As part of the club’s environmental sustainability programme, they have launched a project that is pioneering in Spain and that makes seats entirely from recycled fishing nets for use at the Benito Villamarín. The pilot project has been promoted by the club together with Gravity Wave and Reale Seguros and the aim is to fill a large part of the stadium with these types of seats in the near future.
Real Betis have taken another step towards environmental sustainability by launching a pioneering project. The club, through its Forever Green Foundation and in collaboration with Gravity Wave and Reale Seguros, have promoted the creation and installation of the first seats at the Estadio Benito Villamarín made 100% from fishing nets recovered from Spanish seas and ports.
“Taking care of our seas and oceans was an issue that we had pending since the start of our environmental programme,” stated Rafael Muela, the director of the Real Betis Foundation. He pointed out that around 12 million tonnes of plastic are dumped into the seas and oceans every year, with most of this waste being fishing nets and fishing gear.
With this in mind, Gravity Wave, one of Forever Green’s partners, proposed this new initiative. As Muela explaned: “Having partnered with our environmental sustainability platform, they proposed this idea to us and it seemed that the ideal moment to launch it was at the Forever Green match. Revaluing waste to obtain quality products shows how a better future is possible, and these seats that we have just launched are a great example.”
Making the most of football’s platform to provide inspiration
This challenge is undoubtedly another step towards environmental sustainability. The club’s plan with this project is for a large section of the stadium to soon use this type of seat and to “serve as an inspiration” for other football clubs to also make 100% recycled seats by rescuing waste from the sea. The foundation director added: “We have to take advantage of football’s platform and position as a loudspeaker, to make the whole world aware of the importance of caring for the environment.”
For Real Betis, it is essential that the club’s sponsors and collaborating companies also have a social commitment and are aligned with the Forever Green programme. They stated: “We’re proud to be able to carry out this unique project alongside our sponsor Reale Seguros, our Forever Green partner Gravity Wave and the Plastic Free Oceans movement.”
This project, with the world’s first seats that are 100% made from fishing nets, is a pilot test, but the aim is to expand this pioneering development and to soon equip a larger section of the Benito Villamarín Stadium with these seats. In addition, Muela revealed: “We will soon unveil goal nets which will also be made from fishing nets rescued from the bottom of the sea, an action that we are carrying out together with Finetwork, our main sponsor.”
Sustainable initiatives at the club facilities
Beyond this, the club added that, in the coming weeks, they will also have ozonised water cleaning systems for disinfecting and cleaning their facilities, as well as for laundry and clothing care, eliminating the use of chemical products. Meanwhile, osmosis water fountains have been installed for consumption at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol and at the Benito Villamarín offices.
In addition, Real Betis will also install water savers for taps, with this being an effective solution that reduces the water flow, allowing a saving of 40% water compared to usual. This is thanks to Eco Advance, Forever Green’s new partner.
Furthermore, the toilet cisterns are all fitted with flushers to minimise water use and a system of dry urinals for matchdays is in the process of being implemented. In addition, Real Betis have had LED lighting in place throughout the Benito Villamarín for years to save energy. That philosophy is being replicated at the new Ciudad Deportiva, which will have a large water reuse system.
Since the launch of Forever Green, which has been featured at major international events such as the Climate Summit, the World Sports Tourism Congress, Kosmos Sports Summit and World Football Summit, the club has implemented eco criteria when it comes to the selection of suppliers. “Many of our collaborating companies have been applying sustainability criteria in their processes thanks to Forever Green,” Muela added.
Sustainable mobility for the club’s employees and fans is also essential for achieving an environmentally friendly Estadio Benito Villamarín. For this reason, the club has a fleet of electric scooters for its employees and promotes the use of sustainable transport among its fans by offering discount codes.
In addition to applying all the aforementioned sustainable criteria at the club facilities, Real Betis have also launched a multitude of public projects over the last two and a half years. On this, Muela said: “Forever Green, since being launched, has already had more than 100 actions, reached 75 countries, incorporated 60 organisations, companies and clubs, and reached 195 media outlets around the world.”
Thanks to all the work carried out so far, the club has managed to save 3,500 tonnes of CO2, which is equivalent to 21,500 trees planted. As the Real Betis Foundation director concluded: “Among all the actions, those that stand out are the cleaning of natural environments, the measurement, reduction and compensation of our carbon footprint over the last three seasons and the creation of a corps of volunteers who are trained in environmental aspects.
What has been going on in LaLiga this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from Granada CF and UD Las Palmas’ promotions to Real Sociedad’s Champions League qualification.
There were so many decisive matches in LaLiga Santander this past week, while the final matchday of the LaLiga SmartBank season also produced drama and saw Granada CF and UD Las Palmas secure promotion to the top division. Here’s all you need to know.
Granada CF and UD Las Palmas are back in LaLiga Santander
Both Granada CF and UD Las Palmas will be playing at LaLiga Santander level in 2023/24, as the Andalusians and Canary Islanders achieved automatic promotion on the final day of this year’s LaLiga SmartBank season. Granada CF have achieved an immediate bounce back promotion and come up as champions, while UD Las Palmas secured second place and their first campaign in the top flight since 2018.
