This is a summary of some of the most interesting storylines in La Liga over the past week, covering the good, the bad, and the beautiful.
The Good: Levante Falls in Love Again
Love can come in many forms, and few expected Carlos Espi to become Levante’s springtime hero. At the season’s outset, Karl Etta Eyong was the star, having moved to Villarreal and impressing with his early form, scoring six goals and providing three assists in his first nine appearances. However, since October, Eyong’s contributions have dwindled to a single assist, mirroring Levante’s decline. But then came Espi.
Donning a retro kit, Espi has breathed new life into Levante. While Eyong’s last goal coincided with a period where Levante secured only five points in games without Espi’s involvement, Espi’s season tally reached double figures with a winning header against Getafe on Monday night. Despite not being his most stellar performance, his ability to trouble Getafe’s three sturdy center-backs suggests he possesses genuine talent.
Espi’s scoring record, averaging a goal every 83.5 minutes, offers Levante real hope of survival. His goals have directly contributed to eight of Levante’s 29 points, with seven of those coming in the last six matches. Beyond his scoring streak, the 20-year-old exhibits a captivating style of play that seems to draw defenders in, leaving just enough space for him to shoot. His winning goal against Getafe, for example, saw him glide between two defenders with deceptive agility for a simple header. At 194cm (6’4″), Espi is an aerial threat, and his finishing has been exceptional. He appears to be growing into his powers, developing into an imposing target man, yet there’s a clever striker hidden beneath his imposing physique.
The Bad: A Worrying Routine
Real Betis is on the cusp of a historic season, potentially their finest under Manuel Pellegrini, especially with a Copa del Rey victory already secured. In a season where fifth place might secure a Champions League spot, and with Betis just two games away from the Europa League final, the team’s monotonous play is a significant concern. Apart from sporadic counter-attacks orchestrated by Ez Abde and Antony, who are potent in open space but increasingly frustrated when denied it, Betis is struggling to increase their tempo.
In the first half of the season, Pablo Fornals was instrumental in dictating play and creating attacking opportunities. However, with Giovani Lo Celso and Isco sidelined through injury, Fornals’ ability to provide the necessary midfield clarity has been compromised. This has also impacted Cucho Hernandez, currently Betis’ most incisive forward, who is being asked to carry too much of the attacking burden, with Chimy Avila and Cedric Bakambu offering little support.
Pellegrini’s side has now gone seven La Liga games without a win, following a 1-1 draw with Osasuna. While a focus on their Europa League campaign is understandable, and the Chilean coach has previously acknowledged his squad’s limitations in competing on three fronts, Betis is currently drifting through the latter stages of their domestic campaign. This lack of momentum is allowing Celta Vigo and Real Sociedad to close the gap, now just two and four points behind them respectively. With crucial fixtures against Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Real Sociedad in their remaining seven games, Pellegrini must find a way to revitalise Betis in La Liga, or risk squandering a rare opportunity to return to the Champions League after a two-decade absence.
The Beautiful: An Old Infatuation
La Liga received well-deserved recognition last weekend for its excellent La Liga Retro Weekend. Perhaps even its organizer, Javier Tebas, embodies a duality of good and bad, a thought for Real Madrid and Barcelona fans who were unfortunately deprived of this nostalgic celebration without explanation. Nevertheless, Spain embraced a wave of nostalgia.
The Real Sociedad and Alaves match was a spectacle that perfectly captured the spirit of the retro weekend, reminiscent of 1980s football. Real Sociedad sported thinner stripes with bold numbers, while Alaves wore a striking Boca Juniors-style yellow and blue block design, far too clean for modern aesthetics. Alaves scored twice in a somewhat comical fashion without even shooting, while Real Sociedad launched long-range missiles from 30 yards out.
The sixth goal of the breathless 3-3 Basque derby, a fitting inclusion for this section, was a thing of vintage beauty. Carles Alena initiated the move with a quick pass to Denis Suarez, who was subsequently fouled. Suarez drove inside and laid the ball off to Lucas Boye. In the pouring rain, Toni Martinez was a blur in the background. In the 97th minute, Boye unleashed a thunderous shot into the roof of the net, eschewing a more composed finish. The celebration was equally organic, with Boye mobbed by his drenched and jubilant teammates, rather than seeking the camera.
