Matchweek 20 of La Liga’s 2023-24 season saw only seven games, with some fixtures being rescheduled due to the Supercopa de Espana. The likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona didn’t feature in the matchweek but it wasn’t short of action regardless.
Surprised La Liga title challengers Girona, top four competitors Athletic Club, and struggling Sevilla were all in action in Matchweek 20. Six of the seven fixtures at least saw one goal, with two fixtures witnessing five goals each.
Let’s take a look at some key moments from La Liga Matchweek 20:
Girona drop points in a major boost for Real Madrid
Girona have come out as surprise title contenders in La Liga this season. After 20 games, they sit atop the standings, a point above Real Madrid, having played one more game than Los Blancos.
Girona have lost just one league game this season, winning 14. They played out a goalless draw against bottom-placed Almeria at the Power Horse Stadium in their Matchweek 20 fixture.
The hosts had 20 attempts on goal, with three being on target while the visitors could only manage five attempts, with one being on target. Girona were also dealt a huge blow as midfielder Aleix Garcia received a straight red card in the 80th minute.
Also Read: La Liga Top Scorer: Players With Most Goals After Match Week 20
Sevilla’s struggles continue this season; Cadiz lose as well
Sevilla have struggled immensely this season and find themselves perilously close to the relegation zone in the La Liga table. They are just a point above 18th-placed Cadiz.
Quique Sanchez Flores’ side hosted Deportivo Alaves in Matchweek 20. They found themselves 2-0 down at the end of the first half due to goals from Nauel Tenaglia (26’) and Kike Garcia (40’).
Sevilla bounced back via Rafa Mir (70’) and Lucas Ocampos (p, 82’) to restore parity. However, they were dealt a body blow as Ruben Duarte scored for Alaves in the 90th minute to secure the win for the visitors.
Sevilla remained just outside the relegation zone as Cadiz also lost 4-1 at home against Valencia.
Athletic Club gain prominence in UCL race
Athletic Club won their fifth La Liga game in a row as they beat Real Sociedad 2-1 at the San Mames Barria Stadium. Alex Berengues scored a brace in the first half (30’, 42’) for the hosts. Mikel Oyarzabal got one back for Sociedad in the 88th minute but Athletic held onto their lead.
Ernesto Valverde’s side are now third in La Liga table, eight points behind leaders Girona and three above fifth-placed Atletico Madrid, who have a game in hand.
Also Read: LaLiga Standings and Table After Matchweek 20
Real Betis break winless streak
Real Betis broke a run of six games without a win across competitions as they beat Granada 1-0 at the Benito Villamarin Stadium. They completely dominated the game and were arguably unlucky to score just one. The winning goal, however, came from veteran midfielder Isco in the 76th minute.
Real Betis moved into seventh place in the La Liga table, a point behind Real Sociedad in sixth.