RCD Espanyol have been relegated
On Sunday, it was mathematically confirmed that one of the teams going down to take Granada CF and UD Las Palmas’ spots in the second tier will be RCD Espanyol. The Catalan side conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2 at Valencia CF in Matchday 37 and that means they join Elche CF in having their fate sealed before the final round.
Real Valladolid enter the final day inside the relegation zone
The third and final place in the relegation zone has still to be decided and six teams could yet go down. Real Valladolid will enter the final round in 18th on 39 points, but they still have a good chance of surviving given that 17th-placed RC Celta are on 40 points, 16th-placed UD Almería are on 40 points, 15th-placed Valencia CF are on 41 points, 14th-placed Getafe CF are on 41 points and 13th-placed Cádiz CF are on 41 points.
Real Sociedad are back in the Champions League
The results of Matchday 37 were also decisive in the race for Europe and Real Sociedad have now booked their ticket to next season’s Champions League. The Basque side are back in the top UEFA competition for the first time in a decade, an achievement Imanol Alguacil and his players can be very proud of.
Five teams will compete for one Conference League berth
Behind Real Sociedad, it has been confirmed that Villarreal CF will finish fifth and Real Betis will finish sixth, with these spots granting access to the Europa League group stages. However, the race for seventh, which brings a ticket to the Conference League, remains wide open. Five teams still have a chance and are separated by just one point, as the table currently has: CA Osasuna in 7th with 50 points, Athletic Club in 8th with 50 points, Girona FC in 9th with 49 points, Rayo Vallecano in 10th with 49 points and Sevilla FC in 11th with 49 points.
Andoni Iraola wins his final match in Vallecas
Rayo Vallecano coach Andoni Iraola confirmed that he won’t stay on as the head coach in Vallecas past this summer, as he looks for a new challenge. The 40-year-old has made a tremendous impact at the club, leading them to promotion and then achieving survival in both his LaLiga Santander campaigns. They could even still qualify for Europe, after defeating Villarreal CF 2-1 in his final home game.
Jordi Alba leaves FC Barcelona as a legend
Jordi Alba announced this past week that he will depart FC Barcelona at the end of this season, after 11 seasons at the Catalan club in which he won 18 titles. The left-back had his last home game for the team on Sunday, in a 3-0 victory over RCD Mallorca, and received a standing ovation when substituted off in the second half. It was also the last game at the Spotify Camp Nou for the departing captain Sergio Busquets, who similarly received an ovation from the crowd.
Enes Ünal begins a lengthy recovery
There was, unfortunately, a serious injury in Spanish football this past week, as Getafe CF’s Enes Ünal has injured his ACL in his right knee. The Turkish striker, who had scored 14 goals this LaLiga Santander season, will be out for most of the rest of 2023. “Life works in mysterious ways,” he wrote on his social media. “I’m staying positive and see this as just another challenge on my journey.”
Óscar de Marcos is staying in Bilbao
He may have just turned 34, but Óscar de Marcos remains one of the most important players in the Athletic Club squad and the right-back has agreed to continue in Bilbao for another season, having signed a contract extension this past week that’ll run to 2024.
The LaLiga SmartBank playoffs are set
While Granada CF and UD Las Palmas have already secured automatic promotion to the top tier, the LaLiga SmartBank playoffs will take place over the coming weeks to work out who’ll join them. Levante UD and Albacete Balompié will meet over two legs in one semi-final, while the other will be a Basque derby between Deportivo Alavés and SD Eibar. Both semi-final first legs will take place on Saturday, June 3rd.
The penultimate matchday of the 2022/23 LaLiga Santander season is here and it will be an extra special round of action given that there is still so much to play for, particularly in the tight relegation battle where six of the contenders for the drop face off amongst each other. These relegation six-pointers will take place during a unified kick-off time of 19:00 CEST on Sunday evening, when the standings will shift back and forth as the goals fly in across the peninsula.
In Matchday 37, there will also be a strong anti-racism initiative at all of these stadiums. Following the disturbing scenes at Mestalla last weekend, hundreds of thousands of anti-racism flyers will be handed out to fans across all LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank fixtures this weekend, reiterating LaLiga’s zero-tolerance position on the issue and outlining all the ways in which they can report any racist behaviour they may see both inside and outside stadiums.
The very first match of Matchday 37 is Sevilla FC vs Real Madrid on Saturday at 7pm CEST and these two teams played out a thrilling duel earlier in the season, which Real Madrid ultimately won 3-1, but Sevilla FC will look to take the victory this time in order to head off to the Europa League final with extra confidence.
On Sunday, drama is guaranteed during the unified kick-off time, especially in the ever so tight LaLiga Santander relegation battle. Heading into this penultimate round, there are seven teams who still aren’t mathematically safe and they are: Valencia CF on 40 points, RC Celta on 40 points, UD Almería on 39 points, Getafe CF on 38 points, Cádiz CF on 38 points, Real Valladolid on 38 points and RCD Espanyol on 35 points. Incredibly, six of these sides face off amongst each other.
