What has been going on in LaLiga this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from the outcomes of Matchday 38 to Real Madrid’s appointment of Xabi Alonso as coach.
The past week was a very eventful one in Spanish football. Not only was the final matchday of the LaLiga EA Sports held over the weekend, but there were several major announcements at Spanish clubs regarding arrivals, departures and contract renewals. All of that and more is discussed below.
RC CELTA AND RAYO VALLECANO QUALIFY FOR EUROPE
One of the most intriguing battles to watch in Matchday 38 was the race for European qualification, which ended with RC Celta and Rayo Vallecano pipping CA Osasuna to seventh and eighth place. As such, the Galicians have qualified for the Europa League, while Rayo Vallecano will play in next season’s Conference League.
CD LEGANÉS ARE RELEGATED TO LaLiga Hypermotion
In the relegation battle, CD Leganés were relegated despite winning their final game of the season, defeating Real Valladolid 3-0 at home. With RCD Espanyol also winning, the Catalan side managed to stay up, while Los Pepineros join UD Las Palmas and Real Valladolid in dropping down to LaLiga Hypermotion.
LEVANTE UD RETURN TO LALIGA EA SPORTS
We already know one of the three clubs who’ll be replacing the relegated trio in LaLiga EA Sports. With their 3-2 victory over Burgos CF on Sunday, Levante UD have mathematically clinched automatic promotion in LaLiga Hypermotion. The club from Valencia return to Spain’s top flight after a three-year absence.
XABI ALONSO REPLACES CARLO ANCELOTTI AT REAL MADRID
There will be a new manager in the dugout of the Bernabéu next season, with Real Madrid announcing that Xabi Alonso is replacing Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian will take over the Brazil national team job, while the Spaniard returns to a club he played for between 2009 and 2014.
LUKA MODRIĆ LEAVES REAL MADRID
Another departure at Real Madrid was made official this past week, with Luka Modrić leaving the capital city club after 13 seasons. He celebrated 28 titles during his time at the Bernabéu, becoming a club legend, while he also won the 2018 Ballon d’Or.
JAN OBLAK WINS HIS SIXTH ZAMORA TROPHY
Atlético de Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak has made history by winning the Zamora Trophy, the prize given out each season to the goalkeeper with the best goals-against record in LaLiga EA Sports. The Slovenian conceded just 0.83 goals per game this campaign and has become the first player to win this individual award six times.
KYLIAN MBAPPÉ CLAIMS THE PICHICHI TROPHY AT THE FIRST ATTEMPT
Another of the most prestigious individual awards is the Pichichi Trophy, for LaLiga EA Sports’ top scorer. This season, that prize has been scooped up by Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé, who scored 31 goals in his first Spanish season, finishing four goals ahead of FC Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski.
AYOZE PÉREZ WINS THE ZARRA TROPHY
Another player who won an individual prize in his first season with a new club was Ayoze Pérez at Villarreal CF. The forward has clinched the Zarra Trophy, the prize for the top-scoring Spaniard in Spain’s first division, with his record of 19 goals.
ERNESTO VALVERDE IS STAYING IN BILBAO
Athletic Club have qualified for next season’s Champions League, and Ernesto Valverde will be there in the dugout for that European adventure. The coach has agreed a one-year contract extension until the summer of 2026.
HANSI FLICKS RENEWS UNTIL 2027
Following his incredible debut season at FC Barcelona, Hansi Flick has received a contract extension from the Catalan club. The German coach’s deal has been extended to the summer of 2027, so he’ll have plenty more time to try to add to the three trophies he already won in his first season.