La Liga 2017–18 Season Review: Barcelona's Dominance and Key Statistics
The 2017–18 La Liga season, spanning from August 18, 2017, to May 20, 2018, was a showcase of tactical brilliance and individual mastery. The campaign was defined by the overwhelming dominance of Barcelona, who secured their 25th league title with a commanding performance throughout the year.
Across 380 matches, the league witnessed a high-scoring affair with 1,024 goals recorded, averaging 2.69 goals per match. While the top of the table was a battle of giants, the bottom of the standings saw a fierce struggle for survival, ultimately resulting in the relegation of three historic clubs.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Champions: Barcelona (25th title)
- Top Goalscorer: Lionel Messi with 34 goals
- Best Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak (0.59 goals conceded per match)
- Total Attendance: 10,221,182 spectators
- Relegated Teams: Deportivo La Coruña, Las Palmas, and Málaga
- Longest Unbeaten Run: Barcelona (36 matches)
League Standings and European Qualification
Barcelona finished the season at the summit with 93 points, losing only one match in 38 appearances. They were followed by Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid, completing a trio of dominance. Valencia secured the fourth spot, ensuring a return to the elite European stage.
European Qualification Summary
- UEFA Champions League: Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid, and Valencia.
- UEFA Europa League: Villarreal, Real Betis, and Sevilla.
At the other end of the spectrum, the battle against relegation was grueling. Málaga suffered the most losses in the league (28), while Las Palmas struggled with a 16-match winless streak, leading to their descent to the Segunda División along with Deportivo La Coruña.
Individual Brilliance and Awards
The season was highlighted by the extraordinary form of Lionel Messi, who not only topped the scoring charts with 34 goals but also recorded multiple hat-tricks. The Zamora Trophy, awarded to the goalkeeper with the lowest goals-to-games ratio, went to Atlético Madrid's Jan Oblak.
Top Performers Table
| Category | Player | Club | Statistic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Scorer | Lionel Messi | Barcelona | 34 Goals |
| Top Assists | Pablo Fornals | Villarreal | 12 Assists |
| Best Goalkeeper | Jan Oblak | Atlético Madrid | 0.59 Avg |
| Most Wins | Barcelona | Barcelona | 28 Wins |
Stadiums and Attendance
The passion of Spanish football was evident in the attendance figures. The highest single-match attendance was recorded during the clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid on May 6, 2018, with 97,939 fans filling the stadium. Barcelona's Camp Nou remained the most attended venue, averaging 69,370 fans per game.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Managerial Volatility
The 2017–18 season was marked by significant turnover in the dugout. Several clubs struggled for consistency, leading to frequent managerial changes. Notable appointments included Ernesto Valverde taking over at Barcelona and Marcelino leading Valencia. In contrast, some clubs experienced extreme instability, with Alavés and Las Palmas cycling through multiple managers to avoid the drop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the La Liga title in the 2017–18 season?
Barcelona won the title, marking their 25th league championship.
Which players scored the most goals during the campaign?
Lionel Messi was the top scorer with 34 goals, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo with 26 and Luis Suárez with 25.
Which teams were relegated to the Segunda División?
The three teams relegated were Deportivo La Coruña, Las Palmas, and Málaga.
Who won the Zamora Trophy for the best goalkeeper?
Jan Oblak of Atlético Madrid won the trophy, conceding an average of only 0.59 goals per match.
What was the highest scoring match of the season?
Several matches shared the highest scoring honors, including Real Betis 3–6 Valencia, Real Madrid 6–3 Girona, and Levante 5–4 Barcelona.