Race for the Pichichi: Real Madrid ace Bellingham in 3-way battle with Dovbyk and Budimir

Not since 2001/02 has there been a three-way tie at the top of the scoring charts this late into a LALIGA EA SPORTS season.

With just eight rounds of the 2023/24 LALIGA EA SPORTS season to go, the race to be crowned the top goalscorer of the competition is wide open. There is now a three-way tie at the top of the standings for this season's Pichichi Trophy, the prize given to the top scorer, as Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, Girona FC's Artem Dovbyk and CA Osasuna's Ante Budimir have netted 16 goals each.

This is the closest the Pichichi race has been at this stage of the season in over two decades. Not since the 2001/02 season has there been a three-way tie at the top of this ranking this late into the campaign, back when FC Barcelona's Patrick Kluivert, RC Celta's Catanha and Real Madrid's Fernando Morientes were also level on 16 goals apiece, in their case at the end of Matchday 31. Curiously, not one of those players lifted the prestigious individual trophy, as RC Deportivo's Diego Tristán produced a late surge to take the honour.

A similar situation could also arise in 2023/24, as the leading trio are being closely pursued by several other forwards. Getafe CF's Borja Mayoral has 15 goals, although a serious injury means he isn't able to add to that. Then comes Atlético de Madrid's Álvaro Morata on 14 goals, having had one matchday fewer, while Athletic Club's Gorka Guruzeta, Villarreal CF's Alexander Sørloth and FC Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski, who won the trophy last term, are all on 13 goals.

It truly is a fascinating race and victory for anyone besides Lewandowski would be a first ever Pichichi Trophy for the player. Should Dovbyk or Budimir take the honour, it would be a maiden Pichichi Trophy for