Although 19th-placed RCD Espanyol are a little further adrift, Los Pericos believe a great escape is still possible given that they produced a miracle comeback on Wednesday night. They trailed in-form Atlético de Madrid 3-0, but fought back to draw 3-3 and take a point. Now, they visit Valencia CF on Sunday, which is a huge direct duel for two of the teams involved in this relegation scrap.
Currently, Real Valladolid are in the final relegation spot of 18th, but Paulo Pezzolano’s squad are also full of confidence after defeating champions FC Barcelona 3-1 in midweek. They too take part in a relegation six-pointer on Sunday, as they’ll visit UD Almería, who the Pucela could leapfrog in the standings with a win.
It’s Cádiz CF who are 17th, the final safe spot, but they’re level on points with Real Valladolid and can’t afford any slip-ups. Los Amarillos will be hosting RC Celta and they can also leapfrog their Matchday 37 opponents if they achieve victory, so both these sides will be giving their all.
Getafe CF are the only club in the relegation battle who won’t face a fellow contender for the drop. They’ll instead host Europe-chasing CA Osasuna at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez and José Bordalás’ side will hope home advantage can lead them to another much-needed victory.
As well as the relegation battle, there is also the race for European football to consider and two key games will be taking place in Madrid at the same time. Villarreal CF will travel to Vallecas to face Rayo Vallecano aware that they still have a chance of Champions League qualification. El Submarino Amarillo trail Real Sociedad by five points, but La Real have a tough assignment of their own in the capital as they visit Atlético de Madrid.
A little further down the table, there is a thrilling contest to catch the seventh and final European spot, currently occupied by CA Osasuna. Athletic Club believe they can return to UEFA competition this season and they’ll aim to take a big step towards this objective when they welcome already-relegated Elche CF to Bilbao. Meanwhile, Girona FC, who have never been in Europe before, will take on Real Betis hoping to keep their chances alive.
Another game that will be special, but for a very different reason, is FC Barcelona vs RCD Mallorca. This will be the final game at the Spotify Camp Nou for the departing Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba and they’ll hope to enjoy one more victory in front of the Barça faithful. That will be an emotional moment, taking place at the same time as the spectacle of the European race and relegation battle unfolds.
The forward has scored eight goals and provided two assists across his last six games, keeping Villarreal CF’s Champions League hopes alive.
The end to this LaLiga Santander season is proving to be very exciting, with tight battles to qualify for Europe and to avoid relegation, with many stars turning up for their teams. One player who stands out above the rest is Nicolas Jackson. The 21-year-old forward, who was born in The Gambia and who plays for Senegal, has taken the competition by storm in the last few rounds, scoring eight goals and assisting twice in his past six games. His incredible explosion of form, which started at the end of April and has carried through all of May, has helped Villarreal CF to qualify for Europe once more and even maintain hope of qualifying for the Champions League.
Over these past six games, five of which were victories for Los Amarillos, Jackson has shown his full attacking arsenal. He has used his power, produced pacey runs, demonstrated excellent positioning in the box and unleashed some clinical finishing, as he has scored his eight goals from just 11 shots on target. In the one match from the past six when he didn’t score, against Girona FC, he provided the assists for both of his team’s goals, to Yeremy Pino and Gerard Moreno. He has undoubtedly been the key man for Quique Setién’s side in the final stretch of the season.
RCD Espanyol, RC Celta (two goals), Valencia CF, Athletic Club (two goals) and Cádiz CF (two goals) have been the victims of Jackson’s scoring streak, with the forward truly stepping up at the end of what has been his first season in the Villarreal CF first team. While he made eight LaLiga Santander appearances last campaign too, he was still a B team player at the time.
Nicolas Jackson’s goalscoring explosion
Nicolas Jackson’s story is a special one. Until just a few years ago, he hadn’t played for any club and had only played football in the street in Senegal, as he himself explained in an interview with MARCA, stating: “I had always played football in the street, from a very young age. My father didn’t want me to play, because he knew that it was very difficult to make it as a professional. But, I was very stubborn and dedicated myself 100%. I left school to dedicate myself to football and, a year later, I was already playing in the first division and shortly after that Villarreal CF found me.”
Only a few years have passed between his transition to top-level football in Senegal and his recent scoring streak. In this time, the Villarreal CF forward has not stopped growing and improving. His physicality and attacking ability have impressed Setién, who was clear from the moment he arrived at Villarreal CF that Jackson was a player he could count on. The coach explained: “We already knew of Jackson’s potential, even though an injury meant he missed two months and couldn’t show it. He allows you to generate space and create play in the centre and he can finish spectacularly.”
His season has been one to remember, including his call-up to the Senegal squad for the Qatar World Cup, where he played 16 minutes in a group stage match against the Netherlands. That first call-up to the national team came before this goalscoring explosion, one that has made him a reference for the future of African football.
Granada CF, UD Las Palmas, Deportivo Alavés and Levante UD enter the final matchday knowing that they each have a chance of automatic promotion, but also knowing that they could finish up outside of the top two.
