What has been going on in LALIGA this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from Real Madrid’s title celebrations to Girona FC’s Champions League qualification.
The results of Matchday 34 of LALIGA EA SPORTS meant several teams could start celebrating already, such as Real Madrid for winning the title or Girona FC for qualifying for the Champions League. Here’s all you need to know
Real Madrid, LALIGA EA SPORTS champions
The results in Matchday 34 mathematically confirmed Real Madrid as champions of the 2023/24 LALIGA EA SPORTS season. Carlo Ancelotti’s side defeated Cádiz CF 3-0 at the Bernabéu to move on to 87 points, a tally none of their challengers can match. It is the 36th time the capital city institution has won Spanish football’s top flight.
Girona FC will play in the Champions League next season
Girona FC also had a lot to celebrate this weekend, as they clinched the club’s first-ever Champions League qualification with a 4-2 victory over Catalan neighbors FC Barcelona. That result means Míchel’s side will play in Europe’s top club competition next campaign, and Los Blanquivermells are currently in second place and on course for Spanish Super Cup qualification too.
Isco, April Player of the Month
For the first time in his career, Isco has been named as the LALIGA EA SPORTS Player of the Month, with the Real Betis playmaker winning for his excellent performances throughout April. As well as scoring a goal in ELGRAN DERBI and assisting one in a victory over RC Celta, Isco consistently drove his team forward and has been recognized with this individual honor.
The rest of the LALIGA AWARDS winners for April
The other winners of the ‘LALIGA AWARDS, The Pride of our Fútbol’ were also revealed this past week. The Best Coach for April was Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti, the Best U-23 Player was Girona FC’s Miguel Gutiérrez, the Best Goal was FC Barcelona forward João Félix’s overhead kick against Cádiz CF and the Best Play was the goal Real Betis scored against RC Celta when Isco assisted Nabil Fekir.
CA Osasuna, Sevilla FC and Deportivo Alavés are staying up
As the end of the season approaches, several clubs in the bottom half of the table have already secured their place in the top division for next season. Following the Matchday 34 results, CA Osasuna, Sevilla FC, and Deportivo Alavés are now mathematically safe.
RC Celta takes a big step toward safety
They’re not safe yet, but RC Celta took a big step towards avoiding relegation this past weekend. The Galician side edged a thrilling game against Villarreal CF, winning 3-2 to mean they’re now eight points ahead of 18th-placed Cádiz CF. The Galician side has even moved ahead of Rayo Vallecano and RC Mallorca, currently sitting 15th.
Unai Simón earns another clean sheet
Athletic Club earned a 2-0 victory away at Getafe CF to keep their chances of earning Champions League qualification alive, and they even did so despite receiving two red cards in the game. The clean sheet was also important for goalkeeper Unai Simón, as he is closing in on the Zamora Trophy. His record of 0.94 goals conceded per game is the best in LALIGA EA SPORTS among eligible players.
Dovbyk remains top of the Pichichi standings
As for the individual prize for the best goalscorer, Girona FC’s No.9 Artem Dovbyk remains the leader as he moved on to 20 goals with his effort against FC Barcelona on Saturday. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham is his closest pursuer and also scored in Matchday 34, meaning the Englishman has 18 goals.
Thibaut Courtois makes his long-awaited return
There was another reason for Real Madrid fans to celebrate this week, besides becoming LALIGA EA SPORTS champions. And, that was the return of Thibaut Courtois from injury. The Belgian started against Cádiz CF on Saturday for his first minutes of the 2023/24 campaign, having recovered from a pair of serious knee injuries.
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich will be decided at the Bernabéu
The first legs of the Champions League semi-finals took place last week and Real Madrid traveled to Germany to play out an enthralling 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich, with Vinícius scoring both of Los Blancos’ goals. That first-leg result means the tie will be decided in the second leg at the Bernabéu on Wednesday.
