The 33rd match day of LaLiga has ended with the championship sentence. Real Madrid have stayed on a roll in their path to the league title and enlarged their good streak before the Champions League semi-finals. Atlético de Madrid achieved a vital victory to keep their hopes of qualifying for the top European competition alive after beating Athletic Club. At the bottom of the standings, Cádiz failed to take advantage of Celta‘s setback and are still trailing the Galician side by five points. On another note, the Sevillian derby ended in a draw, while the people of another region of Andalusia cry after being relegated. Here we go with this match day’s edition of LaLiga Overtime.
LaLiga Overtime – Match Day #33:
Arda Güler brings back the ‘Turkish magic’:
Real Madrid are on their way to a new league title after winning it in 2022. In spite of making many rotations, Carlo Ancelotti‘s team managed to beat Real Sociedad thanks to a special goal for the merengue side. Arda Güler, one of Florentino Pérez’s summer signings, was a starter for the first time in a LaLiga match. And the Turkish player rewarded the trust of the Italian coach by scoring the goal that would decide the match.
The Ottoman arrived from Fenerbahçe this summer as one of the most promising young players on the international scene. But injuries have slowed down his progression and prevented a player with a magical touch from taking the field.
Güler has brought Turkish quality back to Madrid, an obsolete principle ever since the departure of Mesut Özil. It is the case of two left-footed players of great quality, and, by watching Güler, you can tell that his playstyle resembles that of the German international. ‘Turkish magic’ has returned to the capital of Spain. Therefore, he deserved to be one of the protagonists of this week’s edition of LaLiga Overtime.
A disaster called Almería:
This week, the piece of news that we had all been anticipating since as early as November or December was confirmed. Almería’s stint in the First Division has ended after a horrendous season. It must be said that the results do not faithfully represent a team that has not competed badly. But they have been the worst team in the competition when it comes to both offensive and defensive actions in the box, the area in which the fate of matches is decided. That has resulted in such a disaster for them.
But the most surprising consequence of their relegation has come after it was mathematically confirmed. The board, led by the Saudi investment fund, issued a statement to the fans. A public apology to a fanbase who have lived a nightmare. In addition, the lack of self-criticism by Almería’s board of directors has stood out. They emphasized that their roster was not among the worst in the league.
They also failed to mention their mistake of building an offensive minded squad for two coaches with the opposite playstyle. Nor do they mention the exaggerated investment in players who did not perform accordingly ot the amounts spent on them. Whatever their directors might have to say about Almería, they have been the ones to ruin the project.
Baena knocks on the Euros’ door:
As we face the final stretch of the league, there are many teams rushing their chances to achieve their goals. And, as it always happens in seasons with international competitions, the players are also hurrying their chances of being called up to represent their country in a precious tournament such as the Euros. An example of one of those players is Villarreal‘s midfielder Álex Baena.
The player born in Roquetas del Mar is, alongside Alexander Sorloth, the main asset of the ‘groguet’ side this season. The Spaniard proved why he is considered to be one of the best passers in the championship against Rayo Vallecano. He recorded three assists to reach a total of 12 so far this season. A player with great peripheral vision that is making the most of his last chances to make it into the call up list for the upcoming Euros. Baena is having a tremendous season and is knocking on the door of Luis de la Fuente‘s office to be let in.
Translated by Nuño Alonso.
Main image: Edit by Pablo Benítez.
At ELXIIDEAL we have a great opportunity to advertise your business via our website and social media network.