The most thrilling title race in European football right now is in LaLiga SmartBank, Spain’s second division. With one matchday to go, the top four teams are separated by just three points. Granada CF, UD Las Palmas, Deportivo Alavés and Levante UD enter the final matchday knowing that they each have a chance of automatic promotion, but also knowing that they could finish up outside of the top two places. Making Matchday 42 even more interesting is the direct duel between UD Las Palmas and Deportivo Alavés.
Below, we take a look at the various contenders, from leaders Granada CF to fourth-placed Levante UD.
Granada CF (1st, 72 points)
After suffering relegation down from LaLiga Santander last season, Granada CF are close to a quick return. A 3-1 victory over CD Mirandés in Matchday 41 means Granada CF are top of the table with just one matchday remaining. They have by far the best home record this campaign and if they defeat CD Leganés at the Nuevo Estadio de Los Cármenes in Matchday 42 then they will be crowned champions and return to LaLiga Santander. A draw would also be enough for the Andalusian side to clinch promotion.
Remaining fixture: CD Leganés (H)
UD Las Palmas (2nd, 71 points)
UD Las Palmas lost the lead of LaLiga SmartBank in Matchday 40, when they drew with Villarreal B, but they remain in the automatic promotion places. Over the course of this season, the team from the Canary Islands were top of the table for 16 rounds, the most of any club in the division. If they win their direct duel with Deportivo Alavés they will be assured of promotion, while a draw will be enough to go up too, so long as Levante UD don’t beat Real Oviedo by six goals.
Remaining fixture: Deportivo Alavés (H)
Deportivo Alavés (3rd, 70 points)
Deportivo Alavés are chasing a bounce-back promotion, aiming to return straight to LaLiga Santander after being relegated 12 months ago. Even though they enter Matchday 42 in third place, their fate is in their own hands as they will visit second-placed UD Las Palmas. A win on the island would earn the Basque side promotion.
Remaining fixture: UD Las Palmas (A)
Levante UD (4th, 69 points)
Currently on 69 points, just two off automatic promotion, are Levante UD, who are aiming for an immediate return to LaLiga Santander after last year’s relegation. With talents like Jorge de Frutos, Rúben Vezo, Roberto Soldado, Vicente Iborra and José Campaña, the team from Valencia has a lot of top-flight experience in a squad that has gotten better the longer the season has gone on. They need the teams above them to drop points in Matchday 42 to have a chance, but anything is possible in this crazy LaLiga SmartBank season.
Spanish law permits LaLiga only to identify and report incidents, but not sanction. LaLiga feels powerless given the lack of sanctions that often result from its reporting.
LaLiga is to request more sanctioning powers, with the aim of being more agile and effective in the fight against violence, racism, xenophobia, and intolerance in sport, where LaLiga has been leading the identification and reporting of such behaviour in football stadiums for years, but the organization feels powerless when observing how its reporting ends.
Despite its relentless fight against violence and racism to the full extent of its powers (which are currently, according to Spanish law, limited to identifying and reporting events), LaLiga feels tremendous frustration at the lack of sanctions and convictions handed out by the sports disciplinary bodies, public administrations and jurisdictional bodies to which it reports.
Faced with this serious situation, in the coming days LaLiga will formally request the amendment of Law 19/2007 of July 11, against violence, racism, xenophobia and intolerance in sport and Law 39/2022 of December 30, on sport.
The purpose of the proposal is to request that LaLiga have the ability to exercise disciplinary authority over incidents of this type which occur in LaLiga matches; for LaLiga’s disciplinary bodies to be able to sanction them, among other things, with the total or partial closure of stadiums, banning fans who are identified as instigators of such incidents, and the imposition of financial penalties, without prejudice to the adoption of provisional or precautionary measures that may be appropriate, depending on the nature and seriousness of the incidents.
As LaLiga has repeated in recent days, the organisation has been leading the fight against violence, racism and intolerance on football pitches, both inside and outside the stadium, identifying such behaviour through its Match Directors, security officers and television cameras, and subsequently reporting it to the relevant bodies.
LaLiga’s legal action
Every week, LaLiga submits a letter to the RFEF’s (Royal Spanish Football Federation) Competition Committee, and the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport highlighting any chants that occur at football matches that incite violence or contain insulting or intolerant content.
In addition, when insults are identified that could be classified as a hate crime, LaLiga also reports them to the Hate Prosecutor’s Office. However, LaLiga has long observed with frustration the way in which these reports are dismissed before they even reach the courts, or how hate prosecutors in each region do not have a uniform criterion when it comes to classifying these acts.
The reasons for the dismissal of these reports made by LaLiga are often surprising and perplexing:
“… from an examination of the defendant’s social media accounts, it appears that the defendant is not a person who intends to incite racism, or that the gestures made were intended to achieve that end…”
“… the perpetrators have not been identified” by the police authorities.
