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October 5, 2024
Barça looks to get back to winning ways as Real Betis and Sevilla FC meet in an ELGRAN DERBI.
The 2024/25 LALIGA EA SPORTS title race is intensifying after FC Barcelona dropped points for the first time last weekend. Real Madrid couldn’t fully capitalize on this opportunity, conceding a late equalizer in the Madrid Derby, which ended in a 1-1 draw. However, Los Blancos have narrowed the gap to just three points behind their rivals at the top, making the upcoming Matchday 9 even more intriguing. Adding to the excitement is Sunday’s highly anticipated EL GRAN DERBI.
The matchday kicks off on Friday night with CD Leganés facing Valencia CF. Both teams currently sit in the bottom five of the standings, making this clash critical in the fight against relegation.
Saturday features five matches, starting with RCD Espanyol hosting RCD Mallorca. The island club has enjoyed a fantastic start to the season under new coach Jagoba Arrasate and currently occupies a European qualification spot, so they’ll be eager to maintain their momentum as they make the short trip across the Mediterranean to take on Los Pericos.
Despite losing Arrasate at the end of last season, CA Osasuna has also had a strong start under their new coach, Vicente Moreno. After recently defeating FC Barcelona, Los Rojillos’ confidence is high as they head to Getafe CF, who also ride a wave of positivity following their first-season victory last weekend.
Two matches will kick off simultaneously at 18:30 CEST on Saturday. One feature is UD Las Palmas against RC Celta, as the Galicians aim to bounce back from a mini-slump. The other is a critical encounter between Real Valladolid and Rayo Vallecano, primarily focused on avoiding relegation this season. Interestingly, this match includes two former World Cup Golden Boot winners: Ronaldo Nazário, the president of Real Valladolid, and James Rodríguez, who recently joined Rayo Vallecano.
Golden Boot winner of the most recent World Cup, Kylian Mbappé, is set to return to LALIGA EA SPORTS action on Saturday night when Real Madrid hosts Villarreal CF. Los Blancos have been formidable at home lately, but they face the last team to defeat them at the Bernabéu. On April 8, 2023, Villarreal handed Real Madrid a 3-2 loss, marking their most recent home defeat. Villarreal will be eager to replicate that success this Saturday night.
Sunday kicks off with Girona FC facing Athletic Club in what could be a pivotal match in the European qualification race. Last season, their encounters were closely contested, with a 1-1 draw and a 3-2 victory for the Basque side. Even at this early stage of the 2024/25 season, the three points available could be crucial for both teams’ aspirations to qualify for Europe again.
League leaders FC Barcelona will also be in action on Sunday as they travel to Deportivo Alavés. Following their seven-game winning streak to start the season, they suffered a surprising 4-2 defeat to CA Osasuna last weekend, and coach Hansi Flick will expect a strong response from his team. However, Deportivo Alavés has been solid at home, winning two and drawing one of their three home games this season.
At 18:30 CEST, another major clash will occur as Sevilla FC and Real Betis meet for EL GRAN DERBI. Known globally for its intensity, the Seville derby promises more excitement. The last four encounters have ended in draws, making this rivalry particularly competitive. Still, both sides will be motivated to win all three points.
Sunday night will conclude with Real Sociedad taking on Atlético de Madrid, rounding out Matchday 9. This match will hold special significance for several former Real Sociedad players in Diego Simeone’s squad, including Antoine Griezmann, Alexander Sørloth, Robin Le Normand, and Javi Galán. While past connections will be set aside, Atlético will be determined to earn three points to stay in contention for the title.
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