed Atletico to draw level on points having played one fewer match.
Real Madrid are a point adrift of the leading duo and also have a game in hand on Barcelona.
Leganes stun Liga leaders Barca as Atletico move level
LaLiga leaders Barcelona stumbled 1-0 at home against Leganes on Sunday as they suffered another blow in the Spanish title race.
Atletico Madrid pulled level on points with the Catalans with a 1-0 victory of their own against Getafe earlier on, their 11th straight win across all competitions.
Leganes defender Sergio Gonzalez headed home from a corner after four minutes for the visiting minnows and Barcelona missed a host of presentable chances as they failed to mount a comeback.
After a superb start to the season, Barcelona have lost three of their last six league games and won just one of those, seeing their lead whittled away.
Hansi Flick's side lead third-place Real Madrid by a single point, after the champions drew at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, having played one extra game than both their closest title rivals.
"It was a messed-up game, it's impossible to be happy. I think we started the game half asleep," Pedri told DAZN.
"We woke up, we created chances but we didn't have the spark we needed to get the goal...
"We have to be better in front of goal if we want to win points, we're in a bad run in the league and we have to turn it around."
Barcelona started in the worst possible way as their former youth player Munir El Haddadi broke in down the right and forced a fine save from Inaki Pena at his near post.
From the resulting corner Leganes took the lead, with Sergio Gonzalez powering a header home to stun the Olympic stadium into silence.
From there Barcelona dominated against the visitors, 15th, and created several chances but found an inspired Marko Dmitrovic in their way.
The Serbian goalkeeper twice denied LaLiga's top goalscorer Robert Lewandowski in the first half and produced a stunning save to thwart Raphinha, tipping his powerful effort against the crossbar.
Barcelona's teenage wing wizard Lamine Yamal hurt his ankle in a challenge in the first half but despite the pain, continued to play and was his team's most potent threat as usual.
Neither Lewandowski nor Dani Olmo were on song and Barca replaced the pair with Torres and Fermin Lopez for the final 25 minutes, but Leganes held firm.
Raphinha whipped a stoppage time free-kick over the crossbar to end a thoroughly frustrating night as Leganes earned a first away win at Barca.
Barcelona host Atletico in their final match of the year next weekend.
ATLETICO HOT STREAK
Diego Simeone's Atletico have been in fine form and continued their winning run across all competitions with a deserved home triumph thanks to Alexander Sorloth's goal.
The Norwegian target man came off the bench to head home the winner in the second half for his seventh league goal this season.
"I'll repeat it, I'm boring, I won't change – until the last day, we'll go game by game," Simeone told reporters when asked if his team could challenge for the title.
"I always say the best result is 1-0 because you work hard in defence and you're effective in attack, if you win 4-3 there are things you have to improve."
Atletico Madrid controlled the first half but could not put away the chances they created.
Two of the most inviting fell to winger Samuel Lino, but he failed to convert on both occasions.
After 69 minutes substitute Sorloth peeled off his marker at the far post and placed a header back across goal and into the net from Nahuel Molina's cross.
Molina was another reinforcement brought on by Simeone, with Atletico's impressive squad depth telling.
"Before the game I spoke with the players about thanking and recognising those who weren't going to start the game," said Simeone.
"There are very important players who are competing in an extraordinary way... it's our biggest strength."
Simeone urges Atletico to maintain next-game mentality despite winning run
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone quickly shut down any talk about his side challenging for the LaLiga title after they extended their winning streak with a 1-0 victory over visitors Getafe on Sunday.
Atletico have been in imperious form having won all their games since late October and secured their 11th consecutive victory across all competitions to move level with Barcelona at the top of the standings.
Simeone, however, was not getting carried away and wants his players to temper any excitement and focus on their next game - away to Barcelona next Saturday.
"We have to take it one game at a time, there is no way to see our present without working and trying to keep improving. We have to rest before facing Barcelona next," Simeone told a press conference on Sunday.
"I'm reiterative, I'm boring, I'm not going to change, until the last day it will be one game at a time. If we don't look at it that way, there will be no light."
Atletico and Barcelona have 38 points from 17 matches, a point ahead of Real Madrid in third.
Barcelona host lowly Leganes later on Sunday and could retake the advantage in the table.
Sunday's winning goal came after two substitutes combined as Nahuel Molina crossed for Alexander Sorloth to score and Simeone said he was glad to see players coming off the bench to make a positive impact.
"I always tell them that I imagine the matches with different situations, imagining what can happen and having answers. And we have answers, but it all depends on the commitment of the players," Simeone said.
"It's easy to say but it's very difficult how the players represent it when they go on the pitch, it makes me very happy to see the attitude I saw today."
Atletico maintain hot streak with Getafe win
Alexander Sorloth earned Atletico Madrid an 11th straight victory with his goal sealing a 1-0 win over Getafe on Sunday in LaLiga.
Diego Simeone's side have been in fine form and continued their winning run across all competitions with a deserved home triumph, pulling provisionally level with league leaders Barcelona.
