La Liga Roundup, Matchday 29
Matchday 29 of the 2024/25 La Liga season has wrapped up, showcasing thrilling games, standout performances from players, and unexpected results. Here is the La Liga roundup for this round of games.
Real Sociedad 2-1 Valladolid
Real Sociedad climbed into the upper half of La Liga following a close 2-1 win against Real Valladolid, thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Sergio Gómez. Although Juanmi Latasa scored a late consolation goal from close range, it was not enough to change the outcome, as Sociedad secured only their second win in the last six encounters between the two teams (2 draws, 2 losses).
Espanyol 1-1 Atletico Madrid
Atlético Madrid’s difficult March continued as Diego Simeone’s team squandered a valuable lead, resulting in a 1-1 draw against RCD Espanyol. This outcome nearly extinguishes their chances of winning the La Liga title, marking the fourth consecutive draw between the two teams. On the other hand, Espanyol is 2 points above the relegation zone.
Alaves 0-2 Rayo Vallecano
Goals from Pathé Ciss and Pedro Díaz on either side of halftime led Rayo Vallecano to a 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Deportivo Alavés at Mendizorroza, keeping their hopes alive for a first European appearance in over twenty years. This marks Rayo’s first win in six matches, dating back to early last month, allowing Los Franjirrojos to climb three spots to seventh place.
Real Madrid 3-2 Leganes
Real Madrid overcame a halftime deficit to win 3-2 against Leganés, maintaining their unbeaten run at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu for eight league matches. This win leaves Los Blancos just 3 points behind Barcelona. As a result, the upcoming Clásico in May could be one of the most significant in recent history, while Leganés faces nine important matches in their battle to stay out of relegation.
Getafe 1-2 Villarreal
Getafe’s poor performance against Villarreal continued as they suffered a 2-1 defeat, marking their 13th consecutive match without a win against the Yellow Submarine. This victory solidified Villarreal’s position in the top six of La Liga, giving them a seven-point cushion and a strong chance of returning to European competition next season. Meanwhile, Getafe finds themselves stuck in mid-table.
Barcelona 4-1 Girona
Robert Lewandowski is poised to win his second Pichichi Trophy in three years after netting two goals in a 4-1 victory over Girona, which helped his team maintain a three-point lead at the top of the table. Consequently, Barcelona enters April in a favorable position to clinch their 28th La Liga title, while Girona will be eager to put this match behind them, having secured only one win in their last 11 away matches in all competitions (with 2 draws and 8 losses).
Valencia 1-0 Mallorca
Valencia achieved their fifth home win with Carlos Corberán as coach by defeating Mallorca 1-0 in La Liga, which also halted the visitors’ six-match unbeaten streak. This victory allowed Valencia to create a four-point cushion above the relegation zone and broke their three-match winless streak against Mallorca at home.
Athletic Bilbao 0-0 Osasuna
Osasuna’s streak without a win across all competitions has reached eight matches after a scoreless draw with Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés Stadium in La Liga. Athletic has notably not fallen behind in any of their home games at halftime this season, and they have temporarily increased their lead over fifth-place Villarreal to six points. Meanwhile, Los Rojillos are now seven points above the relegation zone.
Real Betis 2-1 Sevilla
Real Betis secured their sixth consecutive victory in La Liga by coming from behind to defeat Sevilla 2-1. This marks the first time since April 2018 that Los Verdiblancos have achieved such a winning streak in the Spanish top division, putting them close to fifth-placed Villarreal. The outcome also ended Sevilla’s 12-match unbeaten streak in El Gran Derbi (with 7 wins and 5 draws).
Celta Vigo 1-1 Las Palmas
Celta Vigo dominated possession and created more scoring opportunities, but they ended up with a 1-1 draw at Balaídos against a determined Las Palmas team that lost their starting goalkeeper, Jasper Cillessen, to injury in the first half. Celta’s draw does not aid their ambitions for European play next season, as they currently sit in 8th place with 40 points, 7 points behind 6th-placed Real Betis. Las Palmas is now a point away from safety.
