The LaLiga 2020-21 season has been full of surprises. While both the giants Real Madrid and Barcelona started the league on a sluggish note before picking up pace, the likes of Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad, Villareal, Sevilla among others have flourished to leave the football fans hooked to their screens. &nbsp;

While it hasn’t been the easiest of the season when it comes to organising or even playing matches behind closed doors amid the COVID-19 pandemic, LaLiga has come out on top to produce some great football.&nbsp;

Former Real Madrid midfielder and La Liga ambassador, Fernando Hierro on Wednesday admitted that it has been a complicated season when it comes to playing or watching football as he said, as a footballer, it was always about the electric atmosphere in the Spanish club or during European competitions. The former Spanish international further lauded the quality of the Spanish top-flight as he said that the quality of players and clubs this season have made the LaLiga more exciting to watch as a fan of the game.&nbsp;

When asked for his perspective as a former player about how he looks at the table, which is pretty tight in the middle and bottom, Hierro said he has been left surprised to see Valencia (16th) sitting so low in the table while adding that the competition in the league has grown. As a former Valladolid player, Hierro wished his former club hit form soon.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-on-form-a-new-american-star-and-bayern-beaten-talking-points-from-around-europe-356099" hreflang="en">Messi on form, a new American star and Bayern beaten: Talking points from around Europe</a>

“I am surprised. Valencia have got great players. There are teams bottom of the table who are changing coaches. Huesca, Osasuna, Alaves...Valladolid, I played there for two years with Ronaldo as the chairman. The teams are pretty equal and I think we will have to wait for the end of the season to know who the relegated teams are, it is that tight. La Liga has been very competitive this season. I am very surprised Valencia are so low in the table,” Fernando Hierro, LaLiga ambassador and a legend of the game said answered WION’s query during a media interaction.&nbsp;

“I was lucky to have watched the last Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid as a LaLiga ambassador. It is difficult for the fans and local clubs to play matches in front of empty stands. It's very complicated. You know it is a special year with lots of matches lined up and this season, the teams are quite equal. What's important is for the players is to not get injured and COVID-19 has affected a lot. It is a difficult year for players, trainers and all involved in the football industry. I think LaLiga and the clubs are putting a lot of efforts to make sure the season goes without any major problems,” the former Spanish international further said. &nbsp;

<img alt="Fernando Hierro" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c74b98fb-1799-42e6-85c8-776d142b1cdd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Hierro1.JPG" />

Hierro further heaped praise on Real Sociedad, who have touched new heights under the management of Alguacil Imanol and new signing David Silva. &nbsp;

“Real Sociedad have surprised me the most because there are many lively players. I like Sevilla a lot too. Villareal started off well. Real Madrid and Barcelona are always there. Of course, they started a bit low and it is difficult with all the competitions in Champions League and Super Cup. Villareal is another team. Atletico Madrid are consistent and that is why they are four points clear in the top of the table,” the former Real Madrid midfielder with 601 appearances for Los Merengues said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lionel-messi-gerd-muller-pele-players-with-most-goals-scored-for-one-club-351886" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi, Gerd Müller, Pele: Players with most goals scored for one club</a>

However, with the January transfer window going on and summer transfer window approaching, the biggest question among the football fans remain whether Lionel Messi will sign a new contract with Barcelona or not. Even the future of Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos is hanging in balance. When asked if Messi and Ramos’ departure will have an impact on LaLiga, Hierro cited the examples of Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo as he said the structure and competitive nature of the league make LaLiga a worldwide spectacle. &nbsp;

“Messi came in as a young Argentian player. But clubs go through a lot of rebuilding. Barcelona are going to have presidential elections now and I think, Messi's next move will depend on who the next Barcelona president is and club's project. It is a special case of Messi and even Sergio Ramos for that instance. They represent two of the best clubs in the world. The likes of Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo left as well but the structure and competitive nature of La Liga are above individual players. The El Clasicos, derbies - it is a worldwide spectacle more than just individuals. But having said that, I would want both Messi and Ramos to continue in LaLiga,” Hierro said.&nbsp;

With game week 19 of LaLiga set to start from January 19, fans can watch all matches of LaLiga on Facebook Watch as the second phase of the league awaits.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

The LaLiga 2020-21 season has been full of surprises. While both the giants Real Madrid and Barcelona started the league on a sluggish note before picking up pace, the likes of Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad, Villareal, Sevilla among others have flourished to leave the football fans hooked to their screens.

