Ten things we learned this week in LaLiga EA Sports

What has been going on in LaLiga this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from RCD Espanyol’s shock win over Real Madrid to the latest winter transfers.

There were several big matches for Spanish teams this past week, in LaLiga EA Sports Matchday 22 and also in the Champions League and Europa League. Those results are discussed in more detail below, along with the week’s other headlines.

RCD Espanyol stun leaders Real Madrid

RCD Espanyol have climbed out of the relegation zone, thanks to a 1-0 home victory over Real Madrid on Saturday night. A late counter-attacking goal from Carlos Romero earned Los Pericos the vital three points, which allow them to climb into 17th position, plunging Deportivo Alavés into the drop zone alongside Valencia CF and Real Valladolid.

Atleti and Barça close in on Real Madrid

Both second-placed Atlético de Madrid and third-placed FC Barcelona took advantage of league leaders Real Madrid dropping points. In the case of Atletico, they overcame RCD Mallorca 2-0 at home in what was Diego Simeone’s 500th LaLiga EA Sports game in charge. As for Barça. a Robert Lewandowski goal earned the Catalan side a 1-0 victory over Deportivo Alavés.

Augusto Batalla’s saves put Rayo Vallecano into the European spots

Rayo Vallecano have climbed into sixth position, courtesy of a 1-0 win away at CD Leganés. Pathé Ciss scored the goal, but goalkeeper Augusto Batalla was just as much of a hero as he saved a late penalty once and then saved again when the spot kick was retaken.

Villarreal CF put on a show

Another of the most eye-catching results from Matchday 22 was Villarreal CF’s 5-1 victory over Real Valladolid. Ayoze Pérez, Pape Gueye, Santi Comesaña Thierno Barry and Denis Suárez bagged one goal each, and Marcelino’s side have now scored 44 league goals this campaign, the third-most in the competition.

Kylian Mbappé is the January Player of the Month

In his first season in LaLiga EA Sports, Kylian Mbappé has already won his first Player of the Month prize. The Frenchman has claimed the honour for January, having netted five goals across his three league appearances in that month.

The other LALIGA AWARDS winners for January

We also learned this past week who the other January winners were for the ‘LaLiga Awards, The Pride of our Fútbol’. The Best Coach was Getafe CF’s José Bordalás, the Best U-23 Player was Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, the Best Goal was scored by RCD Espanyol’s Javi Puado v Real Valladolid and the Best Save was made by CA Osasuna’s Sergio Herrera against Rayo Vallecano.

Pedri and Gavi renew with Barça until 2030

FC Barcelona have secured the long-term future of their midfield, having renewed the contracts of both Pedri and Gavi this past week. Both of the Catalan club’s young midfielders penned new deals which will run until 2030.

Arthur Melo is back in LaLiga EA Sports

Former FC Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo is back in LaLiga EA Sports and back in Catalonia, having joined Girona FC on loan from Juventus. The Brazilian made 48 league appearances for Barça during his previous stint in the competition and helped them win the 2018/19 LaLiga EA Sports title. Now, he’ll look to help Girona FC qualify for European competition for a second season in a row.

Several transfers are completed as deadline day approaches

This Monday, February 3rd, is transfer deadline day for the winter window and several Spanish clubs have made important acquisitions in the week leading up to deadline day.

Among the most eye-catching deals, UD Las Palmas have acquired the versatile Stefan Bajcetic on loan from Liverpool, Villarreal CF have brought in Canada international Tajon Buchanan from Inter and Sevilla FC have signed centre-forward Akor Adams from Montpellier.

Real Madrid and Real Sociedad learn their next European opponents

The first rounds of the Champions League and Europa League reached their conclusion this past midweek, with most Spanish sides progressing in those two continental competitions. FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid have moved on to the Round of 16 in the Champions League, while reigning champions Real Madrid enter the playoff round and will face Manchester City.

In the Europa League, Athletic Club are already into the Round of 16, while Real Sociedad have been drawn against Midtjylland in the playoff round.