Spain’s top flight returned with a full round of action played across the last few days of 2022. Here’s our league expert with all the main talking points.
By Ben Hayward, LaLiga expert
Barcelona frustrated by city rivals
Barcelona finish 2022 and start 2023 as LaLiga leaders, but the Blaugrana are ahead of fierce rivals Real Madrid on goal difference alone following a 1-1 draw at home to Espanyol in the Catalan derby on Saturday.
Xavi’s side took the lead early on through an unlikely combination as Andreas Christensen headed across goal for Marcos Alonso to nod home, but chances came and went after that until Espanyol equalised courtesy of a penalty scored by Joselu with 17 minutes left.
Referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz, heavily criticised for his wayward officiating in Argentina’s World Cup quarter-final win over Netherlands, may have got that one right but he was up to his usual tricks again here as the derby descended into chaos late on.
In total, Mateu brandished 15 cards, including reds (both second yellows) for Jordi Alba and Vinícius Souza, plus a late booking for an exasperated Xavi.
“Today it got out of his hands and I told him that,” Xavi said. “He gave cards out for no reason. He’s a referee who seems to have control, but today he didn’t. But I don’t blame Mateu for the draw, it was our fault.”
Barça were able to field Robert Lewandowski in the end as they appeal his three-game suspension from before the World Cup, but the Pole did not have his best day in front of goal and will wait to hear whether he can face Atlético Madrid in next weekend’s headline game.
Benzema returns to lead the line for Madrid
Madrid had put pressure on Barcelona by beating Real Valladolid 2-0 on Friday night, but their win was not without controversy as it took a questionable penalty for Los Blancos to take the lead at the José Zorrilla.
Defender Javi Sánchez was penalised for handball in the area, a decision which infuriated Valladolid coach Pacheta. “Looking at the image, yes it hits his hand,” he said. “But he has his back turned, he can’t see [the ball]. He’s off balance. I don’t understand anything.” Valladolid’s Sergio León was also sent off for his protests following the decision to award the penalty.
But Karim Benzema, playing his first game since early November and after missing the World Cup through injury, made no mistake from the spot and Real Madrid were on their way. And the French forward added another to rub salt in the wounds late on with a fine finish following a run and cross from compatriot Eduardo Camavinga.
The midfielder earned praise afterwards from coach Carlo Ancelotti. “Ever since he has been here, he has done that,” the Italian said. “He made a difference when he came on.”
Madrid move level on points with Barcelona after 16 rounds of the competition, but are seven goals worse off than the Catalans. They have won the only Clásico played so far this season, though, and it is the head-to-head record which would decide LaLiga if the two teams were to finish level in June.
Atlético get back in the hunt
Atlético Madrid return to the top four after beating bottom club Elche on Thursday, but the Rojiblancos were made to work hard for the three points. Just as he did for France at the World Cup, Antoine Griezmann assumed the role of provider, assisting João Félix and Álvaro Morata for second-half goals after each team had been reduced to 10 men.
Griezmann, with newly dyed-pink hair on his return from Qatar, showed no signs of World Cup fatigue and pumped his fists in a passionate celebration after Félix opened the scoring. Talk before the game had centred on a possible transfer for the Portuguese in January, but coach Diego Simeone said: “What happens doesn’t depend on me.”
Atlético have now won their last two games, either side of the break, and climb a place to fourth after Athletic Club were held to a goalless draw away to Real Betis on the same day.
Athletic and Betis are now fifth and sixth, respectively, but Real Sociedad stay third after a 2-0 win over Osasuna which featured a goal and an assist from Brais Méndez.
Villarreal are seventh after beating Valencia 2-1 on Saturday, thanks to a late winner from Juan Foyth.
At the bottom, Elche look doomed with four points and Sevilla remain in trouble in 18th following a 1-1 draw away to fellow strugglers Celta Vigo.
(Images from IMAGO)
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