What has been going on in LALIGA this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from Antoine Griezmann's new record to Sergi Roberto's big moment.
There was one final matchday in LALIGA EA SPORTS ahead of the festive break, and several interesting storylines emerged from it. The most significant are discussed below, along with the rest of the week's Spanish football news.
Real Madrid and Girona FC sit top of the table
As LALIGA EA SPORTS pauses for the festive period, Real Madrid and Girona FC are joint-top in the standings, each on 45 points. Los Blancos closed the gap during Matchday 18, held last midweek, as a late Lucas Vázquez goal earned them a 1-0 win at Deportivo Alavés, on the same night as Girona FC drew 1-1 at Real Betis.
Quique Sánchez Flores is the new coach of Sevilla FC
Sevilla FC announced the appointment of Quique Sánchez Flores last week, and he has had a busy start to life at the Andalusian club by managing two games already. In the first, Sevilla FC earned an impressive 3-0 victory away at Granada CF, before they competed well but fell to a 1-0 loss at Atlético de Madrid.
Sergi Roberto comes up with a captain's performance for Barça
FC Barcelona remain very much in the title fight, thanks to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over UD Almería in midweek. It was club captain Sergi Roberto who came up with the two crucial goals in the second half to secure the three points.
Antoine Griezmann is now Atlético de Madrid's top scorer
By netting twice in Atlético de Madrid's 3-3 draw with Getafe CF in Matchday 18, Antoine Griezmann has pulled level with Luis Aragonés to become the joint-top scorer in the history of the capital city club. The Frenchman now has 173 goals for Atleti, and paid tribute to the other club legend by wearing a Luis Aragonés t-shirt at the team's next match.
Reinildo is back from injury
Another important development at Atlético de Madrid this past week was the return from injury of Reinildo. After suffering an ACL injury in February, the centre-back was finally able to make his comeback in the final minutes of his team's victory over Sevilla FC on Saturday.
Mikel Vesga pens a new deal in Bilbao
Athletic Club announced this week that midfielder Mikel Vesga has signed a new contract with the Basque club, one that'll run until 2027. He has become one of the most important members of the current Athletic Club squad, one which currently sits fifth in the standings.
David López is staying at Girona FC
There was also a contract renewal at Girona FC, where veteran centre-back David López has penned a new deal that will run until 2026. The 34-year-old's versatility has been key to the Catalan team's success this season, as he can perform in a variety of positions.
RC Celta and Luis Campos go their separate ways
RC Celta announced this past week that Luis Campos will no longer work for the club as a sporting consultant. The club thanked the Portuguese for his advice and support in their recent transfer dealings, but the Galician institution will go in a different direction for the January transfer market.
The next Basque Derby is taking place on January 13th
More kick-off times and dates were announced this past week, including those of the second Basque Derby of the season. Athletic Club and Real Sociedad will meet at San Mamés at 18:30 CET on Saturday January 13th, when the Bilbao-based outfit will seek revenge for their 3-0 loss earlier in the campaign.
Spain's Champions League teams learn their next opponents
After four Spanish sides topped their Champions League groups, there was maximum expectation ahead of the Champions League Round of 16 draw, which took place last Monday. There, it was revealed that FC Barcelona will meet Napoli, Real Sociedad will take on PSG, Atlético de Madrid will do battle with Inter and Real Madrid will face RB Leipzig.