The LaLiga 2020-21 season has been full of surprises. While both the giants Real Madrid and Barcelona started the league on a sluggish note before picking up pace, the likes of Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad, Villareal, Sevilla among others have flourished to leave the football fans hooked to their screens. While it hasn’t been the easiest of the season when it comes to organising or even playing matches behind closed doors amid the COVID-19 pandemic, LaLiga has come out on top to produce some great football. Former Real Madrid midfielder and La Liga ambassador, Fernando Hierro on Wednesday admitted that it has been a complicated season when it comes to playing or watching football as he said, as a footballer, it was always about the electric atmosphere in the Spanish club or during European competitions. The former Spanish international further lauded the quality of the Spanish top-flight as he said that the quality of players and clubs this season have made the LaLiga more exciting to watch as a fan of the game. When asked for his perspective as a former player about how he looks at the table, which is pretty tight in the middle and bottom, Hierro said he has been left surprised to see Valencia (16th) sitting so low in the table while adding that the competition in the league has grown. As a former Valladolid player, Hierro wished his former club hit form soon. ALSO READ: Messi on form, a new American star and Bayern beaten: Talking points from around Europe “I am surprised. Valencia have got great players. There are teams bottom of the table who are changing coaches. Huesca, Osasuna, Alaves...Valladolid, I played there for two years with Ronaldo as the chairman. The teams are pretty equal and I think we will have to wait for the end of the season to know who the relegated teams are, it is that tight. La Liga has been very competitive this season. I am very surprised Valencia are so low in the table,” Fernando Hierro, LaLiga ambassador and a legend of the game said answered WION’s query during a media interaction. “I was lucky to have watched the last Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid as a LaLiga ambassador. It is difficult for the fans and local clubs to play matches in front of empty stands. It's very complicated. You know it is a special year with lots of matches lined up and this season, the teams are quite equal. What's important is for the players is to not get injured and COVID-19 has affected a lot. It is a difficult year for players, trainers and all involved in the football industry. I think LaLiga and the clubs are putting a lot of efforts to make sure the season goes without any major problems,” the former Spanish international further said. Hierro further heaped praise on Real Sociedad, who have touched new heights under the management of Alguacil Imanol and new signing David Silva. “Real Sociedad have surprised me the most because there are many lively players. I like Sevilla a lot too. Villareal started off well. Real Madrid and Barcelona are always there. Of course, they started a bit low and it is difficult with all the competitions in Champions League and Super Cup. Villareal is another team. Atletico Madrid are consistent and that is why they are four points clear in the top of the table,” the former Real Madrid midfielder with 601 appearances for Los Merengues said. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi, Gerd Müller, Pele: Players with most goals scored for one club However, with the January transfer window going on and summer transfer window approaching, the biggest question among the football fans remain whether Lionel Messi will sign a new contract with Barcelona or not. Even the future of Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos is hanging in balance. When asked if Messi and Ramos’ departure will have an impact on LaLiga, Hierro cited the examples of Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo as he said the structure and competitive nature of the league make LaLiga a worldwide spectacle. “Messi came in as a young Argentian player. But clubs go through a lot of rebuilding. Barcelona are going to have presidential elections now and I think, Messi's next move will depend on who the next Barcelona president is and club's project. It is a special case of Messi and even Sergio Ramos for that instance. They represent two of the best clubs in the world. The likes of Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo left as well but the structure and competitive nature of La Liga are above individual players. The El Clasicos, derbies - it is a worldwide spectacle more than just individuals. But having said that, I would want both Messi and Ramos to continue in LaLiga,” Hierro said. With game week 19 of LaLiga set to start from January 19, fans can watch all matches of LaLiga on Facebook Watch as the second phase of the league awaits.

'LaLiga is beyond individuals': Fernando Hierro on Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos contract situation

Real Madrid coach Zinedine&nbsp;Zidane&nbsp;said his side will not rest until they are declared champions after title rivals Barcelona handed them the opportunity to go four points clear at the top of La Liga if they beat Getafe on Thursday.

Real will be targeting a sixth consecutive victory since the COVID-19 hiatus when they host Getafe, looking to capitalise on Barca's 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, which was the Catalans' third draw in six matches.

