What has been going on in LALIGA this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from the fun draw between Real Betis and Real Madrid to Girona FC's thrilling win over Barça.
By putting together a terrific performance to defeat FC Barcelona 4-2 on Sunday, Girona FC have returned to the top of the LALIGA EA SPORTS table.
Míchel's side gave the club's fans a night they'll never forget by overpowering Barça with goals from Artem Dovbyk, Miguel Gutiérrez, Valery Fernández and Cristhian Stuani, earning three points that make Girona FC outright leaders again.
The spoils are shared between Real Betis and Real Madrid
There were several incredibly entertaining games in Matchday 16, one of which was the 1-1 draw between Real Betis and Real Madrid at the Estadio Benito Villamarín. After Jude Bellingham continued his scoring spree, Aitor Ruibal unleashed a rocket to equalise in what was a back-and-forth game.
Atlético de Madrid return to winning ways
It wasn't as easy as some might have expected for Atlético de Madrid when they hosted bottom-placed UD Almería, but Los Colchoneros ground out a 2-1 victory thanks to early goals from Álvaro Morata and Ángel Correa and several key saves from Jan Oblak. Atleti made it 19 home wins in a row and returned to winning ways after their defeat at FC Barcelona in Matchday 15.
This year's LALIGA EA SPORTS title race should be thrilling
The above results have highlighted just how thrilling the 2023/24 LALIGA EA SPORTS title race promises to be. Girona FC sit top on 41 points and are serious contenders, considering how well they're playing and the fact that the last three teams to accumulate this many points at this stage of the season all went on to become champions. Real Madrid are then right behind on 39 points, while FC Barcelona have 34 points. Atleti have the same, but still have a game in hand too. It's anyone's guess as to who'll lift the trophy out of these four clubs.
Cyle Larin's first league goal for RCD Mallorca is a timely one
RCD Mallorca earned a very important 1-0 victory over Sevilla FC in Matchday 16, which was the islanders' first win in LALIGA EA SPORTS since September. Summer signing Cyle Larin scored the decisive goal, his first in the competition for his new club.
UD Las Palmas enjoy their best start to a season in 45 years
By winning 1-0 away at Deportivo Alavés, UD Las Palmas sit in eighth on 24 points and are enjoying their best start to a season in 45 years. Not since 1978/79 have the islanders had such a successful start to a LALIGA EA SPORTS season, which is very impressive considering they were just promoted back to the top tier in the summer.
Ter Stegen goes under the knife
FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen went for surgery this week to deal with a persistent lower back issue. The club and the player decided that the best way to move forward was to have an operation, with the German goalkeeper not expected to return to action until February.
Sevilla FC present the preliminary project for a new and improved stadium
At a meeting with club shareholders, Sevilla FC unveiled a preliminary project for a new Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. The new ground would be located at the same site as the current stadium and would bring improvements while staying true to the history of the neighbourhood and the venue that Los Nervionenses have called home since 1958.
The Copa del Rey reaches the Round of 32 stage
There was a round of Copa del Rey action in midweek, and the results mean that there will be 17 LALIGA EA SPORTS clubs, nine LALIGA HYPERMOTION teams and six lower league sides in the Round of 32, the draw for which will take place on December 12th.
The Spanish football community unites after the sad death of a Granada CF fan
The tragic death of a fan at the Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes during Granada CF vs Athletic Club meant there was one very sad moment during the weekend's action. Once the situation of the supporter became clear, the match was halted. Figures and institutions from across the Spanish football community came together to send condolences to the fan's family and friends and to Granada CF.
