La Liga Lowdown

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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¿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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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. 

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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.

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Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) as they review Matchday 14, game by game.

They look into the Marcelino - Morales connection that has brought Villarreal back to life, Umar Sadiq's glorious goal that saw Real Sociedad overpower Sevilla, Rodrygo recovering his best version, Rayo becoming Xavi's worst nightmare and Paco López's untimely departure, among all the other stories of the weekend.

Is Antoine Griezmann the best player in the league? Were Sevilla wrong to fire José Luis Mendilibar? Is Barcelona's season on the line this week? All these questions and more are pondered.

They also take a moment to remember Terry Venables, who sadly passed away this weekend. 'El Tel' leaves behind a great legacy that will be remembered for years to come. From the La Liga Lowdown team we send out our condolences to his family and friends.

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Spain finish their European qualifying group top, with seven wins from eight, but there was nobody celebrating by the end of it. Join hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) as they reflect on a sombre night for La Roja.

Luis de la Fuente called it the most bitter victory he's ever experienced after Spain defeated Georgia 3-1, the only thing anyone was talking about was Gavi. The 19-year-old star came off before the half-hour mark with what is all-but-confirmed a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament tear. The impact of this is discussed, both for Spain and Barcelona, as it looks like it might keep him ouof the Euros next year. Paco tries to assess De la Fuente's spell up until now - the next time Spain play, de la Fuente will have been in the job over a year.

The second half of the show unfortunately has to deal with injuries too: Real Madrid have lost Eduardo Camavinga and Vinícius Junior for multiple months. The upshot is a rather thin set of options for Carlo Ancelotti, who has nine injuries to deal with as things stand. Have Real Betis left Manuel Pellegrini with one too many miracles to work? Their defensive options are analysed. There was some bright news for Barcelona fans, who thumped Real Madrid 5-0 at Montjuïc, which wraps up a chastening show.

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The culmination of Matchday 13 means we are a third of the way through the season, and there are plenty of things to make pre-season predictions look rather silly.

Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) review a goal-filled weekend which saw every team score, contributing to 3.66 goals per game, four comebacks from the top five, and familiar heroes coming to the rescue.

The Seville Derby may not have been too high on quality, but the narratives stayed strong. All square at the Sánchez-Pizjuán courtesy of Ivan Rakitić.

The game of the weekend was on Friday in Bilbao, as Athletic grabbed a late winner in a seven-goal thriller to condemn Celta to yet another defeat.

Atleti had to come from behind too, but succeeded in defeating managerless Villarreal to extend their home winning run. Of course Antoine Griezmann was at the heart of things. Marcelino is seemingly all but in the door, and Paco says he should be given the keys to the Submarine hatch.

The leaders are still Girona, who once again trailed at Míchel's old stomping ground but turned it around. Their powers of recovery are almost as impressive as their league position.

In Part Two we discuss the other two horses in the race, both of whom won but in very contrasting circumstances.

Robert Lewandowski made his own scoring return to wake Barça up from their slump while Real Madrid won without Jude Bellingham. Xavi still has plenty of issues to solve, but Madrid appear to have passed this test with flying colours.

We round up the remainder of the action before assessing the table as it stands.

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Girona es líder and other phrases you might need if you're learning some Spanish football vocabulary. LaLiga delivered in a big way this weekend with all of the big three put through their paces, while La Liga's biggest storyline rolls on. Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) as they gorge on a filling nine-course tasting menu.

Part One begins at El Sadar where Míchel's side showed little apprehension about the difficulty of their task when they went down to Osasuna. Why are they so much better this season than last? Why is football cruel, and why should Real Sociedad fans continue to watch it after they were beaten by Barcelona? Our pair discuss the silver linings of their robbery, and the puzzle for Imanol Alguacil. Made all the sweeter for the Catalans by both Madrid giants stumbling in the face of frisky opposition.

In Part Two, everyone is moaning. All sides went home in a cantankerous mood from Celta Vigo-Sevilla, and even Pacheta's puppy-dog enthusiasm is wilting in the face of Villarreal's performances. Elsewhere Alavés win a crucial clash at the bottom of the table, Paco López and Javier Aguirre have reason to bring out their inner Benítez too.

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El Clásico didn't disappoint, with a late twist as the headline acts delivered and gave us plenty to discuss and debate.

Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) as they review the game in depth. 

Román was in attendance so shares his matchgoing experience, as well as wondering whether Real Madrid deserved to win, or Barça in fact let it slip. We talk tactics, substitutes, key players, and of course, a lot about Jude Bellingham. As always it seems. There is time for discussion of İlkay Gündoğan's post-match comments too, and where it leaves the respective sides for the rest of the season.

