2021-22 La Liga week nine recap
The 2021-22 La Liga season resumes with rousing action after the international break, with a former powerhouse finding themselves recovering form.
Barcelona back on track
FC Barcelona lorded over Valencia CF, 3-1, to get out of the slump they suffered from two weeks back. Ansu Fati, Memphis, and Philippe Coutinho scored for the Blaugrana, responding to José Gayà, who found the back of the net in the early parts of the match.
The last time Barça were on the pitch, they were humiliated by Benfica at the UEFA Champions League and Atlético Madrid at La Liga four days apart.
Four clubs record clean sheets
Real Sociedad had to hurdle the challenge of playing a man down for the entirety of the second half against Mallorca to scrape a 1-0 scoreline.
Julen Lobete converted at the 90th minute for La Real despite having only ten players on the pitch after Aihen Muñoz was sent off just before the halftime whistle.
Meanwhile, Rafa Mir provided the only goal in Sevilla’s 1-0 conquest of Celta Vigo, finding the target nine minutes into the second half.
Over at the Mendizorrotza, Borja Iglesias handed visiting club Real Betis the full three points with a clincher with a minute left in regulation time, overcoming Deportivo Alavés, 1-0.
Finally, Espanyol blanked Cádiz CF, 2-0. Raúl de Tomás scored once again, putting one in a shade past the 45th minute to have the home side head to the lockers with the advantage. Nico Melamed doubled the count 20 minutes into the second half to seal the deal.