Ten things we learned this week in LaLiga EA Sports

What has been going on in LALIGA this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from Jesús Navas’ victory in his final ELGRAN DERBI to Dani Carvajal’s injury and contract renewal.

It was a memorable Matchday 9 in LALIGA EA SPORTS, with the top two teams winning their matches and with Sevilla FC securing victory in ELGRAN DERBI. Those headlines and more are outlined in extra detail below.

Navas enjoys a victory in his final ELGRAN DERBI

The first ELGRAN DERBI of the 2024/25 season was also the last of Jesús Navas’ career, as the legendary full-back will bid farewell to Sevilla FC at the end of 2024. And, it was a happy ending for the 38-year-old on Sunday, as Los Rojiblancos defeated Real Betis 1-0 thanks to a Dodi Lukebakio penalty. Navas goes out from ELGRAN DERBI with a win and as the record appearance holder in this fixture, with 28.

Barça remain top thanks to Lewandowski’s hat-trick

After suffering their first LALIGA EA SPORTS defeat of the season in Matchday 8, FC Barcelona put together the perfect response. First, they thrashed Young Boys 5-0 in the Champions League. Then, they won 3-0 away at Deportivo Alavés thanks to a Robert Lewandowski hat-trick. The Polish striker already has 10 league goals this season.

Vinícius is on a roll in LALIGA EA SPORTS

Vinícius was brilliant once again as Real Madrid defeated Villarreal CF 2-0 in Matchday 9, with the Brazilian scoring an excellent long-range goal. It means he has at least one direct goal contribution in eight of his nine league appearances so far this season, totalling four goals and six assists.

Gazzaniga is the ultimate penalty-saver

Girona FC defeated Athletic Club 2-1 in a very entertaining game on Sunday. Before Cristhian Stuani converted a 99th-minute penalty to win the match, Girona FC goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga saved three penalties from three different takers: Álex Berenguer, Iñaki Williams and Ander Herrera. One of the saves didn’t technically count, given that the goalkeeper had stepped off his line, but he parried the ball again on the repetition to give his team a chance to win.

Dani Carvajal is injured and renewed

There was terrible news for Real Madrid at the end of their Matchday 9 victory, as Dani Carvajal suffered a nasty-looking ACL injury and his recovery will last several months. Real Madrid responded to the news by announcing that Carvajal’s place at the club is secure, with the right-back given a contract extension that’ll run until 2026.

Jorge de Frutos defeats his former club

Rayo Vallecano’s bright start to the season has continued, with the capital city club winning 2-1 at Real Valladolid this past weekend to climb up to eighth in LALIGA EA SPORTS. Jorge de Frutos was the hero for Los Franjirrojos, scoring both goals at the Estadio José Zorilla, the home of one of his former clubs.

UD Las Palmas’ winless run continues

Although RC Celta went down to nine men on their visit to UD Las Palmas, the Galician team prevailed and won 1-0. That means UD Las Palmas’ winless run continues, as the islanders have now gone 23 LALIGA EA SPORTS matches without tasting victory, going back to last season.

RC Celta enter the top 10 of the all-time LALIGA EA SPORTS table

With their win over UD Las Palmas, RC Celta have moved up and into the top 10 in the all-time LALIGA EA SPORTS table. With 2 112 points, the Galician club have become one of the top 10 teams in the history of the competition.

FC Barcelona sign Szczęsny as cover for Ter Stegen

Following the long-term injury suffered by Marc-André ter Stegen, FC Barcelona have signed free agent Wojciech Szczęsny to provide cover for the Germany international. The 34-year-old Polish goalkeeper arrives with a lot of experience, having made over 400 appearances across Europe’s top five leagues.

Seven LALIGA EA SPORTS clubs are represented in the latest Spain squad

It’s now time for the October international break and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has announced his latest squad. There are seven different LALIGA EA SPORTS clubs with players in the squad, namely Athletic Club, CA Osasuna, FC Barcelona, Girona FC, RC Celta, Real Sociedad and Villarreal CF.