This week, we celebrate the return of Santi Cazorla to LaLiga with Real Oviedo, a true rags-to-riches story that has captivated football fans. Cazorla, 40, played for Oviedo as a youth before joining Villarreal in 2003. He has now come full circle, helping Oviedo achieve promotion to the top flight for the first time in over two decades.
Cazorla's dedication to the team went beyond the pitch. He used his own money to help save the club from bankruptcy in 2012, making his return to the team a heartwarming tale that will resonate with fans worldwide.
Loser: Paulo Gazzaniga (Girona)
In stark contrast, Paulo Gazzaniga of Girona had a disastrous day in his side's 3-1 defeat to Rayo Vallecano. His rating of 1.2 is one of the lowest ever recorded by Flashscore. A terrible pass out from the back led to the opening goal, and things only got worse for the Argentine goalkeeper.
Gazzaniga's mistakes were compounded when he allowed a cross to go unchallenged and brought down a player for a clear penalty, resulting in a red card. This was not a game he will soon forget.
Another goalkeeper who struggled was Matous Trmal of Teplice, who made a similar error in a match against a lower-league opponent.
Winner: Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)
On a night of emotion at Anfield, where Liverpool paid tribute to Diogo Jota, Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo faced a difficult moment when a spectator racially abused him during the match. Semenyo showed remarkable resilience, producing a second-half display to remember, scoring twice to bring his side back into the game against the Premier League champions.
His second goal was a stunning individual effort, showcasing his skill and composure. Semenyo's team showed their support for him after the game, with both sides condemning the abuse and offering their backing.
Semenyo himself reflected on the experience, saying: "Football showed its best side when it mattered most." His courage and determination in the face of adversity are an inspiration to fans and players alike.
Losers: Hemelingen
The first round of the DFB Pokal saw Wolfsburg travel to Hemelingen, an Oberliga Bremen side. Despite being a lower-league opponent, Hemelingen were no match for the Bundesliga team, who dominated the match with an impressive 9-0 victory.
Dzenan Pejcinovic was the standout performer, scoring a hat-trick, while Mattias Svanberg also netted a brace. The fifth-tier side will not face an opponent of this caliber again this season.
Winner: Sunderland
Sunderland's long-awaited return to the Premier League was marked with a 3-0 victory over West Ham, a result that was all the more impressive given that eight players made their debut for the hosts.
The Black Cats' victory was a testament to their hard work and dedication, and a welcome return to the top flight after nearly a decade away. The match was a celebration of the team's resilience and spirit.
Losers: Mallorca
Finally, we look at Mallorca, who suffered a 3-0 loss to Barcelona in a game marked by two red cards in the opening 45 minutes. The home side's implosion was a major factor in their defeat, and they will need to regroup and focus for their next match.
Their fans may also want to simmer down, as their energy could be a factor in their team's performance throughout the season.