Barcelona lift first trophy under Xavi: 10 things we learned this week in LaLiga

With a pulsating Basque Derby, with clubs making winter signings, with a legend announcing his retirement and with a trophy being won, the past week was a busy one in the Spanish football world. All these major storylines and more are outlined right here in further detail.

Real Sociedad earn Basque Derby revenge

Real Sociedad capped off what has been an excellent 2022/23 season so far by defeating local rivals Athletic Club 3-1 in Saturday’s Basque Derby. That result was extra sweet for fans ofLa Real considering they had lost the previous derby 4-0. By earning some Basque Debry revenge, the team from San Sebastián are now in an even more convincing position in the table, sitting third and seven points ahead of fourth.

Roberto Olabe extends his Real Sociedad contract

One of the key engineers of Real Sociedad’s recent success has been Roberto Olabe, the sporting director who has been in position since 2018. He is staying at the Reale Arena for a while yet, with it being announced this past week that the director has extended his contract until 2026.

FC Barcelona lift their first trophy of the Xavi era

FC Barcelona have tasted that winning feeling once again. The Catalan club won the Spanish Super Cup this past week, overcoming Real Betis on penalties in the semi-final and then defeating rivals Real Madrid 3-1 in the final. This means that Barça have won their first trophy since Xavi took over as coach at the Spotify Camp Nou, and they’ll now hope to go on and also win LaLiga Santander, where they are currently league leaders.

Another individual prize for Gavi

The Spanish Super Cup was the first team trophy of Gavi’s senior career, but the 18-year-oldBarça midfielder also brought another individual prize home with him. He was named as the MVP of the final and collected a trophy for his efforts, as the teenager scored one and assisted one in the 3-1 victory.

Four LaLiga Santander players are nominated for The Best FIFA Men’s Player

This past week, we learned who the final nominees are for The Best FIFA Men’s Player, the award that’ll be given out by FIFA to the best male footballer of 2022. Four of the nominees are LaLiga Santander players, namely FC Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Real Madrid’s Luka Modrić, Vinícius and Karim Benzema.

Isi Palazón remains Rayo Vallecano’s attacking leader

Isi Palazón has been one of the best players of this LaLiga Santander season and he continues to be Rayo Vallecano’s leader in attack as the winger scored the only goal of his side’s 1-0 victory away at Real Valladolid this past weekend. Despite having a first-half penalty saved, he responded excellently by firing in a shot from the edge of the area in the second half.

Girona FC make it seven games without defeat

It’s now seven LaLiga Santander games in a row without defeat for Girona FC, who continue to dazzle upon their return to Spanish football’s top flight. In their most recent game, they came from behind to defeat Sevilla FC 2-1, with goals from Cristhian Stuani and Yangel Herrera getting the job done.

Real Betis win the race to sign Abner Vinícius

Real Betis brought in a new left-back this past week, winning the race to sign the in-demand Brazilian Abner Vinícius from Athletico Paranaense. The 22-year-old was part of Brazil’s gold medal-winning squad at the Tokyo Olympics and has signed a contract with Real Betis until 2029.

Gonzalo Villar returns to Getafe CF

Getafe CF have strengthened their midfield this winter transfer window, bringing back former player Gonzalo Villar on loan from AS Roma. The Spaniard also played on loan at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez in the second half of last season and helped Los Azulones avoid relegation.

The Spanish football community wishes Bale well in retirement

Gareth Bale announced this past week that he is hanging up his boots after a legendary career. The Welshman spent eight seasons in LaLiga Santander, making 176 appearances in the competition for Real Madrid, scoring 81 goals and winning the league title three times. After announcing his retirement, his former club and several other members of the Spanish football community shared messages wishing him the best in this next stage of his life.