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La Liga: Can Any of this Trio Survive?

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So it is barely three weeks since the La Liga campaign concluded on what was a dramatic last day in which any one of half a dozen sides could have lost their top flight status.

Yet no sooner have those permutations and repercussions been digested, then many are already looking ahead to the next season.

While it’s a wee bit early, when it comes to a return to action it will be fascinating to see how the three newly promoted sides fare in 2023-24.

Teams arriving in La Liga have had a mixed bag in recent years and next term should be no different.

Some faces are familiar, of course.

The first two teams to earn promotion from the Segunda División were Granada and Las Palmas.

Granada bounced back straight away after a 12 month absence, while Las Palmas have returned following a five-year absence.

They haven’t yet kicked a ball and they have already become embroiled in controversy.

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It stems from their decision to keep Joel Dominguez, who was recently convicted of domestic abuse and sentenced to 40 days of community service. Club President Miguel Angel Ramirez has confirmed the youngster will be back for pre-season.

On top of that conviction, it has also been alleged that Dominguez has breached the restraining order his ex-girlfriend had put in place. The Las Palmas youngster has denied these claims.

Whatever the right or wrongs with the club’s decision – and there will never be common agreement – hopefully the focus can be on the football going forward.

On the playing side, and on a far more positive note, there has been a suggestion that Kevin-Prince Boateng could return to the side from the Canary Island.

The 36 year-old has fond memories of his time at the club during the 2016/17 season and has an excellent relationship with Ramirez so may be a welcome, experienced addition as they bid to cement their top flight status.

And what of Granada who gained promotion at the first attempt, beating Leganés 2-0 on the final day of the season to win the second tier by three points.

They have also been linked with well known names who can offer experience.

Ahead of their top-flight return, it’s been reported the Andalucians have contacted the representatives of former Barcelona defender, Yerry Mina, recently released by English Premier League club Everton.

Yerry Mina is being linked with La Liga club Granda
Yerry Mina in action playing for Everton during their match against Wolverhampton Wanderers

The 28 year-old is attracting interest from clubs across Europe and Granada will be looking to put together a strong package for the towering centre back.

Despite struggling with injuries during his time in England, the Colombian has a reputation as an effective enforcer, if he can stay fit.

They will also now be signing Shon Weissman.

He joined on loan in January from now relegated Real Valladolid and, Granada’s promotion, means a €4 million obligatory buy clause has been automatically activated.

Another club bidding to create La Liga highlights next season are Alaves, who are also back at the first time of asking after a last-gasp victory in the play-off final against Levante.

They spent six years in La Liga until last summer and perhaps the footballing Gods are with them the way in which they gained promotion.

With the first leg finishing goalless, it was a winner-takes-all affair in Valencia, although if that second leg was drawn after 120 minutes, Levante would be promoted by way of finishing higher in the Segunda Division.

It remained 0-0 after 90 minutes, which meant extra time was required. It stayed that way until late in stoppage time, when Alaves were awarded a contentious penalty for handball.

Levante were seconds away from promotion, but it was snatched away when Asier Villalibre, on loan from Athletic Bilbao, dispatched the penalty in the 129th minute to send Alaves back up.

Now that is drama!

The SBOTOP La Liga betting odds show all three promoted clubs are joint favourites for the drop next season, along with Cadiz and Almeria who were not safe until the final day.

Nothing will give the new boys greater satisfaction than to prove the doubters wrong.


 

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