Levante and Real Madrid qualify for Europe, Alavés comes out of the red zone

It’s time for recovery in Spain, with the fourteenth day to start the new year. FC Barcelona remains firmly in the lead, and it’s behind them that things have changed this weekend. Levante and Real Madrid strengthened their position on the podium, and widened the gap in the race for the European title. At the bottom of the standings, Alavés is no longer in a relegation position…

At the end of December, Alavés had missed a chance to return to the standings, and was out of the relegation zone, represented by the last two places in the championship. The dynamics were positive for the Basque club, but the defeat against Red Lanterns Alhama briefly delayed Deportivo’s recovery.

The year started off well for Alavés

Regrets washed away in 2023, as Alavés managed to win his first match of the year against Valencia (4-1). Quickly taking the lead in their yard, Deportivo then took control thanks to two goals from Marta San Adrian (29^e and 34^e). A confirmed advantage after returning from the locker room, with a center shot from Cristina Aunon (48^e), then a winning header from Elba Vergés (68^e), to continue the center distilled by Marta San Adrian.

Ten points have been taken by Alavés in the last five games, a take-off that allowed Deportivo to beat Villarreal (15^e) in the provisional classification of La Liga. That Groguetes red, after their heavy defeat against Levante (0-6), although they are only one point behind Alavés (14^e) and Levante Las Planas (13^e).

Meanwhile, Alhama’s red lanterns could not continue on Real Sociedad’s lawn. However, Murcia’s men opened the scoring, through a perfect cross from Marina Marti (16^e). In the second half, Real reversed the trend with two corners. The first went past Alhama keeper Laura Martinez (55^e). The second was taken off the head by Colombia defender from Real, Manuela Vanegas, in the final (82^e).

Levante wants to return to Europe

With their defeat against Levante, Villarreal joined Alhama in the red zone. Levante, on the other hand, emphasized their current form, as did their top scorer, Alba Redondo. The Spanish forward has scored ten goals in his last ten matches, including two on Saturday against Villarreal (16^e and 18^e).

It was the pace that made Alba Redondo the top scorer in La Liga, with 13 goals since the start of the season. With this success, Levante remains in second place in the standings, followed by Real Madrid (3^e), one point behind the Valencia players. However, the roles could quickly be reversed, due to Real Madrid’s last two outings.

More than a duel for a place of honor, the two teams have something in common, which is to widen the gap in the race for the European title. Levante is now five points clear of Atlético de Madrid (4^e), and seven in Madrid SBB (5^e). The latter lost this Sunday against Real Madrid (0-4), in one of the derbies of the Spanish capital.

Upgraded win for Real

Real proved more effective on the lawns of their neighbours, opening the scoring from the first minute of play through Esther Gonzalez. The Madrid forward would add a second from a free kick (38^e), while Real goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez paraded against Racheal Kundananji (20^e) or Karen Araya (24^e).

In the second half, Caroline Weir’s clear shot found the net under Paola Ulloa (53^e), while Maite Oroz sealed Real’s win at the end of the game (84^e). Madrid CFF clearly didn’t have the same success in their chances (57^e67^e or 90+2).

Real Madrid rejected direct opponents for Europe, while Atlético was stuck in the Canary, on the lawns of Granadilla. The result was a draw (1-1), while Madrid benefited from a Marta Cardona corner (27^e). In the second half, Maria José Pérez equalized for Tenerife (69^e), and the island players even looked close to looking for a win at the end of the game.

Barca stay on top of the fray

Levante and Real Madrid have therefore widened the gap, but are still far from the leaders of the Blaugrana. FC Barcelona started 2023 with 13^e victory of the season in La Liga, Saturday night win against Sevilla FC (4-0). Catalunya’s dominance was almost total in this game, and it soon materialized with Asisat Oshoala’s opener (11^e).

The Nigeria international then served up Claudia Pina on the plateau for Barca’s second goal (34^e). The young Spanish striker would have had less success before the interval, seeing his penalty saved by Esther Sullastres’ right post (45 + 2). However, Barça made it clear in the second half, with two goals from Salma Paralluelo (70^e and 84^e), logged in for the last half hour.

The Blaugranas are still seven points ahead of Levante and eight points over Real Madrid. A significant advantage, even if the last matches (two for Real, one for Barça) can change this distance again.

Photo: CF Real Madrid

F League (2022/2023) – Results of 14^e midday

Villarreal CF – Levante UD : 0-6

Deportivo Alaves – Valencia CF: 4-1

True Sociedad – Alhama CF: 2-1

FC Barcelona – Seville FC: 4-0

UD Granadilla Tenerife – Atlético de Madrid: 1-1

Bilbao Athletics – FC Levante Las Planas: 2-0

Sevilla Betis – Sporting Club de Huelva: 0-0

Madrid SBB- RealMadrid : 0-4

=> League F classification can be found on our page dedicated to the Spanish championship