What’s been going on in LaLiga this past week? Here are some of the top stories, from the first ElClásico of the season to Osasuna’s special centenary celebrations.
It was ElClásico week in Spain this week, with Barcelona and Real Madrid doing battle at the Camp Nou on Saturday, but that wasn’t the only major story in LaLiga Santander, though.
Real Madrid win the first ElClasico of the season
Football fans around the world weren’t left disappointed by this season’s first meeting between Barcelona and Real Madrid, with Los Blancos running out 3-1 winners in an exciting match at the Camp Nou. Both sides scored inside the opening 10 minutes through Fede Valverde and Ansu Fati, setting the scene for a thriller. A Sergio Ramos penalty and a cool Luka Modrić finish as time ran out saw Real Madrid take three crucial points back to the Spanish capital.
Real Sociedad defend top spot
Going in to this weekend’s slate of Matchday 7 games there had been six different leaders so far this season in the LaLiga Santander standings. Real Sociedad became the first team to hold top spot at the end of a matchday thanks to a 4-1 victory over Huesca on Sunday night.
Osasuna’s 100th birthday celebrations
It was Osasuna’s centenary this weekend and they marked it with a victory, defeating local rivals Athletic Club 1-0 on Saturday at El Sadar thanks to a Rubén García penalty. That was exactly 100 years to the day after the institution’s founding and the club celebrated this occasion in style, with fireworks and a new club hymn.
Sergio Herrera’s new deal
Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera was a key factor in the win over Athletic Club, making five saves on his way to a clean sheet. He has been in excellent form for some time now and has been rewarded with a new contract that will run until 2023.
Barcelona announce four contract renewals at the same time
Within an hour of the full time whistle blowing in their Champions League win over Fenecvaros, the Catalan club announced that four first-team players had extended their contracts. Gerard Piqué’s deal now runs to 2024, Marc-André ter Stegen’s goes to 2025 and Frenkie de Jong and Clement Lenglet have each committed to 2026.
A return on the cards for Hazard?
Eden Hazard hasn’t been able to play for Real Madrid yet this season because of injury, but the Belgian superstar is close to making a comeback. He has been included in Real Madrid’s travelling squad for their midweek Champions League game away at Borussia Mönchengladbach. He could then look to make his first appearance of the 2020/21 LaLiga Santander season against Huesca on Saturday.
Atlético de Madrid’s new record
A 2-0 win over Real Betis on Saturday night meant that Atlético de Madrid have now gone 21 LaLiga Santander matches without losing, a new club record. They’ve won 12 and drawn nine of their last 21 league games and are the only team in Spain’s top flight not to have tasted defeat this season.
Elche continue their bright start
They may have been the last team to book their place in LaLiga Santander for the 2020/21 season via the LaLiga SmartBank playoffs, but Elche are flying high now that their season is under way. The newly promoted side have taken 10 points from five matches, mostly recently defeating Valencia 2-1 in a regional derby.
44 LaLiga legends are nominated for France Football’s Dream Team
The final nominations for France Football’s Dream Team were announced this past week, with 110 candidates having been selected for a vote to determine the best 11 of all time. Of those 110 players, 44 of them spent at least part of their careers in LaLiga. Now their magical performances in Spanish stadiums are being recognised with this special campaign.