“… the expression and sounds uttered, which are undoubtedly typical of foul and despicable attitudes, as well as being offensive and absolutely reprehensible, do not initially appear, in this case, to involve the public criminal dimension that is being claimed…”
“… are unpleasant, inappropriate and disrespectful, since they were made in context of a football match with a huge rivalry, together with other derogatory or derisive references to that sporting competition, and in addition to their nature, they were not repeated beyond the two acts described above and lasted only a few seconds…”
That is why, some time ago, LaLiga decided to go one step further in its legal strategy and go directly to the courts. However, giving LaLiga greater sanctioning capacity would be an effective tool to boost the fight against racism in sport.
Summary of the cases reported and the judicial status of these cases
Iñaki Williams in Barcelona: January 25, 2020, during RCD Espanyol de Barcelona vs Athletic Club held at the RCDE Stadium. In the 69th minute of the match, while Iñaki Williams was leaving the pitch, several fans shouted racist abuse.
Currently, both LaLiga and the Public Prosecutor’s Office have already filed their indictments against the person responsible, with LaLiga requesting a two-year prison sentence, a 12-month fine, special disqualification from engaging in any profession related to sport for more than 10 years, and a stadium ban for a period of more than five years in addition to the prison sentence imposed, with Court of Instruction No.2 of Cornellá de Llobregat having already issued an order for the opening of the oral trial.
We are now waiting for the trial date to be set.
Vinicius Jr in Barcelona, October 24, 2021: In the case of Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr, LaLiga filed a report with the Hate Prosecutor’s Office in Barcelona for the abuse he received during ElClasico at Camp Nou on October 24, 2021. LaLiga was notified by the Public Prosecutor’s Office that the complaint had been dismissed ” given that the authorities were unable to identify the perpetrators of the acts.”
Vinicius Jr in Mallorca, March 14, 2022: LaLiga filed a complaint with the Balearic Hate Prosecutor’s Office for racist abuse against the player during the RCD Mallorca vs Real Madrid match on March 14, 2022 at the Estadio de Son Moix. In this case, the reason for the Prosecutor’s Office’s dismissal of the case was because “the expression and sounds uttered, undoubtedly typical of foul and despicable attitudes, as well as being offensive and absolutely reprehensible, do not initially appear to have, in this case, the public criminal dimension that is being claimed.”
Nico Williams in Seville, March 13, 2022: Meanwhile, Nico Williams, brother of Iñaki and also an Athletic Club player, received racist abuse on March 13, 2022 at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, during the Real Betis vs Athletic Club match, which was also reported by LaLiga. This case was also closed by the Seville Hate Prosecutor’s Office because “despite not having made a statement, from an examination of the defendant’s social media accounts, it appears that the defendant is not a person who intends to incite racism, or that the gestures made were intended to achieve this end. The consideration of criminal justice as a last resort leads us to consider that, despite their incorrectness, they do not go beyond the line of criminal offence.”
Carlos Akapo in Granada, February 28, 2022: LaLiga acted in the same way in the case of Carlos Akapo, then a Cádiz CF player, who also suffered racist abuse at the Estadio de los Cármenes during the match against Granada CF on February 28, 2022. Granada CF identified the fan, who also voluntarily turned himself in to the police.
As a result of LaLiga’s report, the Hate Crime Prosecutor’s Office filed a complaint with the Granada Court of Instruction. At present, the person responsible for the insults has already testified before the Court of Instruction No.2 of Granada, and in the near future Akapo will also testify.
Vinicius Jr in Madrid, September 18, 2022: Racist abuse was also reported against Vinicius Jr on September 18, 2022 inside and outside the Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano, before and during Atlético de Madrid vs Real Madrid. The case was closed by the Hate Prosecutor’s Office because “there is no concrete act to be attributed to a specific person and once the insults of a racist nature have been contextualised, they do not constitute a crime against the dignity of the person concerned under Article 510.2 a) of the Criminal Code. And this on the basis that they are unpleasant, inappropriate, and disrespectful, since they were made on the occasion of an extremely heated football match, with other derogatory or insulting references to the sporting competition, together with the fact that they were not repeated beyond the two acts described above and lasted only a few seconds”.
Vinicius Jr in Valladolid, December 30, 2022: In the case of insults directed at Vinicius Jr. in Real Valladolid’s home stadium, LaLiga filed a complaint with the Anti-Violence Commission, the RFEF’s Competition Committee and before the Court of Instruction No.4 of Valladolid. Criminal proceedings have been opened after a number of perpetrators were identified. Real Valladolid opened proceedings against the 11 people identified in accordance with the application of its internal rules. At a legal level, LaLiga is a party to the proceedings as a prosecutor, and various court orders have currently been issued.
Vinicius Jr in Madrid, January 26, 2023. In this case, a banner and effigy of the player appeared on the Valdebebas bridge in Madrid prior to the Real Madrid vs Atlético de Madrid Copa del Rey match: LaLiga filed a complaint with the Court of Instruction No.28 of Madrid. The judiciary is working to identify those responsible, and the case has been declared confidential by the examining Court of Instruction.
