LaLiga 2022-23 Matchday 21: 10 things we learned this week

What has been going on in LaLiga this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from Real Madrid’s Club World Cup victory to Oyarzabal’s long-term contract extension.

This past week had every kind of LaLiga Santander storyline, from a new signing and contract renewals to impressive performances on the pitch. On top of all that, Real Madrid lifted another trophy. All of these headlines are broken down in more detail below.

Real Madrid are world champions

Real Madrid spent the past week in Morocco competing in the Club World Cup, where they defeated Al Ahly of Egypt 4-1 in the semi-finals. Then Al Hilal 5-3 in the final to lift the trophy. This was the perfect way for Los Blancos to follow up on last season’s Champions League victory. This means they are currently Spanish, European and World Champions.

Vinícius collects another trophy

Not only did Vinícius win his eighth title since joining Real Madrid when he lifted the Club World Cup trophy, but the Brazilian also added another individual award as he was crowned the best player of the tournament and given the Golden Ball, having scored three goals, provided one assist and won one penalty in Morocco.

Pedri’s scoring streak isn’t ending

FC Barcelona have kept up their brilliant form by winning 1-0 at Villarreal CF to make it six LaLiga Santander wins in a row, and once again Pedri was key to the victory. By scoring at the Estadio de la Cerámica, this means that three of these six consecutive Barça victories have been 1-0 wins in which Pedri scored the only goal.

Memphis is up and running as an Atleti scorer and match-winner

Atlético de Madrid’s January signing Memphis Depay scored his first goal for the capital city club this past weekend, netting an 88th-minute winner for the team to earn a 1-0 victory away at RC Celta. It was an especially important goal, given that Los Colchoneros were playing with 10 men at that point.

Cádiz CF are going to be fun in the second half of the season

Cádiz CF were one of the most active clubs during the January transfer window, signing six players. That includes three forwards and midfielder Gonzalo Escalante, who already has two goals for the club, one of which was the opener in Friday night’s 2-0 win over Girona FC. With their reinforcements, Cádiz CF have adopted a more attacking style in recent weeks and should be a lot of fun to watch over the second half of the season.

Valencia CF fall into the relegation zone

We learned this week that Valencia CF are very much in this season’s relegation battle, with Los Che dropping into the bottom three after suffering a 2-1 home loss to Athletic Club. This historic Spanish club haven’t played at LaLiga SmartBank level since 1987, but need points quickly to avoid relegation this year.

Diego Alves returns to LaLiga Santander

Following the season-ending injury suffered by their starting goalkeeper Agustín Marchesín, RC Celta were able to sign free agent shot-stopper Diego Alves this past week as cover. The Brazilian knows Spanish football well from his time with UD Almería and Valencia CF, where he developed a reputation as a penalty-saving expert, becoming the keeper with the most spot kick saves in LaLiga Santander history, with 22 saves from 47.

Oyarzabal renews until 2028

Mikel Oyarzabal is one of the best talents to ever emerge from Real Sociedad’s youth academy at Zubieta and he loves the club that he leads week in week out. The forward has now committed his long-term future to La Real, signing a contract extension until 2028 this past week.

Girona FC and Getafe CF are celebrating contract renewals too

Real Sociedad weren’t the only club toasting a new contract this past week. At Girona FC, the Catalan club and winger Valery Fernández renewed their vows until 2026. Meanwhile, Mauro Arambarri, a veteran of Getafe CF’s midfield, has put pen to paper on a new deal that’ll run to 2028.

The ‘Every Minute Counts’ campaign helps earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria

There was terribly sad news this past week as a serious earthquake in Turkey and Syria claimed the lives of thousands and left many more homeless. Several LaLiga clubs launched campaigns this past week to send aid to those who need it, while LaLiga also supported the Spanish Emergency Committee’s ‘Every Minute Counts’ campaign.