The best of LaLiga: Dani Alves, as ‘kid’, and Benzema surpasses 300 goals

What happened in LaLiga this week? Here are 10 of the biggest stories, from Benzema’s 300th goal at Real Madrid to Dani Alves’ return with FC Barcelona.

Real Madrid and Sevilla FC have both achieved victories in LaLiga, the Copa del Rey has been played during the week and more signings have been closed in January. Here’s a look at all those headlines and more.

1. Benzema exceeds 300 goals

Karim Benzema scored his 300th and 301st goals for Real Madrid on Saturday night, leading Los Blancos to a 4-1 win over Valencia CF. Vini Jr. scored the other two goals for the league leader, who remains in a dominant position at the top of the LaLiga Santander standings.

2. Sevilla closely follows Madrid

Sevilla FC remains in second place in LaLiga. The Andalusian team beat Getafe CF 1-0 this Sunday with a goal from Rafa Mir. Julen Lopetegui’s men are five points behind Real Madrid and one game less.

3. Levante’s first victory

Twenty-ranked Levante UD added their first three points of the 2021/22 season thanks to Roberto Soldado and José Luis Morales winning at home against RCD Mallorca (2-0). Aitor Fernández was also key in the victory, by stopping a penalty, giving the Granotas the chance to fight for permanence. Now they are six points from salvation and dream of a great comeback.

4. Correa celebrates his new contract with a great goal

This has been a great week for Ángel Correa, who signed the renewal of his contract with Atlético de Madrid until 2026 and celebrated it with a goal from the midfield against Villarreal. His shot from long range reached 49.9 meters, making it one of the most sensational goals of the season so far.

5.- Oihan Sancet’s first triplet

By scoring all three goals in Athletic Club’s victory over CA Osasuna (3-1) last Monday, Oihan Sancet made history. The 21-year-old became the youngest Athletic Club player to score a treble in the 21st century. In addition, he is the sixth player to score a treble in the First Division this season, after Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Choco Lozano, Juanmi and Jorge Molina.

6. Dani Alves’ first game in LaLiga in 2,065 days

Dani Alves, FC Barcelona’s winter signing, has returned to Spanish football. Five years, seven months and 25 days after playing for Barça in the 3-0 victory at Granada, the Brazilian right-back played his first LaLiga game on Saturday, giving an assist in the goal. of the Blaugrana in the tie to one. It was his 423rd match in the Spanish First Division, and he hopes to add many more in the coming months.

7. Reinforcements for Alavés

Following the hiring of a new coach last week, veteran José Luis Mendilibar, Alavés has strengthened their chances of permanence this week with two signings. They are Jason, from Valencia CF, and Gonzalo Escalante, from Lazio. Both players started the team’s 0-0 draw against Athletic Club last Sunday.

8. Álex Collado leaves on loan to Granada CF

Álex Collado left on loan from FC Barcelona to Granada CF this week and, curiously, made his new club debut against his home club in the 1-1 draw between the two teams. The 22-year-old winger entered the final 22 minutes and will now try to help Robert Moreno’s team climb the table.

9. 13 teams still dream of the Copa del Rey

The Copa del Rey had action in the middle of the week and 13 of the 16 LaLiga teams that participated in it went on to the next phase of the competition. Three of them will face lower-level rivals in the round of 16, while the other 10 have been divided into five exciting clashes, including the derby between Real Betis and Sevilla FC.

10. The first trophy of the season arrives

Four of the most historic clubs in LaLiga will fight in the coming days for the first trophy of the Spanish football season, as the 2021/22 Super Cup is about to be played. FC Barcelona and Real Madrid will meet in one semi-final on Wednesday, while Atlético de Madrid will face Athletic Club in the other on Thursday. The winners will face each other on Sunday.