"The reality is we have 18 points left to fight for and you cannot say anything until you are champions mathematically,"&nbsp;Zidane&nbsp;told a virtual news conference on Wednesday.

"I have been in this situation as a player before and I know we still haven't won anything. The players and I are not about to forget that."

Real have a full squad for the Getafe game although there is concern about the recent performances of Eden Hazard, who has received rough treatment from opponents since returning from a serious ankle injury he sustained in February.

Zidane&nbsp;said he hoped players were not trying to target the Belgian.

"We know how good he is and so do our rivals. But I hope they are not trying to cause him damage. Our opponents play tough, but we have to be relaxed about that," he said.

"Eden has struggled because he has been away from the pitch for a long time and we have to be patient with him, but he'll be back to top form in no time at all."

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said his side will not rest until they are declared champions after title rivals Barcelona handed them the opportunity to go four points clear at the top of La Liga if they beat Getafe on Thursday.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said his side will not rest until they are declared champions after title rivals Barcelona handed them the opportunity to go four points clear at the top of La Liga if they beat Getafe on Thursday. Real will be targeting a sixth consecutive victory since the COVID-19 hiatus when they host Getafe, looking to capitalise on Barca's 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, which was the Catalans' third draw in six matches. "The reality is we have 18 points left to fight for and you cannot say anything until you are champions mathematically," Zidane told a virtual news conference on Wednesday. "I have been in this situation as a player before and I know we still haven't won anything. The players and I are not about to forget that." Real have a full squad for the Getafe game although there is concern about the recent performances of Eden Hazard, who has received rough treatment from opponents since returning from a serious ankle injury he sustained in February. Zidane said he hoped players were not trying to target the Belgian. "We know how good he is and so do our rivals. But I hope they are not trying to cause him damage. Our opponents play tough, but we have to be relaxed about that," he said. "Eden has struggled because he has been away from the pitch for a long time and we have to be patient with him, but he'll be back to top form in no time at all."

Real Madrid not about to get complacent after Barcelona slip-ups: Zinedine Zidane

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema produced an audacious back-heeled assist for Casemiro to score as they beat Espanyol 1-0 away on Sunday to capitalise on Barcelona’s slip-up a day earlier and move two points clear at the top of La Liga.

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro slid to the ground to guide the ball home on the stroke of halftime after being played in by a stroke of genius from Benzema, who dragged the ball through the legs of his marker Bernardo Espinosa to find his team mate.

Casemiro ran straight to Frenchman Benzema to thank him for the pass and dedicated the goal to him.

“The goal belongs to Karim. We’re used to the quality he brings to his play and I had to celebrate it with him because it was all down to him,” Casemiro said.

“We know how good he is and that’s why I called for the ball as I knew he would lay the ball off to me.”

Coach Zinedine Zidane added: “I’m not surprised by what Karim did at all, he is a player who keeps inventing things on the pitch and his control and backheel was super. It might be the best piece of play of the season.”

Real’s players embraced each other when the final whistle arrived to signal a fifth consecutive victory which took them top on 71 points after 32 games. Barca, who were held to a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo on Saturday, are second on 69.

Espanyol, playing their first game under caretaker Francisco Rufete after he became their fourth manager of a troubling campaign, remain rooted to the bottom on 24 points.

Casemiro was Real’s most dangerous player and nearly opened the scoring early on with a wild shot from his own half which forced Espanyol goalkeeper Diego Lopez to scramble back towards his line and push the ball away.

Casemiro then somehow missed the target with a header when he appeared unmarked from close range, but he soon made amends thanks to the quick-thinking of Benzema.

“This is how I see football and I could see Casemiro arriving,” added Benzema. “It was a nice assist but the goal was more important, Casemiro did well and got us three important points after a very difficult game.”

Real looked in control for most of the match but had to endure two nervy moments in the final stages.

Espanyol’s Espinosa was inches away from connecting with a ball which flashed across the face of goal while Real defender Marcelo was forced to block a shot in added time which he almost deflected into his own net but the ball skidded wide.

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema produced an audacious back-heeled assist for Casemiro to score as they beat Espanyol 1-0 away on Sunday to capitalise on Barcelona’s slip-up a day earlier and move two points clear at the top of La Liga.

