La Liga Lowdown

Matchday 34 proved to be a momentous round of fixtures in LaLiga. Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Ben Sully (@SullyBen) review it all in this episode. Real Madrid's 36th league title was decided in Catalunya, after Girona beat Barça in a pulsating match at Montilivi. The home fans were celebrating too, as they secured Champions League qualification for the first time in their history. We salute the stars of both teams, the composure of Carlo Ancelotti and the magic of Míchel. Elsewhere Celta took a giant leap towards survival by beating Villarreal in another goal-fest, while La Real and Betis moved further clear in the final European places. Granada aren't relegated quite yet, but their defeat in Seville makes it a matter of time. In truth, Cádiz look doomed too. For more reaction and analysis, subscribe and upgrade at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) review Matchday 33, starting with the battle for the 4th spot between Atlético de Madrid and Athletic Club, which favoured the home side. Lamentably, there were more incidents of racist abuse from the stands, this time directed at Nico Williams. He promptly scored and celebrated with real bravery and class. Real Madrid got the job done, with Carlo Ancelotti's rotations working to perfection, Girona are now just one win away from their Champions League dream, and 'El Gran Derbi' ended with a draw. Almería are officially relegated, whereas Granada and Cádiz are doing all they can to stay in the fight for survival. Celta, Mallorca and Rayo cannot sleep easy just yet. All this, and more, in our weekend recap. So, give us a listen, and don't forget to subscribe at lllonline.substack.com for the latest on Spanish football! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jude Bellingham did it again. Scoring a stoppage-time winner in El Clásico. A goal which sealed a five-goal thriller and surely another league title for Los Blancos. Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) reflect on this game and the rest of the action in LaLiga this weekend. There was goal-line controversy, golazos and much more to get stuck into. Atleti compounded a bad week by losing at Alavés, keeping Athletic in the hunt for fourth spot. Valencia lost to Betis, but Real Sociedad were unable to take full advantage. Girona sealed European qualification for the first time ever, while Iago Aspas did what he does best and led Celta to a massive three points in their battle against the drop. Subscribe for more content at lllonline.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) as they review Matchday 31 and preview the Champions League quarter-final second-leg fixtures. As always, we look at all the games, starting with Atleti's massive win against Girona, before keeping an eye on their upcoming return at Signal Iduna Park. Barça & Madrid both obtained routine 0-1 away wins, with João Félix and Aurélien Tchouaméni scoring beautiful goals. Betis finally snapped their bad streak, but another is ongoing, as Las Palmas can't stop losing after falling to Sevilla. This, and much more, in our weekend recap of all the action. So don't forget to follow us on lllonline.substack.com if you don't want to miss a thing! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Athletic Club are Copa champions, 40 years later. Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) to review a spectacular night in Seville. We congratulate Athletic and Mallorca for a thrilling approach to a final, laud the two coaches, and discuss the key players in the game. Ernesto Valverde has sealed his place in Athletic Club history, as has Iker Muniain and company. After the break, we react to Valencia's win over Granada and the race for 7th which has now opened up. We also preview the Champions League quarter-final first legs, as three Spanish sides look to reach the final four. Subscribe and upgrade at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Ben Sully (@SullyBen) as they hop to it to discuss all the LaLiga action from the Easter weekend. We delve into an egg-citing game at Montilivi, where Cristhian Stuani delivered a sweet treat for the home faithful in a five-goal thriller. Real Madrid bounced past Athletic Club thanks to a Rodrygo brace, while Álvaro Valles chicks out early in Las Palmas’ defeat to Barcelona. Elsewhere, Jon Pacheco scores the decisive goal to leave La Real feeling hoppy, as Osasuna experienced an egg-cellent outing against Almería. Birthday boy Sergio Ramos gifts Sevilla a precious victory in their quest for resurrection, Cádiz enjoy a Good Friday and Celta fail to come out of their shells in Rayo stalemate. We then go on a hunt for talking points in a goalless affair at Mestalla. April promises to be an egg-ceptional month for Spanish football – sorry, that’s the last pun, we promise. To keep across all of the domestic and European action, come and join us over at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we head into the international break, it was an important Matchday for the sensations, clubs trying to jostle for position ahead of the final straight. Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) reflect on another big weekend in LaLiga. Barça remain unbeaten on the road after taking all three points from the Metropolitano, just as they did 26 games ago back in January 2023. Of course João Félix had a part to play, but it was Robert Lewandowski who was the main man. More vindication for Xavi? As for Atleti, they drop out of the top four and have a daunting task ahead of them. Real Madrid continue clear at the top after a 4-2 win at El Sadar. Despite Vini's brace and Fede Valverde's trio of assists, it is a certain Moroccan who we discuss... Girona's woes on the road continued at the Coliseum, while Athletic continued to power at San Mamés. Almería stole headlines on Sunday, picking up their first win of the season in Pepe Mel's first match in charge. There was also a new manager bounce for Claudio Giráldez at Celta, as they came from behind to beat Sevilla. The game even featured Lucas Ocampos peacemaking between his teammate and his coach. Rayo also tasted victory after what seemed like an eternity, but the troubles go on for Granada. Betis are in a slump at the wrong time, but Real Sociedad and Villarreal picked up important wins to keep their European goals alive. Join us at lllonline.substack.com for all our content throughout the international break and through to the end of the season. Access everything for just a fiver a month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is this what winning feels like? Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Ben Sully (@SullyBen) as they reflect on a weekend where Cádiz ended their long wait for a victory. First up, we discuss a five-goal thriller at the Benito Villamarín and another red card for Chimy Ávila. Attention then turns to Cádiz's surprise win over Atlético Madrid, reigniting the battle for survival and piling the pressure on Atleti and Diego Simeone. Real Sociedad showed great fight to beat Granada, while Real Madrid swept past Celta Vigo to take another step towards the title. Elsewhere in the top four, Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal produced a stunner as Girona made full use of home comforts to reclaim second spot just 24 hours after they had lost it. Meanwhile, Valencia’s European charge gained more momentum, Alavés ramped up Rayo’s relegation fears and Athletic Club basked in the Gran Canarian sun. We also look ahead to the midweek Champions League fixtures, and remember you can catch our recap of the European action over at lllonline.substack.com later in the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This season's "big 3" all dropped points in Matchday 27, and Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) are here to to tell you all about it. Starting with the controversy in Valencia, where the referee was the unfortunate protagonist of the night after blowing the final whistle just seconds before Jude Bellingham scored what could've been a match winner. They also cover Girona and Barça's missed chance to revive the title race, as well as Atlético's bounce-back from their Copa del Rey elimination. Goals were also a big part of the weekend, with a crazy 3-3 draw between Getafe and Las Palmas, Villarreal thrashing Granada and Sevilla sticking their finger a bit deeper into Real Sociedad's wounds. At the bottom there was late drama, relief for Rafa and a hailstorm at Vallecas. Remember you can support our content by upgrading your subscription and helping ensure LLL's future at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matchday 26 was a belter, and Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) are here to break it all down. Time waits for no man, and as one Real Madrid legend returned to his former home, another nearing the end of his time stole the show with a typically magical strike. Luka Modrić doesn't score many, but when he does they are spectacular. It needed to be to break down a stubborn Sevilla. Barça found things much easier for a change, easing past Getafe at Montjuïc, as they climb to second in the standings. In Seville, Betis put aside their European disappointment with a statement victory over Athletic Club. The Basque side don't travel well lately, and will now be without Nico Williams for their next game. His sarcastic applause of the referee earning him an early bath. Paco ponders whether this rule is applied consistently enough? Real Sociedad also lost 3-1, at home to Villarreal as their mini-resurgence continues. At the bottom it was a huge six-pointer at the Nuevo Mirandilla but ultimately Celta were left to count the cost of conceding late yet again. From a position of 2-0 up against a side who don't score, this was a damaging loss of two points. Darwin Machís' golazo keeps Cádiz alive and keeps Celta in trouble. Atleti had another poor result on the road, drawing in Almería, who remain winless. Luka Romero (remember him?) stole the show with his brace. It's the Copa del Rey semi-final second legs this week, so subscribe and upgrade at lllonline.substack.com to gain access to all our extra content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just a week after we confidently declared that there is no league, Real Madrid stumble to recover the possibility that there actually might be a little bit of league. Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) to review Matchday 25 in LaLiga. Real Madrid did extend their lead to six points, but Girona have the opportunity to cut that in half, should they win at San Mamés on Monday. A huge game just got even bigger. Atleti warmed up in style for their Italian job by putting five past Las Palmas. Marcos Llorente up front...who says Diego Simeone isn't a revolutionary? As for Barça, it was the same old story. They were made to struggle and suffer, this time with a winning outcome, but the doubts still remain strong. Rafa and Celta can't catch a break, and continue to stutter along, as Robert Lewandowski stuttered from the penalty spot. Elsewhere, there were important wins for Real Sociedad and Osasuna, and a plethora of draws, most of which were unsatisfactory for the clubs involved. This was especially true for Granada and Almería, who seem destined to play each other again next season back down in Segunda. Subscribe and upgrade for extra content at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No centre-backs, no problem. Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Ben Sully (@SullyBen) as they look back on a weekend where Real Madrid overcame a defensive injury crisis to smash Girona’s dreams of achieving their fairytale ending. Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham played starring roles in the demolition job, moving Carlo Ancelotti’s side five points clear at the top. Elsewhere in Part One, we discuss another poor home result for Barcelona as they play out an entertaining 3-3 draw against relegation-threatened Granada. There was also disappointment for Atlético Madrid, who lost out to a rejuvenated Sevilla side at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. Real Betis swept past struggling Cádiz to move into sixth place as goal-shy Real Sociedad dropped down to seventh with a home defeat to Osasuna. Meanwhile, Celta showed all their fighting qualities at the Coliseum to come back from two goals down, only for Getafe to land the killer blow late on. Matt and Ben also discuss all the other fixtures from the weekend, including another solid win for surprise European hopefuls Las Palmas. With the UEFA competitions set to return, make sure to subscribe to lllonline.substack.com to get unlimited access to all of our content throughout the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

¿Hay Liga? To find out, join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román de Arquer (@aeroslavee), who analyse all the weekend's fixtures and look back at some of the never-ending VAR controversy that overshadows Spanish football. First off is the Madrid derby, in which Marcos Llorente gave Los Blancos a taste of their own medicine with a very late equaliser. A goal that opens up LaLiga and gives Girona a massive shot next weekend at the Bernabéu. Matt and Román then talk about Girona's messy draw, Barça's convincing win, Athletic thrashing Mallorca, Celta taking home three massive points from El Sadar and all the other fixtures, as well as previewing the first legs of the Copa del Rey semi-finals. Be sure to subscribe and upgrade on our Substack to get access to all our content throughout the week. The place for that is lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's never a dull weekend in LaLiga. Especially not in Barcelona. Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@aeroslavee) on the weekend in which Xavi pressed the quit button. Following weeks of discussion and a calamitous 5-3 defeat at home to Villarreal, there were backroom discussions, a delayed press conference and then the bombshell. Xavi will leave at the end of the season. We spend most of Part One discussing the news, its timing, and how things fell apart so quickly for the club legend. Real Madrid, Girona and Atleti all won their respective matches to keep up the pace at the top end of the table, but the main Basque pair both suffered Copa hangovers and had to settle for stalemates. A worthy debut point for new Cádiz coach Mauricio Pellegrino. Betis and Manuel Pellegrini were the beneficiaries of those results as they closed the gap on the top six. Elsewhere, there was more misery for Sevilla and Almería, who are making Groundhog Day look refreshingly different. Spare a thought for the fans. Be sure to subscribe and upgrade on our Substack to get access to all our content throughout the week. The place for that is lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matchday 21 in La Liga was full of goals, controversy, comebacks and a sacking. Hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) are on hand to lament the underdog story that never was for Almería. Real Madrid managed what should have been a heroic comeback, against Almería of all sides, but three highly controversial VAR reviews even had some Madridistas feel raising their eyebrow. Paco explains how the circumstances were damaging to the La Liga product, but at the end of it all, Los Blancos are closer to the title. Girona ensured they would not sleep at the top of the table though, as Artem Dovbyk trampled Sevilla and put himself top of the Pichichi standings in the process. Barcelona are hanging on by their fingernails, as we discuss a potential sea change in the Catalan capital. In the second half of the show, we bid farewell to Sergio González in a sacking that even he saw coming. The picture still seems somewhat bleak for the Yellow Submarine though. Valencia halted Athletic Club’s march in its tracks, and Osasuna’s Jesús Areso impersonates Roberto Carlos. Paco looks ahead to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals too. We'll be back on Thursday at lllonline.substack.com for subscribers - join us there for exclusive content and our review of those quarter-finals! