7 intriguing facts that should make you follow LaLiga this gameweek

Benzema and Lewandowski are in battle for the Pichichi

7 intriguing facts that should make you follow LaLiga this gameweek

Faruq Ibrahim 23:27 - 14.04.2023

We take a look at seven key points that spice up the match ups is LaLiga Gameweek 29.

LaLiga returns for Gameweek 29 this weekend after midweek action in Europe saw the league's only two representatives on the continent pick up positive first-leg results. Real Madrid grabbed a victory against Chelsea, while Sevilla drew at Old Trafford.

Barcelona are 13 points clear at the top of the league and are set for their first LaLiga title since the 2018/19 season. However, although the league title looks decided, there is still so much to fight for. 

Atletico could leapfrog Real Madrid this gameweek

Real Madrid were in the title race, and Atletico Madrid had a terrible start to the season that saw them finish last in their Champions League group and were uncharacteristically uninvolved in competing for the league title.

Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring for Atletico Madrid /via Getty.
Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring for Atletico Madrid /via Getty.

However, a string of bad results for Los Blancos and a run of 12 games in which Atletico Madrid have been unbeaten since January, drawing three and winning nine, including each of their last five, have left them only two points away from their local rivals.  

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Real Madrid play first this gameweek in a complicated tie away at Cadiz. If they lose to the Yellow Submarines, who have already beaten them once since their return to the top flight and earned a draw twice, they risk being overtaken on the league table by Atleti, who host Almeria.

Lewandowski v Benzema pichichi race heats up 

The Polish striker looked to be running away with the LaLiga golden boot award with his blistering early season form; however, his pace has since slowed up, and the goals have come occasionally. 

Benzema, on the other hand, seems to have found the rhythm he was lacking at the start of the season, and has reduced the gap to three goals. 

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Closely following Lewandowski's 17 goals and Benzema's 14 are Enes Unal with 13 goals, Iago Aspas, Joselu, Vedat Muriqi, and Borja Iglesias, all on 12.  

The four for two top four spots 

It is increasingly likely that there are now three teams gunning for one spot, with Atletico Madrid's red-hot form having put them six points ahead of the nearest team in the chasing pack. 

However, all four teams—Atleti, Real Betis, Real Sociedad, and Villarreal—were previously in competition for Champions League places, and six points is surmountable with 10 games to go. 

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La Reale are current favourites to land fourth place and are four points ahead of Villarreal and six above Betis; however, the Basque club have shown inconsistencies that cast doubts over their ability to hold on to the spot.  

Villarreal are the most in form following their victory over Real Madrid, while Betis, who were initially predicted to finish in the top four, have dropped off following injuries and suspensions.  

114 

114 red cards have been shown in LaLiga this season, the most in the top five leagues and more than the number dished out in the Premier League, Serie A, and Bundesliga combined.  

READ MORE: Revealed! Meet the richest footballers in the world

5 points 

Only five points separate Sevilla in 13th place on the log and Espanyol in 19th as the relegation battle shapes up for a frenetic end.  

Elche (20th), like Barcelona, look to have their fate sealed; however, two others have to join them, and it could be two of at least seven teams. 

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Strange relegation battle: Valencia v Sevilla 

Valencia and Sevilla are two of the most successful sides in LaLiga in modern history; between them, they have had two Champions League final appearances and seven Europa League titles since the turn of the millennium. 

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Only last season, Sevilla finished fourth and were in the Champions League this season, and during the 2018/19 season, Valencia finished fourth. 

Heading into this gameweek, they are 13th and 18th, respectively, with only five points separating both teams. 

Tight battle for LaLiga assist king 

Much focus is placed on the Pichichi race as LaLiga winds to a close, however, the battle for who finishes the season with the most assists is also as heated.  

Merino ties Antoine Griezmann for most assists in LaLiga this season
Merino ties Antoine Griezmann for most assists in LaLiga this season

Antoine Griezmann and Mikel Merino currently lead the way with eight assists each, but closely behind them are Rodrygo and Lucas Robertone with seven, while Vinicius Junior and Robert Lewandowski sit on six each.

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