A round-up of La Liga’s most intriguing storylines reveals the stark contrasts between triumph and despair.

The Good: The adopted father of Getafe
In a remarkable season, Getafe secured a 7th place finish, earning a spot in the Conference League. Under the stewardship of José Bordalás, the team displayed a gritty resilience, defying expectations with a €38m profit in transfers. Their defensive prowess was evident, conceding only 38 goals, second only to Real Madrid and Barcelona, while scoring just 32. Despite their physical style often likened to Tony Pulis’ Stoke City, Bordalás has transformed Getafe into a formidable force. Fans celebrated passionately, dubbing Bordalás their adopted father after this extraordinary achievement.

The Bad: An enormous emptiness
Conversely, Girona faced a devastating relegation, a fate that felt unjust. Coach Michel Sanchez expressed deep remorse, feeling responsible for the team's downfall. Key injuries, particularly to Vladyslav Vanat, contributed to a dismal end-of-season run, with Girona failing to win any of their last eight matches, ultimately leading to their drop to Segunda. The emotional weight of this relegation stems from the belief that Girona was indeed good enough to stay in La Liga, making their exit all the more painful.

The Beautiful: Dennis Bergkamp’s adopted son
Amid the chaos, a moment of brilliance emerged from Pere Milla of Espanyol, who showcased his exceptional skill with a turn reminiscent of Dennis Bergkamp. Though denied a goal due to defensive pressure, Milla’s assist for Roberto Fernandez highlighted the beauty of football and the magic that can emerge even in less significant matches. This display of talent served as a reminder of the joy and artistry inherent in the game.