In Part Two we travel on a whistle-stop tour around the rest of the matches from the weekend, one that saw two thirds of the fixtures decided by stoppage time goals. There were late winners, high-scoring draws, magical goals... and Getafe with another bore draw.

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It's hard to ask La Liga for much more this season. Despite one or two sour notes, La Liga is full of juice. Join hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Paco Polit (pacopolitENG) as they react and assess the weekend's action, as La Liga continues it's entertaining start.

Part one begins with the Sergio Ramos derby. Ramos had Real Madrid pulling faces, as Carlo Ancelotti turns to irony. Diego Alonso's Sevilla debut was interesting watch - Jude Bellingham has failed to score or assist in just three games this season, and Real Madrid have dropped points in two of them. Elsewhere, discretion advised if you want to mess with Girona, and Antoine Griezmann shows Rafa Benítez just how rainy it can be in Vigo.

Part two begins with the Sunday night partidazo in Barcelona - which was decided by yet another Barcelona youngster. Marc Guiu makes his case for the best ever opening minute of a debut. Villarreal fail to beat Alavés at home, as they sink to their worst start in La Liga ever. Manuel Pellegrini is the latest to get the Papa Bordalás treatement.

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Guten Tag! Spain have qualified for Euro 2024 following back-to-back wins in this October window.

Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) discuss the two close encounters, beginning with Thursday night's win over Scotland in Seville.

Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) - our Scot living in Spain - was at La Cartuja to witness the match, and shares his thoughts on the match and Luis de la Fuente's tenure so far.

We examine the controversy surrounding Scott McTominay's disallowed goal and explain why Spain were able to kick on from that point.

In Part Two we analyse Sunday's win in Oslo against a rather disappointing Norway side. There were more debatable decisions here too, with Álvaro Morata at the heart of most of it.

We conclude by assessing Spain's likelihood of contending next summer. 

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Some things in life are bad. But not LaLiga. 

Matchday 9 brought us a colossal amount of goals, drama and narratives.

We've had records broken, comebacks, a new coach, a sacking and more. Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) break it all down in this bumper pod before the international break kicks in again.

We start with Zaragoza in Granada, not to confuse the geographers. Bryan is the revelation of the season, and in just 17 seconds, he made sure Barça knew about it. If his first was quick, his second was more spectacular, earning him the Spain call up his fans were clamouring for. Barça had to dig deep to get themselves out of another hole. They thought they had won it, but were denied by a controversial offside decision. Lamine Yamal will never forget the game, as he became the youngest goalscorer in LaLiga history.

In Madrid, there was more drama, with handballs this time. Paco laments the level of officiating this season, but praises the grittiness of Atlético and the quality of La Real.

Another week, another Bellingham showcase, who is challenging journalists to find new superlatives and fresh copy. A thumping win leaves Los Blancos top of the league, with Girona their closest challengers.

In Part Two, we look at remaining games and the managerial movements. José Luis Mendilibar was sacked by Sevilla as a late draw at home to Rayo was not enough to fend off the doubters. The vicious cycle is continuing in Seville, and there are similar predicaments for Rafa Benítez at Celta and Pacheta at Villarreal. Celta saved a point against Getafe but Villarreal fell to Las Palmas. All seem to be suffering from seasons "born in a twisted way", opines Paco.

What will the coming days bring? A nervous wait for many.

Athletic beat Almería, who subsequently appointed former-Athletic coach Gaizka Garitano as the man to try and save them. We discuss this choice and whether or not he can have the luck required.

After rounding off the matches, we play out on Lamine Yamal's moment of history.

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Matchday 8 is in the books as we career through another round, full of goals, major clashes and one star giving us a preview of his night out. Join hosts Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) as they round up the action and the major talking points.

Part One begins in Catalonia - Girona naturally. Real Madrid returned to the top of the table in ruthless fashion, stomping all over Míchel and his magic full-backs. There was a surprise benching, and back down in Barcelona, it was a Real Madrid legend doing the Blaugranaa big favour. The Basque derby delivered, if you were in Txuri-Urdin - and even if you weren't, well, you may as well enjoy it. The partidazoof the week came in the depths of the LaLiga table, with the bottom two sides wondering 'if only' in a wild game.

Part Two sees us round up the rest of the games, including an unexpected partidazoat the Metropolitano, a vital win for Osasuna, and Real Betis show that there's a new generation coming after losing some key veterans. Finally we wonder if Villarreal manager Pacheta might already be in must-win territory just five games in.

