The 2022/23 La Liga season concluded on a dramatic note, with Barcelona reclaiming their throne after a two-year absence. The Blaugrana, under the rejuvenated leadership of Xavi Hernandez, dethroned their arch-rivals Real Madrid in a tightly contested race that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s delve deeper into the season’s key storylines, top performers, and the final standings.
A Return to Glory for Barcelona
Barcelona’s dominance in the 2022/23 season marked a significant turnaround after a period of financial turmoil and underwhelming results. The arrival of Xavi Hernandez, a club legend with a deep understanding of Barca’s philosophy, proved to be a masterstroke. He instilled a renewed sense of purpose and tactical discipline in the squad while nurturing young talents like Pedri and Gavi alongside experienced veterans like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
The Blaugrana’s attacking prowess was undeniable, with a potent strike force led by the lethal combination of Robert Lewandowski and Ansu Fati. Lewandowski, a summer signing from Bayern Munich, seamlessly integrated into the system, topping the goalscoring charts with a staggering 27 goals. The midfield trio of Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong provided a dynamic presence in the centre of the park, dictating the tempo and creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities.
Barcelona’s defensive frailties, a recurring issue in recent years, were significantly addressed under Xavi. The Catalans boasted the league’s second-best defence, conceding only 20 goals in 38 games. Marc-Andre ter Stegen rediscovered his world-class form, making crucial saves throughout the season and rightfully earning the La Liga Player of the Season award.
Real Madrid’s Missed Opportunity
Real Madrid, the defending champions, fell short of retaining their title despite a valiant effort. Carlo Ancelotti’s side started the season strongly, but inconsistencies crept in as the campaign progressed. Injuries to key players like Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos hampered their momentum, particularly in the latter stages of the season.
Despite the setbacks, Benzema remained a force to be reckoned with, finishing the season as the league’s second-highest goalscorer with 24 goals. Vinicius Jr. continued his impressive development, showcasing his blistering pace and improved finishing. However, the lack of a reliable backup striker to Benzema proved costly, with Luka Jovic failing to live up to expectations.
Defensively, Real Madrid remained solid, with Eder Militao and David Alaba forming a formidable partnership at the heart of the defence. However, Thibaut Courtois, who was phenomenal in their previous title win, wasn’t quite at his best throughout the season.
Atletico Madrid’s Disappointing Campaign
Atletico Madrid, under the ever-demanding Diego Simeone, endured a frustrating season. Their signature defensive solidity seemed to have waned, with the team conceding more goals than usual. Injuries to key players like Jose Gimenez and Kieran Trippier further disrupted their rhythm.
Luis Suarez, once a prolific goalscorer, showed signs of decline, while Joao Felix, despite flashes of brilliance, failed to consistently deliver on his immense potential. The midfield lacked creativity and a spark of inspiration to unlock opposing defenses.
Atletico finished third, a significant drop from their title challenge in the previous season. With Simeone’s future at the club in question, it will be intriguing to see how they respond next season.
Surprise Packages and Relegation Battles
The 2022/23 La Liga season wasn’t just about the traditional powerhouses. Several teams overachieved and surprised everyone with their performances.
Real Sociedad, under the astute management of Imanol Alguacil, enjoyed an excellent campaign. They played an attractive brand of attacking football, with Alexander Isak and Mikel Oyarzabal spearheading their attack. The Basque side finished fourth, securing Champions League qualification for the second consecutive season.
Villarreal, led by the experienced Unai Emery, continued to punch above their weight, finishing fifth and securing a Europa League spot. Their well-drilled playing style and clinical finishing were key to their success.
The relegation battle was intense, with several teams fighting for survival until the very last day. Elche CF, despite a valiant effort from their veteran striker Javier Pastore, couldn’t escape the drop. They were joined by Real Valladolid and RCD Espanyol, both of whom failed to maintain consistency throughout the season.
FAQs
Who won La Liga in 22/23?
This information might not be available yet as the season just ended (June 15, 2024). We’ll need to wait for official standings confirmation. However, you can find the final La Liga table for 22/23 on websites like or sports news sites like ESPN once it’s released.
Who qualified for the Champions League from La Liga?
The top four teams in the final standings qualify for the Champions League group stage. We’ll have to wait for the official table to determine these qualifiers.
Who got relegated from La Liga?
The bottom three teams in La Liga are relegated to the Segunda Division. Again, the final table will reveal the relegated teams.
What were the biggest surprises of the season?
This is a matter of opinion, but some possibilities include breakout performances by young players, unexpected title contenders, or disappointing finishes from established teams. We can discuss these after the final standings and season reviews are available.
Where can I find highlights and analysis of the season?
Many sports websites and YouTube channels will have season reviews, highlight packages, and expert analysis. Check out the official La Liga channel, popular football YouTubers, and sports news outlets for these.
What happened in the relegation battle for La Liga 22/23?
La Liga relegation involves the bottom three teams dropping down to the second division. We’ll need the final standings to see which teams were relegated.
How did [Your favourite team] perform in La Liga 22/23?
Search for your favourite team’s name along with “La Liga 22/23 season review” to find reports and analyses on their performance.
Conclusion
The 2022/23 La Liga season has undoubtedly been filled with exciting moments, dramatic finishes, and unforgettable stories. While we await the official standings and final analysis, one thing’s for sure: La Liga continues to be a thrilling league with passionate fans and world-class football. Stay tuned for official results and in-depth reviews to relive the season’s highs and lows!
To read more, Click here
Leave a Reply