There may not have been any LALIGA EA SPORTS action this past week, due to the March international break, but the news cycle in Spanish football hasn’t stopped over the last week. Here’s all you need to know.
Granada CF move on to their third coach of the season
There has been another change in the Granada CF dugout, as the Andalusian outfit moved on from Alexander Medina this past week and brought back former coach José Ramon Sandoval. His first fixture will be an important clash against relegation rivals Cádiz CF.
Thibaut Courtois suffers a new injury
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois experienced a major setback this week, as the Belgian suffered a ruptured internal meniscus in his right knee. The player has already missed the entire season with an injury in his left knee and was nearing a return, but will now be sidelined for another two months.
Aitor Paredes signs a new contract at Athletic Club
Athletic Club announced the contract extension of Aitor Paredes this past week, with the centre-back extending his deal in Bilbao until 2029. “It’s a dream to be able to remain a part of this family,” the player who graduated from the Athletic Club academy said.
Three LALIGA EA SPORTS players debut with Spain
Already this international break, three players have made their debuts with the Spanish national team and all three play in LALIGA EA SPORTS. Real Sociedad’s Álex Remiro, Athletic Club’s Dani Vivian and FC Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí all featured in La Roja’s friendly against Colombia in London, which ended in a 1-0 defeat.
Larin fires Canada to the Copa America
Canada have qualified for the 2024 Copa America and they’ve done so thanks to a 2-0 win in a playoff against Trinidad and Tobago, with RCD Mallorca striker Cyle Larin opening the scoring with a precise strike into the bottom corner.
LALIGA players take a step towards Euro 2024
The Euro 2024 playoffs are taking place right now and several LALIGA players have been involved in the first round. FC Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski captained Poland to a 5-1 win over Estonia and they’ll now face Wales for a place in the tournament. Meanwhile, Valencia CF’s Roman Yaremchuk and Girona FC’s Artem Dovbyk scored late goals to earn Ukraine a 2-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, setting up a playoff final against Iceland.
Toni Kroos returns to the international fold with Germany
On Saturday night, Toni Kroos made his first appearance for Germany since June of 2021. The Real Madrid midfielder has decided to return to international action after some time away and played brilliantly in a 2-0 win away at France, even assisting one of the goals of Die Mannschaft.
LALIGA EA SPORTS clubs are planning their summer tours
Several LALIGA EA SPORTS clubs announced summer fixtures this week, as Spanish clubs continue to use the off-season to continue with their internationalisation efforts by playing games abroad. Several games have been confirmed, including a clash between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in New Jersey on August 3rd.
Manuel Ruiz de Lopera passes away
There was sad news in the world of Spanish football, as Real Betis’ former president Manuel Ruiz de Lopera passed away at the age of 79. Clubs and figures from across LALIGA sent messages of condolences and paid tribute to the legendary director.
The dramatic LALIGA HYPERMOTION promotion race continues
There may not have been any LALIGA EA SPORTS action this past week, but there were several important games in LALIGA HYPERMOTION, Spanish football’s second division. It remains ever so tight at the top following Matchday 32, with CD Leganés leading the way on 59 points, ahead of second-placed RCD Espanyol on 53 points, third-placed Elche CF on 53 points, fourth-placed SD Eibar on 52 points and fifth-placed Real Valladolid on 51 points.
