What has been going on in LaLiga this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from Real Sociedad’s cup win to Chimy Ávila’s comeback.
Club football was back with a bang this week for Spanish football fans, with a Copa del Rey final and an exciting round of LaLiga Santander action too. There were injury updates and contract renewals as well in what was a busy week. The main headlines are outlined below.
Real Sociedad win their first title since 1987
The postponed 2019/20 Copa del Rey final was finally held this weekend, with the all-Basque affair between Real Sociedad and Athletic Club decided by a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty. The 1-0 victory was a very special moment for La Real, as they celebrated their first title since 1987. Curiously, this Wednesday 7th both teams will meet again for The Basque Derbi in LaLiga Santander Matchday 29.
Benzema is March’s Player of the Month
The March Player of the Month award for LaLiga Santander was awarded to Karim Benzema, who displayed excellent form by scoring five goals across his three appearances in March. The other nominees were Jan Oblak, Youssef En-Nesyri, Lionel Messi, Daniel Wass, Borja Iglesias and Gerard Moreno, but Benzema came out on top.
The LaLiga Santander title race gets even tighter
While FC Barcelona haven’t yet returned to action since the international break, as they have their Matchday 29 fixture on Monday night, the two title challengers from the capital both played over the weekend and had contrasting results. Leaders Atlético Madrid lost 1-0 at fourth-placed Sevilla FC, while Real Madrid overcame SD Eibar 2-0 at home. This means the title race is even tighter than it already was.
Nacho Monreal’s new deal
It has been a busy week for Nacho Monreal. Not only did the left-back help Real Sociedad win the Copa del Rey, but he also agreed a new contract with the club. It was announced this week that Monreal has committed to La Real until 2022.
Gerard Moreno scores his first LaLiga Santander hat-trick
Gerard Moreno continued his excellent form this week by scoring all three goals of Villarreal’s 3-0 victory away at Granada CF. This was his first-ever hat-trick in Spain’s top division and means he now has 19 league goals so far this campaign. Only Lionel Messi has more.
Chimy Ávila plays in LaLiga Santander 435 days later
By coming on in CA Osasuna’s 0-0 draw with Getafe CF on Saturday, Chimy Ávila completed his return from injury. After having been out with two serious knee issues, Ávila was able to play in LaLiga Santander again 435 days after last doing so. It was a joyous moment for CA Osasuna and for all fans of Spanish football.
Sergio Ramos is back on the medical report
There was bad injury news for Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos this week as a calf issue picked up during international duty put him on his club’s medical report again, after having suffered various other issues during this season. This means he’ll miss several of his side’s huge games in this month of April.
SD Huesca celebrate their birthday week with a win
March 29th was SD Huesca’s 61st birthday and the club received best wishes from around Spanish football on the day of the anniversary of their foundation. SD Huesca then went on to celebrate their birthday week with a victory, defeating Levante UD 2-0 on Friday night, and escaping from the last position of the table for the first time in 14 games.
A new contract for Álex Collado
FC Barcelona renewed the contract of promising Barça B player Álex Collado this week, with the 21-year-old’s new deal running to 2023. Collado celebrated the extension by scoring a beautiful direct freekick as he captained Barça B to a 2-1 victory over Alcoyano.
Spain reach the quarters of the 2021 European Under-21 Championship
Spain’s U21s have progressed through their group and made it to the quarter-finals of the 2021 European Under-21 Championship. They’ve done so with several LaLiga Santander players in their squad, with Levante’s Dani Gómez scoring the goals that put La Rojita into the next round by bagging a brace in the 2-0 win over the Czech Republic.
