LaLiga’s last round of 2023 is over, which means that it is time for the last edition of LaLiga Overtime this year. A year that has left us a major surprise in Girona, who have not been able to finish in first place after drawing with Betis and the last minute victory of Real Madrid. As for Barça and Atlético de Madrid, doubts are growing surrounding their candidacy for the league championship while the Basque clubs, Athletic Club and Real sociedad, believe they can fight to qualify for the Champions League.
On the opposite end of the table, Celta, Granada and Almería are hanging off the edge of a cliff and the year ending has been the best news for them. It is now time for nougat, the copious meals and the Christmas presents, but before all of that, there is the last edition of LaLiga Overtime in 2023.
LaLiga Overtime – Match Day #18
Griezmann, the leyend of the Metropolitano:
Atlético de Madrid’s match against Getafe broke a historical streak of victories at Metropolitano for the ‘colchonero’ side. They had won 20 matches in a row, the longest streak ever for the team managed by Diego Pablo Simeone. A tough fixture against a rocky Getafe in which Atlético could not keep the three points at home.
In spite of that, it has not all been bad news, as the ‘rojiblanco’ fans were witnesses of a historical feat. A Frenchman, also known as ‘El Principito’, became the king of Metropolitano. Antoine Griezmann has reached the 173-goal mark. A number deeply engraved in the memories of the club, as it belonged to Luis Aragonés, who was, up until now, the top scorer in Atlético de Madrid History.
An ephemeris that the French attacker reached this week against Getafe after scoring a brace. Right after he scored his second goal, a penalty, the scoreboard at Metropolitano displayed his achievement. In response, the ‘colchonero’ ground lit up as they chanted the name of Luis Aragonés.
A unique night in the history of Atlético de Madrid who, in a few years, will chant the name of Antoine the same way they do for Luis, as both of them will always be present in the history of the club, even when they are not phisically on the pitch anymore.
Lucas Vázquez’s aguinaldo:
Christmas. The time of the year in which the whole family, the close and the barely known members, come together. A celebration to feast on delicacies worthy of a king’s meal. And, to top it all off, it is the time in which presents, which have previously been listed on a letter adressed to Santa Claus, get delivered.
At Mendizorroza, with a cold similar to that of Lapland, Carlo Ancelotti had requested a very special gift: “finish 2023 as the league leaders”. A present that became possible after the draw between Girona and Betis but was not an easy task whatsoever. One of the main burdens, perhaps the most important, was the fact that Nacho Fernández got sent off after the VAR’s revision.
And there was Real Madrid, with one less player on the pitch, in a freezing cold stadium and with the leaders position slipping away from their fingers. But, luckily for ‘los blancos’ their Christmas bonus came a little early this year. To be precise, in a corner kick taken by Toni Kroos. Lucas Vázquez turned into the ‘merengue’ version of Santa Claus and, with a powerful header, granted the Italian manager a victory worthy of a Christmas tale along with his wish. An unexpected protagonist who was driven by the power of the festivities.
Sergi Canós and the valencianism in vein:
When a player feels the colours of his club, it is evident. One of them is Sergi Canós. A fan of Valencia until the very end, the former Brentford player did everything he could to join the ‘ché’ side this summer. He fulfilled his dream of wearing Valencia‘s jersey although, due to an injury, his start to the season was not like he dreamed of.
But the match day before Christmas, in their match against Rayo Vallecano, Canós brought out all of his fanatism for Valencia. A magnificent strike, with a little luck as it slightly touched a defender, flew right into Dimitrievski‘s cage. A goal that would result in three valuable points for the team managed by Rubén Baraja, who are breaking away from the fight to avoid relegation.
A goal that, above all, was filled with emotion for Sergi Canós. A very special dedication in his first goal with Valencia, as after the match was over the forward stated: “That was for my mum, who is in heaven”.
An excellent player and man that deserved a moment like that. He makes us remember that, especially in this time of the year, it is tough to see how someone is missing from the table, but wherever they are, we will give our best to always make them proud. Rest asured that, from heaven, they celebrate with us, as Sergi’s mother does for her son.
As this is the last edition of LaLiga Overtime this year, I would like to wish the entire audience of ELXIIDEAL a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Translated by Nuño Alonso.
Main image: Edit by Pablo Benítez.
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