LaLiga Matchday 19: A Disappointing Round Marked by Injuries and Underperformance

Matchday 19 of LaLiga proved to be disappointing, marked by an abundance of injuries and a general decline in performance across the board. On La Pizarra de Quintana, hosted by Radio MARCA, analysts assessed a matchday characterized predominantly by setbacks, a lack of quality play, and only a few isolated moments that prevented a complete sense of gloom. Excluding the earlier matches—Barça vs. Atlético and Athletic vs. Real Madrid—the focus was on eight games, leading to a shared sentiment among commentators: “this matchday was a letdown.”

The most painful aspect of the matchday was undoubtedly the injuries. Javi Puado made a comeback with Espanyol, only to suffer a cruciate ligament tear just four minutes into the game. “It’s truly unfortunate and incredibly frustrating,” was the on-air commentary. Similarly, Rubén Vargas of Sevilla managed only eight minutes on the pitch after a month and a half away, resulting in two brief returns that hit both teams hard.

Sevilla’s match against Celta at the Sánchez-Pizjuán was completely ineffective, showcasing a lot of possession but yielding only seven attempts and a mere 0.27 in expected goals. “Generating so little at home is concerning,” remarked the analysts. The psychological decline of Sevilla continues to be evident.

On the other hand, the worst visiting team in the first half of the season lost again to Girona. Just two points separate them from El Sadar, amplifying feelings of inconsistency. “It’s not just about the result; it’s challenging to watch a complete game from them,” reflected commentators regarding the red-and-black side.

In Valencia, errors atypical of a central defender expected to play a crucial role raised eyebrows. “You’re always at a disadvantage when you concede like that,” was the remark made. While the context is challenging, individual performances are becoming increasingly worrisome.

From what could have been the goal of the match to another injury that will sideline a player for three weeks, there was an ironic twist: “He could have even been sent off.” The Betis side will deeply miss this player.

With three consecutive draws, the feeling of slight improvement hasn’t translated into tangible results. “We can’t survive on mere feelings anymore,” was the overarching sentiment. The team shows promise but desperately needs wins.

On a more positive note, there are signs of progress. With fewer mistakes, enhanced solidity, and clear signs of improvement, the general consensus is: “They are where they need to be,” although caution is advised in celebrating too soon.

Rayo made a comeback with a victory, showcasing their key player. “If there’s one important goal this season, it will be scored by him,” analysts concluded. In their latest match against RCD Mallorca, Álvaro García assisted De Frutos for their first goal, demonstrating pure leadership.

A dramatic goal in the 95:40 minute marked the latest score for Real Sociedad this century—a goal that shifts dynamics and heals recent wounds.

Amidst a rather lackluster matchday, two stunning goals emerged, encapsulating three minutes of chaotic brilliance in an otherwise gray day: “like a canteen of water in a desert.”

The second half saw outstanding performances and a clear leader in Moleiro, who made a difference on the field. Marcelino summarized it well: “He is very self-demanding, collaborative, and provides us with tremendous output.” It’s indisputable that he was one of the best players of the matchday.