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema produced an audacious back-heeled assist for Casemiro to score as they beat Espanyol 1-0 away on Sunday to capitalise on Barcelona’s slip-up a day earlier and move two points clear at the top of La Liga. Brazilian midfielder Casemiro slid to the ground to guide the ball home on the stroke of halftime after being played in by a stroke of genius from Benzema, who dragged the ball through the legs of his marker Bernardo Espinosa to find his team mate. Casemiro ran straight to Frenchman Benzema to thank him for the pass and dedicated the goal to him. “The goal belongs to Karim. We’re used to the quality he brings to his play and I had to celebrate it with him because it was all down to him,” Casemiro said. “We know how good he is and that’s why I called for the ball as I knew he would lay the ball off to me.” Coach Zinedine Zidane added: “I’m not surprised by what Karim did at all, he is a player who keeps inventing things on the pitch and his control and backheel was super. It might be the best piece of play of the season.” Real’s players embraced each other when the final whistle arrived to signal a fifth consecutive victory which took them top on 71 points after 32 games. Barca, who were held to a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo on Saturday, are second on 69. Espanyol, playing their first game under caretaker Francisco Rufete after he became their fourth manager of a troubling campaign, remain rooted to the bottom on 24 points. Casemiro was Real’s most dangerous player and nearly opened the scoring early on with a wild shot from his own half which forced Espanyol goalkeeper Diego Lopez to scramble back towards his line and push the ball away. Casemiro then somehow missed the target with a header when he appeared unmarked from close range, but he soon made amends thanks to the quick-thinking of Benzema. “This is how I see football and I could see Casemiro arriving,” added Benzema. “It was a nice assist but the goal was more important, Casemiro did well and got us three important points after a very difficult game.” Real looked in control for most of the match but had to endure two nervy moments in the final stages. Espanyol’s Espinosa was inches away from connecting with a ball which flashed across the face of goal while Real defender Marcelo was forced to block a shot in added time which he almost deflected into his own net but the ball skidded wide.

Clever Benzema assist helps Real Madrid go clear at the top

Sergio Ramos scored a goal and conceded a penalty as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mbappe-stars-as-psg-snatch-draw-against-real-madrid-264752">Real Madrid </a>battled past Alaves on Saturday to go top of La Liga before Sunday's game between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.&nbsp;

Barca and Atletico face off at the Wanda Metropolitano and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-keep-pace-with-barca-as-bale-suffers-hostile-reception-264159">Madrid </a>did all they could to take advantage, with Dani Carvajal the unlikely matchwinner in a gritty 2-1 victory over Alaves.&nbsp;

Ramos had headed Madrid in front shortly after half-time only to concede a needless penalty for throwing his arm across Joselu, which Lucas Perez converted before Carvajal poked in.&nbsp;

Madrid pull three points clear of Barcelona and six ahead of Atletico, who have played a game more than the top two. Sevilla, in third, host Leganes on Sunday. Alaves stay 13th.&nbsp;

A 1-0 defeat at Mendizorrotza 13 months ago came three weeks before Julen Lopetegui was sacked as coach but this time Madrid showed the kind of steel that was so painfully lacking last season.&nbsp;

On a wet and windy afternoon in the Basque country, Zinedine Zidane's side never showed the verve and creativity that was so impressive in the draw against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.&nbsp;

But this was a gutsy performance that means they have now won six and drawn two of their last eight matches in all competitions, with the Clasico against Barcelona next month fast approaching.&nbsp;

Gareth Bale made his first Madrid start since October 5 after recovering from a calf injury and his first too since his controversial celebration with Wales earlier this month, which sparked anger among his club's supporters.&nbsp;

Bale hit the post in the first half but faded and was replaced by Rodrygo after Alaves' equaliser.

