What has been going on in LALIGA this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from Real Madrid’s coaching change to Pape Gueye’s winning goal at AFCON 2025.
The second half of the LALIGA EA SPORTS season has commenced, with a thrilling Matchday 20 taking place over the weekend. Below we take a look at the major headlines from those games and much more. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.
Arbeloa is the new coach of Real Madrid
The biggest news story from the past week of Spanish football was the change of coach at Real Madrid, as Álvaro Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso in the dugout. The new coach lost his first game in charge, a shock 3-2 defeat at Albacete Balompié in the Copa del Rey, before the team bounced back with a 2-0 home victory in LALIGA EA SPORTS on Saturday.
Real Sociedad halt FC Barcelona’s win streak
The gap at the top of the LALIGA EA SPORTS standings is now just one point. Real Madrid’s victory was combined with an FC Barcelona defeat, with the Catalan outfit falling to a 2-1 loss at Real Sociedad. Hansi Flick’s side were going for a 10th league win in a row, but were halted by a resurgent La Real side.
Villarreal CF’s Pape Gueye scores the winning goal of AFCON 2025
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final took place on Sunday night, with Senegal prevailing 1-0 in extra time against Morocco in what was a very dramatic game. The winning goal was scored by Pape Gueye, who plays his club football for Villarreal CF. It was an incredible effort into the top corner, his third goal of the tournament.
Real Betis get the better of Villarreal CF
Back in Spain, there was an important match in the European battle between Real Betis and Villarreal CF, which Los Verdiblancos won 2-0 thanks to goals from Pablo Fornals and Aitor Ruibal. The three points could prove key in determining the European qualification positions at the end of the season.
Atlético de Madrid get back to winning ways
A 1-0 victory over Deportivo Alavés, courtesy of an Alexander Sørloth header, gave Atlético de Madrid three valuable LALIGA EA SPORTS points on Sunday. Los Colchoneros are now eight points behind leaders FC Barcelona, and won’t give up in the title race.
Deportivo Alavés drop into the relegation zone
The defeat against Atlético de Madrid was bad news for Deportivo Alavés, who dropped into the bottom three following the conclusion of Matchday 20. That’s because Valencia CF’s 1-0 win over Getafe CF allowed Los Che to climb up to 17th.
It’s three wins in a row for Girona FC
Girona FC are another team climbing up the table. The Catalan side were in the relegation zone not long ago, but have now won three league matches in a row, and four of their past five. All of a sudden, Míchel’s men are up to 10th.
A matchday of no draws
Of the nine fixtures played so far in Matchday 20, there have been zero draws. Every single game had a winner, with RCD Mallorca, CA Osasuna and RC Celta also achieving victories, all of them scoring three goals as they did so.
The Copa del Rey reaches the quarter-finals
There are just eight clubs remaining in the 2025/26 Copa del Rey. Albacete Balompié are the only lower league side left, following their victory over Real Madrid, and they’ll be joined in the quarter-finals by Deportivo Alavés, FC Barcelona, Athletic Club, Atlético de Madrid, Real Betis, Real Sociedad and Valencia CF. The draw for the quarter-finals will take place this Monday January 19th.
João Cancelo returns to FC Barcelona
The January transfer window is still open and several Spanish clubs are strengthening their squads. One of the biggest transfers of the week was João Cancelo returning to FC Barcelona, who he previously played for between 2023 and 2024. The Portuguese right-back already made his re-debut for Los Azulgranas, in Matchday 20.
