A 'therapeutic' matchday for Roger, Chuli and Sabadell

There are only nine matchdays to go in Liga Adelante and all is still to play for. Just eight weeks of passionate football and surprises remains. We look back at the highlights of matchday 33.

Roger, the good news of the weekend

Roger Martí was the name on everybody’s lips this weekend. The R. Valladolid CF played his first game since coming back from a cruciate knee injury that has kept him out for most of the season. On Saturday he returned to open the scoring at the José Zorilla against Mirandés, and celebrated with the enthusiasm of a child.

The former Levante man had not scored since September, when he bagged back to back goals before getting injured against Sporting. His teammates, who cried for Roger seven months ago, were delighted for Roger after his effort flew past Razak Brimah. It was a goal that allowed him to feel like a footballer again.

Mendizorroza is a fortress

Six wins from six. This is how strong Alavés are at home recently. Not Tenerife, Racing, Osasuna, Mallorca nor Leganés or Zaragoza have been able to get anything at the Mendizorroza, where the Basque outfit have been unbeaten since losing on 3 January to Mirandés.

Names of the weekend

A debut, a goal and a win. Players cannot ask for many more, and that is exactly how Mamadou Sylla has started his career at Racing, where he has joined to replace the injured Koné. The Ivorian’s goals have been replaced by the 23-year-old’s, and as he showed against Mallorca he brings speed, skill and youthful exuberence.

Chuli was also one of the players of the weekend. After a month and a half without scoring following a long run of goals, the forward got back on the scoresheet as he earned Leganés a win over Albacete with two goals; one of which was from the penalty spot. With this double, the former Real Betis player has seven for the season.

Sabadell earned a priceless victory that gives them hope at the bottom of the table. After fighting for a place in the playoffs last season, and having recorded five consecutive draws, the Catalan outfit downed Lugo 2-1 to give them impulse in their fight for survival.

Las Palmas managed to wrestle second place back off Girona after their match that the Canary Island outfit were able to win 2-0 and give them a boost as they seek automatic promotion to Liga BBVA.