An inverse semi-final, two exits

A round-up of a few of La Liga’s most intriguing storylines throughout the week, traversing by means of the nice, the dangerous and one thing stunning.

The Good: The inverse semi-final

This part could possibly be referred to as ‘How you can have a good time a semi-final loss by Barcelona’ and ‘How you can have a good time a 3-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid’. The second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, through which Barcelona fell in need of a comeback towards Atletico, was utterly inside out from begin to end. All season, the Blaugrana have been plagued with doubts, furrowed brows and optimism that felt optimistic, barely too constructive even when issues had been going properly.

For the primary time on Tuesday evening, Barcelona followers had been enraptured by their peformance. This time, the defending was aggressive, the press really did suffocate Atletico, and Joan Garcia’s clear sheet was not an opportunity statistic however a product of their efficiency. ‘Enjoying like this, we’ll win issues’ was the message repeated again and again – look, proof we are able to play like this. And but by the identical token, they fell brief. The introduction of Ronald Araujo up entrance regarded a little bit absurd with 20 minutes to go, however what if it was a inform from Hansi Flick? For this technique to work in large video games, it must be worthwhile, and with each Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres out of shape, the ceiling is decrease than final season. Regardless of Araujo’s measurement, the presence within the field was lacking.

Alternatively, there was Atletico Madrid, delighted, ecstatic, of their first Copa del Rey last for 13 years. When it was best to crumble, within the last 20 minutes, Atletico had been at their most strong. Sturdy and decided, unselfish and crucially, keen to endure. ‘That is Atletico, we’re destined to endure’ stated Simeone. Lately, they’ve struggled to embrace that aspect of the sport.

🚨 Raphinha: “I go away happy with the crew, we wished the ultimate and we deserved it after right now’s match, however respect to Atlético Madrid who’ve completed very properly. It isn’t simple, we may have completed higher within the first leg, but when we play like we did right now we’ll have a spectacular finish to… pic.twitter.com/VvV2XKF9dt

— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 3, 2026

Similtaneously it’s important to unload the salt-shaker onto Barcelona’s efficiency, caveating it with the 4-0 defeat from the primary leg, how a lot can we reward a 3-0 defeat? Simeone claimed his aspect went out to assault, however couldn’t – which isn’t precisely a superb omen. Mamed by accidents, Barcelona ran out of fuel, however Atletico had been an accident away from one of many nice collapses. This, admittedly, is a nonsense dialog in the event you’re headed to Seville.

🇦🇷🔴⚪️ Diego Simeone: “We’re Atlético de Madrid. We’re destined to endure.” pic.twitter.com/UJ95zRhKXU

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) March 4, 2026

What is an efficient omen, is that at any time when Simeone appears to wish it most, he comes up with the products. Their 2018 Europa League victory got here as his first nice iteration of Atletico was disintegrating. Arguably Simeone has by no means been below extra stress than at first of the 2020-21 title season, with a misfiring Joao Felix. In 2023, Atletico went 11 months with simply 4 defeats in La Liga. Atletico lie 13 factors off the piece, and simply when the narrative was beginning to flip once more…

The Dangerous: Effectively I suppose that is goodbye

On the face of it, there may be nothing particularly uncommon concerning the sixteenth and 18th-placed sides in La Liga altering managers with 12 video games to go. Persevering with the theme of peculiarity, RCD Mallorca and Deportivo Alaves should not going by means of the same old motions or feelings of managerial upheaval. Los Bermellones dismissed Jagoba Arrasate after simply over 18 months, and past their league place, it was a manifestation of the sensation that one thing simply wasn’t clicking. In that sense, the feelings are outwardly unanimous; a sorrow {that a} venture containing so many good components and intentions has failed.

Extra regarding for Mallorca is that Sergi Darder admitted after their 1-0 defeat to Actual Sociedad on Saturday that the crew had been ‘nonetheless in mourning’ after Arrasate’s exit. Even when issues weren’t going properly, if Arrasate nonetheless had the respect of the dressing room, it makes the work of Martin Demichelis that a lot more durable. “I’ll solely enable the injured to hold their heads; I need to see everybody else with their spirits excessive,” was his message on arrival. Imposing a method is difficult, imposing an environment, will want keen co-conspirators.

‘This crew has soul, it’s not a damaged crew’ stated Quique Sanchez Flores on his presentation as Alaves supervisor. Put higher, reminded. Chacho Coudet left on Tuesday evening and on Wednesday was introduced as River Plate’s new supervisor, presumably with some very offended kids. “I’ve 4 kids, and I can swear on all 4 of them that nobody from River Plate has contacted me or my agent,” Coudet stated final Thursday.

That was simply earlier than Alaves misplaced 2-0 to Levante, however Sanchez Flores was proper: there may be nothing outwardly mistaken with Los Babazorros, who battle exhausting, and benefit from the discomfort of others. Sanchez Flores is about as protected a pair of arms as Alaves may have discovered, however the danger of fixing a working method stays, with only a three-point headstart on Mallorca. Two unusual farewells, that sit a little bit comfortably.

The Lovely: Simply as Jose Bordalas deliberate it

A primary win for Getafe on the Bernabeu in 18 years, a second of their historical past, their 1-0 win over Actual Madrid was simply as Jose Bordalas deliberate it. Effectively, largely. A part of the existential disaster Getafe have invoked for his or her posh neighbours is a results of simply how droll they had been made to look. Actual Madrid merely didn’t have any solutions. Alvaro Arbeloa shouldn’t blame himself – knocking off Actual Madrid means Bordalas has actually completed this to each crew within the division. Actual Madrid’s finest likelihood of the sport got here from a mistake in possession, their subsequent finest alternatives had been crosses to the far put up, however at each flip, swap of play or shot, there was a Getafe defender of their face.

Martín Satriano and a historic aim for @GetafeCF. 😮

LALIGAHighlights | RealMadridGetafe pic.twitter.com/0vQnmcG0XO

— LALIGA (@LaLiga) March 4, 2026

After all, most stunning of all, was Martin Satriano’s winner. A volley so candy it decreased its maker to tears afterwards. Most retailers will inform you that Antonio Rudiger ought to have cleared the ball additional, Aurelien Tchouameni ought to have reacted sooner. Bordalas will inform you that Luis Milla fed the ball extensive to Juan Iglesias, that Luis Vazquez was within the field, ocuppying the defence whereas Satriano was free, and that Mauro Arambarri was in excellent place to latch onto the unfastened ball. Everybody within the actual proper place. And the remainder, properly, that was soccer at its stunning finest.

> Actual lends Endrick to OL> OL can subsequently do with out Satriano> Satriano indicators for Getafe on mortgage> Getafe faces Actual> Satriano scores the one aim> Actual’s defeat 😭 pic.twitter.com/kAhe4Y65y2

— Bennnzz 🎂 (@Bennnzz) March 3, 2026