Vinicius Jr in Mallorca, February 5, 2023: Complaint filed following the abuse of Vinicius Jr by a fan in the stands at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix. Admitted for processing and opening of proceedings by the Court of Instruction No.3 of Palma de Mallorca.
The proposed sanction of the State Anti-Violence Commission is a fine of 4,000 euros and a 12-month ban on access to sports venues.
After identifying LaLiga and RCD Mallorca the perpetrator of the racist insults against Vinicius Jr in Mallorca (the same person responsible for racist abuse in Mallorca – Villarreal match against Samuel Chukwueze on February 18), a new report has been filed in the Courts of Instruction of Palma de Mallorca. RCD Mallorca has banned the identified supporters.
On April 4, 2023 Vinicius Jr testified in court, following a report by LaLiga.
Vinicius Jr in Pamplona, February 18, 2023: LaLiga reports racist chants against Vinicius in the stands of CA Osasuna’s home stadium to the Courts of Instruction of Pamplona in order to identify the perpetrator. The complaint was brought before the Court of Instruction No.4, which has ordered various investigative measures.
Samuel Chukwueze in Mallorca, February 18, 2023: LaLiga files report after identifying the perpetrator of racist insults against Samuel Chukwueze (Feb 18th, 2023) and Vinicius Jr (Feb 5, 2023). At the request of LaLiga, the Court has deferred to the Court of Instruction No.3 of Mallorca, which is investigating the facts relating to the player Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius Jr in Seville, March 5, 2023: Real Betis vs Real Madrid match. LaLiga files a report with the Courts of Instruction in Seville following the detection of racist abuse against Vinicius Jr in one of the stands of the stadium. The report has been lodged with the Court of Instruction No.15 of Seville.
Vinicius Jr in Barcelona, March 19, 2023: FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid. LaLiga files a report with the Courts of Instruction of Barcelona for racist insults against Vinicius Jr at the Camp Nou. The report was lodged with the Court of Instruction No.13 of Barcelona. At the court’s request, LaLiga has since filed a further report and lodged bail in order to be able to prosecute the case.
The antepenultimate round of the 2022/23 LaLiga Santander season is a midweek one, and there is something at stake in every single one of the 10 Matchday 36 fixtures. Whether it’s the battle to avoid relegation or the race to qualify for Europe, every game taking place across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday is a hugely significant one for at least one of the teams involved, and in most cases for both.
The midweek round commences on Tuesday when two fixtures take place simultaneously at 19:30 CEST: RC Celta vs Girona FC and Real Sociedad vs UD Almería. These are both duels between one team dreaming of European football and one team worried about the threat of relegation. RC Celta and UD Almería are the relegation-threatened sides as they’re currently on 39 points each, only four more than 18th-placed Real Valladolid. With Girona FC dreaming of a first ever European qualification and with Real Sociedad close to securing a top four finish, there really is a lot at stake across these two games.
Later on Tuesday night, champions FC Barcelona will look to bounce back from their Saturday night home loss to Real Sociedad. Although Barça have already lifted the LaLiga Santander trophy, Xavi Hernández wants his team to finish the season strong and they’ll visit a Real Valladolid side who are currently inside the bottom three and staring into the abyss. The Pucela have lost five in a row, but anything can happen in LaLiga Santander.
There are five total fixtures on Wednesday and three of them take place at the same time at 19:30 CEST, with Villarreal CF vs Cádiz CF, Elche CF vs Sevilla FC and Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano. Considering each one of these three fixtures features a team chasing European qualification, the standings could shift around a lot over the space of those two hours. Cádiz CF will also be giving their all when they visit Villarreal CF for a battle of Los Amarillos, but for a very different reason given that the Andalusian side are desperate to pull even further away from the relegation zone.
There are two more games later on Wednesday night, one of which is Real Betis vs Getafe CF. Although new Geta coach José Bordalás has some bad memories of facing Los Verdiblancos, having lost last season’s Copa del Rey final to Manuel Pellegrini when at Valencia CF, it should be kept in mind that his record against Real Betis from his previous stint as Getafe CF boss was very impressive. Bordalás won four, drew two and lost two of the Real Betis vs Getafe CF duels he was involved in, and knows another point or three would be most welcome right now.
The other later kick-off on Wednesday night is RCD Espanyol vs Atlético de Madrid. With the home side currently in 19th place, they need victories and will have to give their all against Diego Simeone’s charges. A Sergi Darder goal earned Los Pericos a 1-1 draw against Atleti in Spain’s capital earlier in the season, so there is reason for optimism for supporters of the Catalan club.
On Thursday, all eyes will be on RCD Mallorca vs Valencia CF when it kicks off. Los Che saw how their former player Kang-in Lee scored a late winner at Mestalla when RCD Mallorca won the previous meeting between these sides 2-1, so they’ll hope for a better result when they make the short trip across the Mediterranean Sea to face Los Bermellones. Even though RCD Mallorca are already mathematically safe, Valencia CF are not and will play with purpose from the first minute to the last.