Norwegian target man Sorloth came off the bench to head home the winner in the second half for his seventh league goal this season.
Atletico, second, lead rivals Real Madrid by a point after Los Blancos drew at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, while Barcelona host Leganes later Sunday.
Atletico Madrid controlled the first half but could not put away the chances they created.
Two of the most inviting fell to winger Samuel Lino, but he failed to convert on both occasions.
Giuliano Simeone crossed for the Brazilian and he poked the ball wide, before firing off-target again after Rodrigo De Paul played him in with a clever lob.
Argentine midfielder De Paul, on a strong run of form, swept a shot wide as the hosts continued to dominate at the Metropolitano stadium.
David Soria saved from Julian Alvarez shortly before teams went in goalless at the break. Pablo Barrios fired narrowly off-target before Atletico took the lead in the 69th minute.
Substitute Sorloth peeled off his marker at the far post and placed a header back across goal and into the net from Nahuel Molina's cross.
Getafe pushed for a leveller but it was Atletico who came closer to scoring in the final stages, with Angel Correa running through on goal but between Soria and two defenders, the visitors managed to thwart him.
Real manager Ancelotti praises team's attitude
Carlo Ancelotti © Gallo Images
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti lamented his side's defensive mistakes and missed opportunities in their 3-3 draw at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, but said he was not worried about the result, praising his players' effort.
Despite acknowledging the lack of focus in defence, Ancelotti said he saw plenty of positives from his side who he believes are moving in the right direction.
Real missed the chance to move above leaders Barcelona in LaLiga as they stay second on 37 points from 17 matches, one behind the Catalans who host Leganes on Sunday when Atletico, in third place on 35 from 16 games, welcome Getafe.
"It was a complete game, which also included many errors, but I thought we didn't suffer as much as the final result would suggest," Ancelotti told a press conference on Saturday.
"I was much more worried about those draws against Mallorca and Las Palmas... Now we have the attitude and commitment of last year and that is promising.
"I look ahead and I see a 2025 that is very positive, although I could be wrong. It's very good, with the players showing a lot of desire and enthusiasm.
"We're in the hunt for everything we're playing for. We're doing well, despite the many difficulties we've had due to injuries. Today we started without a lot of first-team players, up to seven. When they all come back, the team will be much better."
Defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao will be sidelined for several months with ACL tears suffered early in the season while David Alaba is still to return from the same injury, sustained last year. Forward Kylian Mbappe, fullback Ferland Mendy and midfielder Eduardo Camavinga have short-term injuries.
Ancelotti defended his decision to leave winger Vinicius Jr on the bench from the start as he did not want to risk any setbacks after the Brazilian returned only last week after missing four games with a leg muscle injury.
"He was coming back from injury and we wanted to be careful with him. I thought he played a good game," Ancelotti said.
"It was hard to see my players giving more than they gave today. I see a good future ahead. On Wednesday we have to win the Intercontinental Cup (against Pachuca), that would be the icing on the cake (after the LaLiga-Champions League double)
Error-prone Real Madrid held to a draw at Rayo Vallecano
Real Madrid paid for defensive mistakes as they were held to a 3-3 draw at lowly local rivals Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, missing the chance to move above leaders Barcelona in LaLiga.
Real are second on 37 points from 17 matches, one behind Barca who host Leganes on Sunday when Atletico, in third on 35 from 16 games, welcome Getafe. Rayo are 13th with 20 points.
Already missing France captain Kylian Mbappe with a leg muscle injury, Real manager Carlo Ancelotti decided to rest talisman Vinicius Jr from the start and Rayo Vallecano took a two-goal lead in the first half thanks to mistakes.
Rayo stunned the champions with a goalafter four minutes on counter when Jorge de Frutos ran past Fran Garcia before crossing to the unmarked Unai Lopez whose header at the far post beat goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
They extended their lead when Abdul Mumin was left alone behind Lucas Vazquez and nodded home from a corner in the 36th.
However, a thunderous Federico Valverde strike from long range got Real back in the game three minutes later with Rodrygo finding Jude Bellingham who netted a first-time effort from inside the box to level just before the break.
Rodrygo then almost scored with an angled shot that forced a reflex save from Augusto Batalla just after the break.
But the Brazilian was not to be denied and in the 56th gave Real the lead with a deflected strike from the edge of the area.
Ancelotti brought on Vinicius Jr to provide a spark Real were missing and Batalla made a fine save to deny him, with Arda Guler having a goal ruled out for offside minutes later.
Real looked in control and appealed for a penalty for a foul on Vinicius Jr which was waved away before Rayo stunned them again when Isi Palazon moved between defenders Antonio Ruediger and Aurelien Tchouameni to deflect a cross into the net.
Ancelotti's side tried to push for the win but Batalla denied efforts from Vinicius and substitute Endrick, with Ruediger missing a clear chance late on as Real had to settle for a draw that could prove costly in the title race.