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La Liga enjoyed a goal-fest this weekend, as 35 goals flew in across 10 games. The Metropolitano saw four of them, but perhaps was the happiest of the lot as they slayed an unbeaten Real Madrid in relatively comfortable fashion. Carlo Ancelotti has some thinking to do, but it's a tough puzzle to solve, while perhaps Cholo Simeone can see a route towards a title challenge. Elsewhere, Las Palmas win story of the week - and their first game.

In part 2 we're back at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys where Román witnessed a historic comeback for Barcelona. The João's and Xavi would have deserved the criticism lined up for them with 15 minutes to go, but 8 minutes of magic made it just another happy headline. Problems in Andalusia, but Catalonia is flying. Girona are joint-top, and nobody who enjoys entertaining football will begrudge them that. Find out who our revelation of the season is six games in.

Follow us on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown, but if you can subscribe to our premium Substack deal to receive a bundle of extra written and audio content. Enjoy your (midweek La Liga) semana!

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LaLiga showed that it isn't just Spain that can bang in the goals, with nearly three a game over the weekend. A series of debuts provided talking points on their own, but hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) have some fascinating results to pick through as well.

Part one kicks off in Barcelona, where Román was present to see Barcelona devour a depleted Real Betis, with some sensational debuts too. Are we looking at a change of approach from Barcelona? Atlético Madrid were humbled by Valencia, who have their own young stars showing they can mix it in LaLiga, while Rafael Benítez is doing a lot of complaining - that could soon be drowned out by groans at Balaídos though.

In part two, Real Madrid continue to get the job done, even without Jude Bellingham on the scoresheet. Are Real Madrid and Barcelona essentially playing the same setup now? Sergio Ramos is back at Sevilla, but the big news is that they're off the bottom. Pacheta also squeezed three points out of his first game, and he's really very happy about it. 

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In the middle of the international break, there is no LaLiga but plenty of stories to dig into. Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) do just that, including Spain's historic win in Tbilisi.

Before the pod begins, Matt brings you up to date with the breaking bombshell that Luis Rubiales will resign from the RFEF and as UEFA vice-president. The news came on Piers Morgan's Uncensored show, just to add to the surrealism.

To the main pod, and a magnificent seven for La Roja, with an Álvaro Morata hat-trick and history made by Lamine Yamal. He became the youngest player and youngest goalscorer in all of Spanish national team history. We discuss this feat, as well as our hopes that he doesn't follow the path of difficulties endured by Ansu Fati recently.

Does this win reinforce Luis de la Fuente's position as head coach? Paco shares his view.

We then discuss the wider international break, with Hansi Flick also sacked by Germany on Sunday.

In Part Two, we analyse the managerial movement at the Estadio de le Cerámica, with Juan José Rojo Martín appointed at Villarreal. That's Pacheta of course, and we evaluate whether the mixed reaction to the news is warranted or a little unfair.

Finally we discuss the return of Sergio Ramos to Sevilla, a big name who rejected "yummy offers" and a man who is sure to provide "spicy quotes". A journalist's dream.

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When it rains it pours. LaLiga continued its exciting start with several games seeing goal-fests, while others were slightly drier affairs. Join hosts Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) as they pick through the wreckage.

Part One begins with a breakdown of your weekly Jude Bellingham winner, but there's perhaps cloud on the horizon above the silver Santiago Bernabéu. Barcelona come out with all their teeth in tact after a trip to the dentist, but not their ear, and we look at two very different sides of the Alexander Sørloth transfer this week.

In Part Two, we round up the rest of the matches, with wins for Girona, Real Betis, Alavés and Celta Vigo. João Félix has played a grand total of 20 minutes for Barcelona, but already there's a seed of scepticism. We wrap up with a look at a rather pleasant European tour for the final edition of the Champions League in its current format. Finally, there is a bombazo to close the show, with Sergio Ramos set for a sensational return to Seville.

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Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) to review a thrilling third round in LaLiga.

We begin with an update on the scandal rocking Spanish football and discuss the future of now-suspended President Luis Rubiales.

Happily, there was a lot of football to enjoy, with 27 goals in eight games. 

There were partidazos galore on Sunday, with young talent shining bright on an otherwise dark week for Spanish football. 

Lamine Yamal is only 16 but he is already being decisive for Barça, who ended up winning a thriller at La Cerámica, a game which also featured another Ferran Torres cameo.

At San Mamés there were six goals and a remontada, as Athletic came from 2-0 down to beat Betis comfortably in the end. Isco is looking sharp and almost back to his best, but it was the Williams brothers who stole the show, albeit with some controversy.