The final fixture of Matchday 36 is especially intriguing, as CA Osasuna will host Athletic Club for a head-to-head duel with a Conference League ticket on the line. The team from Pamplona know that a victory would move them ahead of the Basques in the LaLiga Santander standings, while Athletic Club will want revenge for their Copa del Rey semi-final heartbreak at the hands of Los Rojillos. It’s always competitive and intense when these two clubs meet, and it should be as thrilling as ever given that European qualification is on the line.
What has been going on in LaLiga this past week? Here are 10 of the top stories, from Sevilla FC reaching another Europa League final to the ‘Team Of The Season’ announcement.
Not only were there several important results in Matchday 35 of LaLiga Santander, but this past week also saw Sevilla FC reach another Europa League final. Off the pitch, there were also contract renewals and the retirement announcement of one of Spanish football’s top 21st century strikers. All of that and more is outlined here.
Sevilla FC reach another Europa League final
Having lifted the Europa League trophy six times already, Sevilla FC have a beautiful love story with this continental competition and the Spanish side are back into another final. After drawing 2-2 with Juventus over 180 minutes of their semi-final, a header from Erik Lamela in extra time proved to be the winner on Thursday night at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. José Luis Mendilibar’s side will now face Roma in the final in Budapest on May 31st.
The spoils are shared in El Gran Derbi
Just three days after the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán hosted that special European semi-final, the Sevilla FC fans packed the stadium once again for El Gran Derbi. This is always a special event in the city of Seville and a fascinating duel was played out between Sevilla FC and Real Betis, one which ultimately ended 0-0 to give each side a valuable point.
FC Barcelona have their trophy
After clinching the 2022/23 LaLiga Santander title away from home in Matchday 34, FC Barcelona then received the trophy following their Matchday 35 fixture at home to Real Sociedad. Even though La Real earned an impressive 2-1 win, it was a night for the fans at the Spotify Camp Nou to celebrate Xavi’s squad of champions. The Blaugrana fans also lined the streets of the Catalan capital for an open-top bus parade to celebrate the league titles of both the men’s and women’s teams.
Valencia CF’s youngsters are firing the team towards safety
Valencia CF now have a five-point cushion to the relegation zone, and this is largely down to the youngsters that coach Rubén Baraja has promoted from the academy. After 21-year-old Alberto Marí scored the winner away at RC Celta in Matchday 34, fellow 21-year-old Diego López then scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in Matchday 35.
Javi Guerra earns a new contract at Valencia CF
Another of the youngsters who has been making an impact for Valencia CF is 20-year-old Javi Guerra, who scored a winning goal against Real Valladolid in April. The young midfielder has been rewarded for his performances with a new contract, one which runs until 2027.
Juanpe is staying on with Girona
Another player who penned a contract renewal this past week is Juanpe, the centre-back who has been at Girona FC since 2016. He is one of the captains at the club and was delighted to sign a new deal to continue his career at the Estadi Montilivi, renewing this past week until 2024.
The European and relegation battles will go down to the wire
There are just three LaLiga Santander matchdays remaining and the race to finish in the European positions is so tight, along with the relegation battle. Athletic Club currently hold seventh place, the final UEFA ticket, but Girona FC and Sevilla FC are just two points behind while CA Osasuna are only three points off the Basques. At the other end, RCD Espanyol, on 34 points, and Real Valladolid, on 35 points, are inside the relegation zone, but Getafe CF in 17th place are also on 35 points. It’s so tight.
Fernando Llorente announces his retirement
Former Athletic Club, Sevilla FC and SD Eibar striker Fernando Llorente announced his retirement this past week, as he is hanging up his boots at the age of 38. The 2010 World Cup winner was a dominant presence in the penalty area over his 285 LaLiga Santander appearances, scoring 88 goals.
The ‘Team Of The Season’ selections are revealed
The 15 selections who have made up the LaLiga and EA SPORTSTM ‘Team Of The Season’wereannounced this past week, and they are: Marc-André ter Stegen; Alejandro Balde, Éder Militão, Jules Koundé, Nahuel Molina, David García; Luka Modrić, Pedri, Fede Valverde, Mikel Merino, Gabri Veiga; Antoine Griezmann, Robert Lewandowski, Vini Jr and Karim Benzema.
Four teams have a shot of automatic promotion on LaLiga SmartBank’s last matchday
There is just one matchday remaining in LaLiga SmartBank, Spanish football’s second division, and Granada CF, UD Las Palmas, Deportivo Alavés and Levante UD all enter the final day aware that they have a chance of securing automatic promotion but also knowing that they could still finish outside the top two. Making next weekend’s Matchday 42 especially fascinating is the fact that UD Las Palmas and Deportivo Alavés face off against each other.
With three rounds of matches left and FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid set in stone to qualify for Europe, here’s a round-up of the other teams fighting it out to join them, from fourth-placed Real Sociedad down to 11th-placed Rayo Vallecano.