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catch up on all the latest in Spanish football with Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee). In Part One we delve into the the Spanish Supercopa final in which Real Madrid pounced first and last to celebrate their first title of 2024, while Xavi keeps digging his grave. Will he make it to the end of the season? How good was Vini Jr? How bad was Barcelona's defending? Can Real Madrid win all four trophies on offer this season? In Part Two we look at all the LaLiga action from the weekend: Sevilla and Villarreal's unstoppable downfall, Girona's shock result against Almería, the Basque derby and plenty more. Remember you can subscribe to our Substack for a very small sum to support our work and get unlimited access to all our content! With action coming thick and fast, there has never been a better time to upgrade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Copa del Rey saw the kings of Spanish football mix it with the anymen, but there was to be little in the way of success for the little guys. With 15 of the 16 sides going through decided, 14 of them are from La Liga. Hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Román de Arquer (@aeroslavee) discuss why. The new format has largely been regarded as a success over recent years, and the pros and cons are broken down after a largely uninspiring Round of 32. Alavés did cause one of the few upsets, beating 2022 winners Real Betis, and causing a sour start to 2024 for Manuel Pellegrini. Elsewhere there was a Real Madrid debut six months in the making. In the second half of the show, we break down the Spanish Supercup semi-finals on the way, beginning with the Madrid derby. Atlético are looking as shaky as they have done since 2022, and El Cholo is backed to double down. However coming up against them are the seemingly impregnable Real Madrid. The contrast between side that were beaten in September and this one is pretty stark. Osasuna face Barcelona in the other semi-final - neither side is looking especially special right now, as we discuss Vitor Roque's first minutes too. Happy New Year, and to join us for our Thursday episode, upgrade to our premium subscription at lllonline.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) to review Matchday 17 in LaLiga as the Christmas countdown begins. For those hoping for a four-horse title race, hopes were dashed as both Barça and Atlético Madrid stumbled on the road. Xavi's side are now winless in three following their point at Mestalla, as the doubts and questions continue to mount. For Atleti, they simply couldn't cope with a rampant Athletic Club, spearheaded by the Williams brothers. We ask how Ernesto Valverde is getting such a tune out of a side that struggled for goals last season. Real Madrid made a statement by dispatching Villarreal with ease to put the ball back into Girona's court ahead of their game on Monday night. With a clear gap over their usual rivals, is the title race a two-horse race? Elsewhere, Sevilla lurched from chaos to full blown crisis as they suffered a hammering at home to Getafe, after which Diego Alonso was promptly sacked. We review his miserable tenure and ask whether Quique Sánchez Flores is capable or arresting the slide. At the bottom there were positive results for Celta and Cádiz but more misery for Granada, Almería and Mallorca. The bottom two look cut adrift now, is there any way back for them? Upgrade your subscription for access to all our content at lllonline.substack.com. It would make a great Christmas gift to yourself or those around you who love LaLiga. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This might not be a vintage Barcelona, but this Girona side are just a little bit special. Join hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) as they break down a brilliant weekend in La Liga. The first half of the show is dedicated to the first time ever that Girona have beaten Barcelona - and what a way to do it. Míchel's side showed Culers the football they've been desperate to see all season, and even if Barcelona had their chances, Paco explains why Girona were so much better. Then there's the post-mortem for Barcelona and Xavi Hernández - we have a checklist. In the second half of the show, we start with Aitor Ruibal's screamer to earn Real Betis a point against Real Madrid - one that both sides were content with. Real Sociedad gave the Yellow Submarine a bath and Diego Alonso is on borrowed time. Meanwhile Valencia get Bordalás'd. Subscribe for extra content at lllonline.substack.com. Our thoughts go out to the Granada fan that tragically lost their life to a heart attack during their clash with Athletic Club. Descansa en paz. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) to review a significant weekend with a few surprise results. The weekend culminated with a heavyweight clash at Montjuïc as Barça took on Atleti knowing they could be effectively out of the title race had they lost. João Félix – on loan from Atleti – proved to be the match-winner, and how he enjoyed that. Iñaki Peña was also vital with a couple of superb saves to deny Diego Simeone's men. Athletic Club routed Rayo with both Williams brothers on the scoresheet, celebrating Nico's contract renewal. Real Madrid and Girona keep winning at the top. Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) drops in to give us his reaction from the capital. Meanwhile, Girona made hard work of it against Valencia, requiring a late doblete from Cristhian Stuani to complete the remontada. In Part Two we review the rest of the games, including controversy denying Marcelino a fourth win in four, praise for revelatory Las Palmas, and some stalemates which suited nobody. We end by reacting to Spain's tough Euro 2024 group draw. Remember to upgrade your subscription to get access to all of our content. The place to go for that is: lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.