Real Madrid clinch their 35th LaLiga Santander title
By defeating RCD Espanyol 4-0 on Saturday afternoon, Real Madrid have mathematically sealed the 2021/22 LaLiga Santander title. They did so in front of their own fans at the Bernabéu, able to celebrate with the trophy after a brace from Rodrygo and a goal each from Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema.
Marcelo and Ancelotti make history
By winning this year’s LaLiga Santander title, Real Madrid’s captain and coach have each made history. In the case of Marcelo, the Brazilian has become the Real Madrid player with the most titles in club history, having now been part of 24 successes. Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti has become the first coach ever to win each of LaLiga Santander, Serie A, Premier League, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga.
Falcao’s immediate impact
After being out of action since February due to injury, Rayo Vallecano striker Radamel Falcao was able to make a return this weekend in his side’s clash with Real Sociedad. After coming off the bench as a substitute, the Colombian icon made an immediate impact by scoring with his first touch, earning his side a 1-1 draw.
Ansu Fati’s comeback
Another player making a return from injury this weekend was Ansu Fati, with the FC Barcelona teenager substituted on during his side’s 2-1 victory over RCD Mallorca for his first appearance in over four months. The 19-year-old has endured many injury issues over the past two years and was delighted to return in that Matchday 34 fixture.
Jesús Navas hits 600 appearances
Jesús Navas reached a new milestone in Friday night’s 1-1 draw between Sevilla FC and Cádiz CF. It was the club captain’s 600th appearance for the Rojiblancos, meaning he further extends his record for the number of matches played for the Andalusian institution.
The relegation battle heats up
It’s as tight as ever down at the bottom of the LaLiga Santander table, especially after Deportivo Alavés moved off bottom spot with a 2-1 win against Villarreal CF. That means there are currently just four points between 16th and 19th, with RCD Mallorca and Cádiz CF on 32 points, Granada CF on 31 points and Deportivo Alavés on 28 points. Levante UD are on 26 points after drawing their derby against Valencia CF.
Benzema becomes the Champions League top scorer
Karim Benzema has overtaken Robert Lewandowski to become the top scorer in the 2021/22 Champions League, reaching 14 goals for the campaign. The Frenchman’s two strikes came in Real Madrid’s semi-final first leg against Manchester City and give Los Blancos hope for the second leg, as they only lost by a 4-3 scoreline.
Villarreal CF target a comeback against Liverpool
Villarreal CF are the other Spanish club currently competing in the Champions League semi-finals. They too will look to mount a home comeback in the second leg, after Unai Emery’s side fell to a 2-0 defeat at Anfield in the first leg. After knocking out Juventus and Bayern Munich, the fans at the Estadio de la Cerámica will believe anything is possible.
Ronald Araújo commits to FC Barcelona
Ronald Araújo is one of the best up-and-coming centre-backs in all of world football, so FC Barcelona have been working hard behind the scenes to extend the Uruguayan’s contract. This past week, the Catalan club was able to announce that he has agreed to a new deal that’ll run until 2026. After those of Pedri and Ansu Fati earlier this season, this is the latest contract extension of one of Barça’s promising youngsters.
Contract extensions in the Basque Country
There were also contract extensions in the Basque Country this past week, with Athletic Club’s Óscar de Marcos and Real Sociedad’s David Silva each agreeing to stay with their current clubs for another season. Despite being 33 and 36 years of age respectively, they’re both still performing at a high level and have put pen to paper on deals that run to 2023.