Real Sociedad (4th, 65 points)
After the top three of FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid, the team currently occupying the final Champions League spot is Real Sociedad. Under the coaching of Imanol Alguacil, La Real have come close to reaching the Champions League on a few occasions over the past few years. Returning to Europe’s top competition, which the Basque side last participated in in 2013/14, has become an objective for the club and they currently hold a comfortable advantage over Villarreal CF, thanks to the recent good performances of the likes of David Silva, Takefusa Kubo, Mikel Merino, Alexander Sørloth and others.
Remaining fixtures: UD Almería (H), Atlético de Madrid (A), Sevilla FC (H)
Villarreal CF (5th, 60 points)
At Villarreal CF, nobody is giving up hope of making a return to the Champions League. Even though there is a five-point gap, Villarreal CF often finish seasons well and still believe that they could make a return to the Champions League, a competition they reached the semi-finals of in 2021/22. Even if Quique Setién’s men don’t end up catching La Real for fourth, fifth place brings direct passage to the Europa League group stages and that too is a success for this club from a city of 50,000 people.
Remaining fixtures: Cádiz CF (H), Rayo Vallecano (A), Atlético de Madrid (H)
Real Betis (6th, 56 points)
Real Betis have never before qualified for European football in three consecutive seasons, but that’s very much on the cards this campaign. Los Verdiblancos currently hold a Europa League group stage ticket as they sit in sixth place. Thanks to their recent wins over Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano and their draw in El Gran Derbi, Manuel Pellegrini’s men have opened up a sizable gap. That’s very impressive considering the team lost star midfielder Nabil Fekir to a season-ending injury in February.
Athletic Club are no strangers to European football, however the Basques haven’t had to look out their passports since 2018. With Ernesto Valverde back at the helm this season, Los Leones want to qualify for Europe again and the dynamic football of brothers Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams means that they have a chance. Their victory over RC Celta in the most recent matchday means that they currently possess the final European ticket.
Remaining fixtures: CA Osasuna (A), Elche CF (H), Real Madrid (A)
Girona FC (8th, 48 points)
Girona FC have fallen out of the top seven, but they still have a chance of making history. The Catalan club have never before qualified for Europe, but they’re only two points behind the final European ticket. After winning promotion through the LaLiga SmartBank playoffs last season, Míchel’s side have been playing some thrilling football this term, and they’re currently the fourth-top scorers in the division with 55 goals scored from 35 matches.
Remaining fixtures: RC Celta (A), Real Betis (H), CA Osasuna (A)
Sevilla FC (9th, 48 points)
Just a few weeks ago, Sevilla FC were more concerned about the threat of relegation than about the possibility of finishing in the European positions. But their results have improved significantly under new coach José Luis Mendilibar and Los Rojiblancos could finish inside the top seven.
Remaining fixtures: Elche CF (A), Real Madrid (H), Real Sociedad (A)
CA Osasuna (10th, 47 points)
CA Osasuna are very much in with a chance of qualifying for Europe for the first time in a decade and a half. There is optimism in Pamplona despite the current gap of three points, because they still face some of their direct rivals – Athletic Club and Girona FC both still have to visit El Sadar. The direct duel of CA Osasuna vs Athletic Club this midweek could be decisive.
Remaining fixtures: Athletic Club (H), Getafe CF (A), Girona FC (H)
Rayo Vallecano (11th, 46 points)
Another team that believes European qualification is still possible is Rayo Vallecano. The team from the capital city have been in Europe once before, in the 2000/01 UEFA Cup, and they’re aiming for a return this year. Even though the capital city side are now four points behind, coach Andoni Iraola has insisted that his team will fight to the end.
Remaining fixtures: Real Madrid (A), Villarreal CF (H), RCD Mallorca (A)
In light of the incidents that occurred during the Valencia CF – Real Madrid CF match at the Estadio de Mestalla on May 21, LaLiga has requested all available images in order to investigate what took place. Once the investigation has been completed, if any hate crime is identified, LaLiga will take the appropriate legal action.
LaLiga will also investigate footage of racist insults allegedly directed at Vinicius Jr. from outside the Estadio de Mestalla.
LaLiga said it has been proactive in the face of all racist incidents against Real Madrid CF player Vinicius Jr. Accordingly, LaLiga has filed reports on nine occasions in the last two seasons with the RFEF Competition Committee, the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport, the Hate Prosecutor’s Office, and the Courts regarding the following incidents:
FC Barcelona – Real Madrid CF: October 24, 2021.
RCD Mallorca – Real Madrid CF: March 14, 2022.
Atlético de Madrid – Real Madrid: September 18 2022.
Real Valladolid – Real Madrid CF: December 30, 2022.
The “Banner in Valdebebas” incident prior to the Real Madrid CF – Atlético de Madrid Copa del Rey match: January 26, 2023.
RCD Mallorca – Real Madrid: February 5, 2023.
CA Osasuna – Real Madrid CF: February 18, 2023.
Real Betis – Real Madrid: March 5, 2023.
FC Barcelona – Real Madrid: March 19, 2023.
LaLiga added that in order to speed up the identification of any person or group of people who engage in racist behaviour inside or outside any stadium, it has set up an email address StopRacismo@laliga.es so that fans can contact it and provide the necessary information to help file the relevant reports.