With Eden Hazard out injured, Isco also kept his place while Alphonse Areola was given a rare outing in goal ahead of the rested Thibaut Courtois.&nbsp;

Madrid were lucky not to concede another penalty early on as Aleix Vidal slalomed inside Ramos and then Eder Militao, whose dangling leg caught Vidal's foot. Referee Guillermo Cuadra felt the fall was exaggerated.&nbsp;

At the other end, Bale hit the post with a header and Karim Benzema latched onto a quick throw but instead of shooting, hooked the ball back for Isco whose effort was saved.&nbsp;

Alaves grew in confidence as the rain grew heavier yet Madrid regrouped at half-time and took the lead soon after as Ramos was given a free header to glance in Toni Kroos' crossed free-kick.&nbsp;

But after scoring his sixth goal of the season, Ramos gifted Alaves an equaliser in the 66th minute by outmuscling Joselu in the penalty area, only to throw an arm across the forward's chest. Perez made no mistake.&nbsp;

Bale went off for Rodrygo and Alaves might have been able to build on their momentum if they had consolidated.&nbsp;

Instead, parity lasted three minutes as Isco met Luka Modric's cross at the back post and while Pacheco did brilliantly to save, Carvajal reacted faster than Victor Laguardia to the rebound.&nbsp;

Perez almost drove in a late equaliser but Marcelo made a diving block and Ximo Navarro's header had to be clawed away by Areola as Madrid held on.&nbsp;

Sergio Ramos scored a goal and conceded a penalty as Real Madrid battled past Alaves on Saturday to go top of La Liga before Sunday's game between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Sergio Ramos scored a goal and conceded a penalty as Real Madrid battled past Alaves on Saturday to go top of La Liga before Sunday's game between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Barca and Atletico face off at the Wanda Metropolitano and Madrid did all they could to take advantage, with Dani Carvajal the unlikely matchwinner in a gritty 2-1 victory over Alaves. Ramos had headed Madrid in front shortly after half-time only to concede a needless penalty for throwing his arm across Joselu, which Lucas Perez converted before Carvajal poked in. Madrid pull three points clear of Barcelona and six ahead of Atletico, who have played a game more than the top two. Sevilla, in third, host Leganes on Sunday. Alaves stay 13th. A 1-0 defeat at Mendizorrotza 13 months ago came three weeks before Julen Lopetegui was sacked as coach but this time Madrid showed the kind of steel that was so painfully lacking last season. On a wet and windy afternoon in the Basque country, Zinedine Zidane's side never showed the verve and creativity that was so impressive in the draw against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday. But this was a gutsy performance that means they have now won six and drawn two of their last eight matches in all competitions, with the Clasico against Barcelona next month fast approaching. Gareth Bale made his first Madrid start since October 5 after recovering from a calf injury and his first too since his controversial celebration with Wales earlier this month, which sparked anger among his club's supporters. Bale hit the post in the first half but faded and was replaced by Rodrygo after Alaves' equaliser. With Eden Hazard out injured, Isco also kept his place while Alphonse Areola was given a rare outing in goal ahead of the rested Thibaut Courtois. Madrid were lucky not to concede another penalty early on as Aleix Vidal slalomed inside Ramos and then Eder Militao, whose dangling leg caught Vidal's foot. Referee Guillermo Cuadra felt the fall was exaggerated. At the other end, Bale hit the post with a header and Karim Benzema latched onto a quick throw but instead of shooting, hooked the ball back for Isco whose effort was saved. Alaves grew in confidence as the rain grew heavier yet Madrid regrouped at half-time and took the lead soon after as Ramos was given a free header to glance in Toni Kroos' crossed free-kick. But after scoring his sixth goal of the season, Ramos gifted Alaves an equaliser in the 66th minute by outmuscling Joselu in the penalty area, only to throw an arm across the forward's chest. Perez made no mistake. Bale went off for Rodrygo and Alaves might have been able to build on their momentum if they had consolidated. Instead, parity lasted three minutes as Isco met Luka Modric's cross at the back post and while Pacheco did brilliantly to save, Carvajal reacted faster than Victor Laguardia to the rebound. Perez almost drove in a late equaliser but Marcelo made a diving block and Ximo Navarro's header had to be clawed away by Areola as Madrid held on.

La Liga: Real Madrid go top with gutsy win against Alaves

Sevilla ends fantastic week with 3-1 win over Eibar

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'LaLiga is beyond individuals': Fernando Hierro on Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos contract situation

Real Madrid not about to get complacent after Barcelona slip-ups: Zinedine Zidane

Clever Benzema assist helps Real Madrid go clear at the top

La Liga: Real Madrid go top with gutsy win against Alaves

Sevilla ends fantastic week with 3-1 win over Eibar