Ten things we learned this week in LaLiga EA Sports

The 2024/25 LALIGA EA SPORTS title race is absolutely fascinating, and the results of Matchday 17 mean it is so tight at the top. Those matches are discussed below, along with the rest of the week’s Spanish football headlines.

CD Leganés earn a historic victory over Barça

CD Leganés pulled off one of the shocks of the season so far on Sunday night, by defeating FC Barcelona 1-0 in Catalonia. A fourth-minute goal from Sergio González gave Los Pepineros an early lead, and they managed to nurse that all the way to fulltime to claim a historic victory against the league leaders.

Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid play out a thrilling draw

Real Madrid only half-capitalised on FC Barcelona’s defeat, given that Carlo Ancelotti’s side could only manage a 3-3 draw away at Rayo Vallecano in Matchday 17. It was a thrilling back-and-forth game, with Isi Palazón scoring the equaliser that meant the spoils were shared.

Atlético de Madrid make it 11 wins in a row

Out of the top three, it was Atlético de Madrid who enjoyed the most successful weekend. They found it tough against Getafe CF, but managed to grind out a 1-0 win thanks to an accurate header from Alexander Sørloth. That means they’ve won 11 matches in a row in all competitions and six in a row in LALIGA EA SPORTS, which puts them level on 38 points with leaders Barça although the Catalans have played a game more.

Jesús Navas wins his last game at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán

On Saturday, Sevilla FC captain Jesús Navas played his final home game with the club, ahead of his imminent departure at the end of the calendar year. It was a triumphant farewell for the right-back, as Navas and Sevilla FC defeated RC Celta 1-0 thanks to a goal from Manu Bueno.

Diego Cocca is the new coach of Real Valladolid

Real Valladolid announced this past week that Diego Cocca has taken over the vacant head coaching positions, which has been free since the sacking of Paulo Pezzolano. Cocca is a 52-year-old Argentinian coach, who most recently managed the Mexican national team.

Real Valladolid move off the bottom of the table

The new Real Valladolid coach inherits a squad that just won their most recent game, a 1-0 victory over Valencia CF when Álvaro Rubio was in charge as interim coach. Anuar Tuhami scored the only goal of the game, to earn Los Blanquivioletas three crucial points.

10-man RCD Mallorca climb up to fifth

RCD Mallorca continue to prove that they are a serious contender to earn European football next season. Jagoba Arrasate’s side have now climbed up to fifth position in the table, thanks to a 2-1 win over last season’s breakout team Girona FC. They achieved this win despite going down to 10 men in the 32nd minute, with Cyle Larin the hero for the islanders by scoring both his side’s goals.

10-man Real Betis achieve a statement win

Another team to win while playing most of the game with 10 men was Real Betis. They scooped up all three points from their Matchday 17 visit to Villarreal CF, thanks to goals from Giovani Lo Celso and Vitor Roque, even though Los Verdiblancos went down to 10 men in the 36th minute.

Unai Simón makes his return

After winning the Zamora Trophy for the 2023/24 LALIGA EA SPORTS season, as the goalkeeper with the best goals-conceded record, Unai Simón hadn’t yet played across the first months of the 2024/25 campaign due to injury. On Sunday, he finally made his first appearance of the season, featuring in Athletic Club’s 1-1 Basque derby draw against Deportivo Alavés.

The Copa del Rey third round is set

The draw for the third round of the 2024/25 Copa del Rey also took place this past week, and there are some eye-catching ties as the four Super Cup sides finally enter the competition at this stage. UD Barbastro v FC Barcelona, CD Minera v Real Madrid and Marbella FC v Atlético de Madrid are among the most interesting fixtures.