La Liga's 2024 season came to a thrilling conclusion on December 21, with the final weekend showcasing some gripping matchups across the league. Key victories for Mallorca, Celta Vigo, and Athletic Club not only capped off the year but also played significant roles in determining the European spots for next season.
The action started with Mallorca’s trip to Getafe, where they secured a narrow 1-0 victory. Despite both teams missing early opportunities, it was Cyle Larin's controversial penalty five minutes after halftime - his third goal in as many games - which turned the tide for the visitors. The spirited effort from Getafe at the end saw Mallorca’s keeper Dominik Greif step up to protect the lead, cementing the away victory and ensuring they ended the year on a high note.
Meanwhile, Celta Vigo continued their resurgence by dominating Real Sociedad with a convincing 2-0 win. The standout performer was Pablo Duran, who scored twice, first firing from distance to net his first La Liga goal before doubling the tally right before the halftime whistle. Despite La Real's attempts to fight back and even having one goal disallowed due to VAR, Celta showcased resilience and was clearly on form heading out of the season.
Closing out the weekend was Athletic Club, who fought hard for their 2-1 victory over Osasuna, concluding 2024 on the back of a remarkable 14-game unbeaten streak. Though they fell behind early to Lucas Torro's goal, the Basque side stemmed the tide with Gorka Guruzeta equalizing with a header. The decisive moment came from substitute Alex Berenguer, who scored the late winner. Coach Valverde expressed joy over the team's performance, acknowledging the challenges of securing away wins but reinforcing the importance of this match to cap off the year successfully.
“We are delighted to end the year well,” Valverde reflected on his team’s performance. “It was a game we had to fight hard. We know how difficult it is to win here, and this victory means a lot. Guruzeta is continuing his strong performance, and we’re really pleased with the dynamics he’s bringing.”
Looking forward, Athletic Club aims for success across all competitions, as Valverde reiterated, “Our objective remains the same - we want to combine our efforts across the competitions, but the winter break is approaching, and we need some time to recuperate before jumping back on the pitch.”
With the 2024 season wrapped up, teams are now left to reflect on their journeys and prepare for the challenges of the next campaign. For Mallorca, Celta Vigo, and Athletic Club, not only do they celebrate the successes of the final weekend, but they also look toward European aspirations fueled by their current form.
