FOOTBALL – The last La Liga game before the end of the year, takes place on December 31 when Valencia is at home against Espanyol.
Then immediately after the end of the year, the transfer window opens. From Monday, January 3 until the end of the month, players can be bought and sold. Loan deals can also be completed during this window. This should make the second half of La Liga even more interesting.
Until then, InSpain.news brings you the news from the end-of-year games in La Liga.
Real Madrid
Following Real Madrid being held to a no-score draw at home by Cadiz, they were away on Wednesday to Athletic Club. This season´s top scorer so far, Karim Benzema scored twice for the Madrid side making his tally 15. The first goal came in just 4 minutes with the second 3 minutes later. Athletic Club managed to pull back a goal a further 3 minutes later with a strike on target by Oihan Sancet.
Both sides had plenty of chances to score throughout the game, but none materialised. And all 3 goals of the game were scored in the first 10 minutes of the match. The game finished 1-2 to Real Madrid.
Sevilla
Last week Sevilla won 2-1 against Atletico Madrid keeping them in 2nd place behind Real Madrid. However, on Tuesday during a very wet match against Barcelona, they could only draw 1-1. Sevilla is away for their next game to Cadiz on January 3.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico is facing a run of bad luck at the moment having lost 4 of their last 5 games. This meant they dropped a potential 12 points and find themselves in 5th place instead of 2nd.
December 27 will mark the 10th anniversary of manager Diego Simeone (El Cholo). And there is no doubting the fantastic job he has done for Atletico so far. But they have a lot of work to do to be in contention for the title this season. Striker Luis Suarez has only managed to score 7 times this season so far out of 18 games. Currently, he doesn´t feature in the top 5 scorers.
On January 2, Atletico play at home against newcomers to the premier league, Rayo Vallecano.
Rayo Vallecano currently sits in 4th position, just one point ahead of Atletico.
Barcelona
Following Barcelona´s home win against Elche last week, they were away on Tuesday to 2nd placed Sevilla. And although they had most of the possession, they failed to win, and could only manage a 1-1 draw.
Despite the heavy rain, Sevilla came out strong. And Papu Gomez opened the scoreline for Sevilla after 32 minutes from a set-piece corner. The equaliser also came from a corner, delivered by Dembélé and headered in Ronald Arujo just before halftime.
Jules Conde was sent off in the 64th minute of the game. After a nudge from Jordi Alba. Conde was seen throwing the ball at Alba´s face. However, this was not the first provocation in the game.
Dembélé had some good chances but missed a shot early on and later hit the post. Jordi Alba had the final shot on goal of the game, but it wasn´t to be. The game ended 1-1.
Barcelona is away to 15th place Mallorca on Sunday, January 2.
Surprises
Rayo Vallecano was promoted this season and currently sits in 4th position. The Madrid side has been consistent so far throughout the season.
Granada has not lost a game since November 21 when they lost 1-4 against Real Madrid. Since then, they have seen many draws and wins including their most recent 2-1 victory on Wednesday against Atletico Madrid.
Player stats
Karim Benzema is still the top scorer with 15 goals under his belt, and number 2 in the assists, with Rayo Vallecano´s Oscar Trejo top of the assists.
Iñigo Martinez of Atletico has already had two red cards to his name this season
