Ten lessons we learned this week in LaLiga

What has been going on in LaLiga this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from Atleti’s win away at Barça to Jesús Navas’ final game.

The final LaLiga EA Sports fixtures of 2024 have taken place, while the past week also brought up the 2024 Intercontinental Cup final, which was won by Real Madrid. More details on all those matches can be found below.

Atlético de Madrid go top of the table

The biggest headline from LaLiga EA Sports Matchday 18 was Atlético de Madrid’s 2-1 victory away at FC Barcelona, a result which puts Los Colchoneros top of the table on 41 points. Diego Simeone had never won a game away at Barça, but a 96th-minute Alexander Sørloth strike earned Atleti three crucial points at the Estadi Olímpic.

Real Madrid move ahead of FC Barcelona

By defeating Sevilla FC 4-2 in a thrilling match on Sunday afternoon, Real Madrid have moved ahead of FC Barcelona in the LaLiga EA Sports table. Goals from Kylian Mbappé, Fede Valverde, Rodrygo and Brahim Díaz earned Los Blancos the three points, so they’re now second on 40 points, just a point off first-placed Atlético de Madrid.

Jesús Navas plays his final game

The Real Madrid vs Sevilla FC game was significant for another reason too, as it was the final game of Jesús Navas’ illustrious career. The Sevilla FC captain is hanging up his boots at the end of this calendar year, so this was his final game. He came on in the second half for his 705th appearance with the Andalusian club, and was even treated to an ovation by the Bernabéu crowd.

Real Madrid lift the Intercontinental Cup

The 2024 Fifa Intercontinental Cup took place this past week, and Real Madrid won the final against Mexican side Pachuca 3-0 at Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo and Vinícius scored the three goals, to allow Real Madrid to win their second trophy of the season, following on from the 2024 UEFA Super Cup.

Vinícius is named The Best

Fifa also announced the winner of the 2024 The Best award this past week, for the top men’s player in the world, and it went to Brazilian superstar Vinícius. He is the first Real Madrid player to win this prize since Luka Modrić did so in 2018.

Athletic Club strengthen their grip on fourth place

Athletic Club will end 2024 fourth and inside the Champions League positions. The Basques ground out a 2-1 victory away at CA Osasuna in Matchday 18, with Álex Berenguer scoring a second-half winner, meaning they’ve gone 10 LaLiga EA Sports matches without defeat.

Villarreal CF get back to winning ways

After going five games in a row without tasting victory, Villarreal CF really needed a win in Matchday 18. And, they got it. Playing away at CD Leganés, Marcelino’s side fell 2-1 behind but then produced an impressive comeback to win 5-2 and to take three much-needed points, which keep them in fifth.

RCD Mallorca round out the European places

As 2024 comes to an end, it’s RCD Mallorca who round out the European positions in sixth place. The islanders have had a very impressive start to the season under new coach Jagoba Arrasate and they finished the year with a 1-0 win away at Getafe CF, thanks to a Cyle Larin penalty.

Valencia CF and Real Valladolid sit joint bottom on 12 points

At the bottom of the table, Valencia CF and Real Valladolid are the two clubs in the biggest trouble entering the short winter break. They have both accumulated just 12 points so far, while RCD Espanyol on 15 points are the other team currently inside the relegation zone.

Real Betis progress in the Conference League

The league phase of the 2024/25 Conference League has reached its conclusion and, after six games, Real Betis finished 15th. That means Los Verdiblancos have progressed to the playoff round, where they’ll take on Belgian side Gent.