Real Madrid are still top of the pile and Jude Bellingham is still the main man. We discuss how freakishly good he is to already be running things for Carlo Ancelotti. But is it actually a concern that they are already so dependent on him?

In Part Two we round up the remaining games, including an impressive Girona and a goalfest in Granada.

Osasuna shook off their Conference League disappointment to beat Valencia at Mestalla thanks to a 95th-minute overhead kick, which left Los Che feeling blue.

To access all our content, please upgrade your subscription for just a fiver a month at lllonline.substack.com.

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Join hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Paco Polit (@PacoPolitENG) for a celebratory podcast, as they look back on a momentous day for Spain, Spanish football, and women's football.

Part one is exclusively dedicated to Spain ruling the world again, 13 years later. Overcoming England, La Roja dominated the game and were rewarded with the World Cup. We bring you on the ground accounts from the celebrations, look back on the game and look ahead to the future. Also a word on the tragic post-match for scorer Olga Carmona.

Football doesn't rest though, and there was a full round of La Liga matches this weekend, which forms our basis for the second half of the show. Barcelona battle their way to three points, Jude Bellingham is that guy and Ruben Baraja's teenage kicks hold Valencia fans tight. That and all the talking points from Matchday 2 in La Liga.

Follow us on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown and make sure to subscribe to us on Substack, whhich is our main platform this season and we would love it if you subscribed and upgraded for less than a fiver a month, allowing you access to an extra podcast and multiple articles on our Substack home. We think it is great value, and we hope you do too.

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Welcome to a new season of LaLiga and the return of the La Liga Lowdown podcast. Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) is joined by Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) for a review of the opening weekend which saw plenty of drama, dream debuts and dubious decisions. Plus, not a single home team won!

We begin in the south of Madrid after a fiery stalemate between Getafe and defending champions Barcelona. Xavi saw red, and he wasn’t the only one in a game which saw 25 additional minutes played. Bordalás ball is back with a bang!

Elsewhere there were late wins for Valencia and Betis, as well as a perfect start to post-Iraola life at Rayo. 

In Part Two we begin in Bilbao where Jude Bellingham angered the crowd and wowed the rest of us with his performance. The Madrid press are falling at his feet already, going early with the Zinedine Zidane comparisons.

Paco offers his view of the title race this season, as well as his assessment of the rest of the runners and riders across the league. Plus, find out who he fears could be in for a “rude spanking” in their next game.

Substack is our main platform this season and we would love it if you subscribed and upgraded for less than a fiver a month, allowing you access to an extra podcast and multiple articles on our Substack home. We think it is great value, and we hope you do too. 

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Join us for the last podcast of the season to review the 2022/23 LaLiga season. Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) is joined by Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) for the storylines, the good and the bad.

For ten long months, with an unprecedented World Cup in the middle, it has been a unique campaign.

The title changed hands for the fourth time in a row, while we had a relegation battle for the ages.

We discuss Barça's success, Real Madrid's difficulties, Atleti's improvement, La Real making the top four, Euro Osasuna and more.

Carlo Ancelotti's side won three trophies but for many their season was underwhelming. How will they replace Karim Benzema?

In Part Two we break down the relegation battle and discuss the comings and (mostly) goings at the end of the season. Adios to some legends and some not so iconic.

Thank you to everyone who supported us this season. We will be back for 23/24.

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LaLiga came to a sudden end as all 20 teams signed off for the summer in heart-stopping fashion. Join hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and a relieved Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) for the aftermath of a thrilling final day which saw us bid farewell to La Pucela and welcome Osasuna to Thursday night football.

Part one deals with the second slate of games in the day, and the relegation battle, as six teams sweated into the final stages of Sunday evening. Ultimately, Ronaldo Nazário’s Real Valladolid were the victims of something he’s never had to deal with - lack of goal. José Bordalás’ trundled Getafe to safety, and none of the other teams had the required slips for La Pucela. We also deal with the first of two major farewells.

Part two is dedicated to the European race, but there too, the team that started the day in the position in question finished it there. Victory for Osasuna meant a return to Europe for the first time in 16 years. Karim Benzema scored with his final touch as a Real Madrid player, on a weekend of goodbyes at the Santiago Bernabéu. Athletic Club said sayonara to their European hopes in frustratingly familiar fashion.

Follow us @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter for the latest Spanish football news, and tune in to our written work right here.

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Sevilla have done it again! 

After more than 150 minutes of brutal football in Budapest, in a game which traversed the end of May and the beginning of June, the Spanish side beat Roma on penalties to seal a record-extending seventh Europa League title. After all, nobody loves it like they do.

Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) review a dramatic and emotional final, breaking down the key moments and discussing methodical Mendi and the MachiavellianMourinho. 

Perhaps the most unlikely of Sevilla's seven, they won it having been in danger of relegation a matter of weeks ago, when they had just fired their second coach of the season.

We salute the efforts of the players, the marvellous job undertaken by José Luis Mendilibar, his halftime tactical tweaks, his long road to glory, Jesús Navas, Ivan Rakitić, the Argentine connection, brilliant Bono and much much more.

In Part Two we look ahead to the last act in the enduring drama that is LaLiga 22/23, as one club will hop onto the European train and six try to avoid the final curtain.

There is plenty more available on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown and on our Substack at lllonline.substack.com.

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We have just one matchday left in LaLiga after another thrilling round of games - nine all at the same time, with so much on the line, was nearly too much for us. Join hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) as they piece back together the penultimate round of La Liga action and all the consequences.

There is nowhere else to start than the relegation battle, and with three different ties involving direct rivals, even three 0-0 draws would have been the height of drama. As it was, there was no shortage of action, with Getafe and Cádiz coming out winners. Espanyol, were very much the losers. This podcast was brought to you by the Barcelona metro service, which quickly transported one of our hosts from Camp Nou to our recording location, and we close out part one with reaction direct from the final game before it becomes the Camp Vell.

Part two sees us head north, as we reflect on the ongoing European battles with heavy representation from the Basque country - La Real continue to make their case for being the best run club in Spain. That Europa Conference League spot was always going down to the last day, but nobody thought that it would end up with six teams still in the running. Finally we close out part two with Sevilla, who lost to Real Madrid, but in an unusual turn of events for Los Blancos, have bigger fish to fry.

If you aren’t already, follow @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter to keep up to date with all the latest in Spanish football, and head to laligalowdown.substack.com for our written content.

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The relegation battle continues to be the best white-knuckle thrill in Spain, so make sure you don't miss it. Join hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Román de Arquer (@aeroslavee) as they look at some major results, and analyse more fall out from the racial abuse received by Vinícius Júnior.

Real Valladolid and Espanyol kept their hopes of playing in La Liga alive with major results against the two best teams in the division in 2023 - it sets up a Sunday showdown for both. It's tight at the bottom in general though, with six of the bottom eight separated by just two points. La Bordaleta chugged into life this week in Andalusia, but Getafe also lost their best driver. For a region famed for its rain, things are also uncomfortably warm in Galicia.

In part two, we discuss the dying embers of the Champions League race and one player who is all but unstoppable right now. The Europa Conference League race is a matter of intrigue too. Just the six teams are involved in that, four of them separated by two points. Finally, there's an update on the actions being taken in Spain in the aftermath of a major international reaction to Vinícius being abused again, an assessment on the general reaction within Spain, and where perhaps there is room for growth.

Follow us on @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter to keep across all of the latest in the Spanish game, and ensure you visit lllonline.substack.com for all of our written content.

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La Liga was back hot off the heels from a big week in Europe with a big week in the relegation battle, but one which like all of the football, fell into the background due to a very serious problem - racism.

On Sunday evening Vinícius Júnior was racially abused by a Valencia fan, and some time later, ended up being sent off. It was the boiling point in a absurd and awful situation that has been bulding for some time. We give you an objective and correct timeline of events, and discuss the problems with both the dealing of the situation, and the discussion surrounding.

With some degree of difficulty, we then discuss some major results in the relegation battle, including major results for Cádiz and Almería.

In part two, we attempt a little less gloom, and at the very least Real Sociedad provided that, as they continue their march towards the Champions League at Camp Nou. There's also Sevilla's heated clash with Real Betis in the derby, a twist of fortune for Villarreal with one of the in-form forwards in La Liga, and a smash and grab from Espanyol. The final European spot looks as if it may go down to the wire.

Follow us @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter to keep up to date with all the goings on, and ensure you are subscribed to our Substack in order to receive our written content - lllonline.substack.com.

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Nobody loves it like they do. After a phenomenal week of European entertainment, Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) come fresh off the back of another heroic victory in Andalusia to bring you all of the reaction and analysis you need.

The entirety of part one is dedicated to the simply stupendous goings on in Nervión. An electric game, a swaying Sánchez Pizjuán, and another Europa League final. Sevilla dispatch Juventus, we break down the man behind that success, José Luis Mendilibar, how they managed to beat Juventus, peak at the final itself. Another familiar José awaits.

Grit your teeth for part two Madridistas. Part two sees us look at what went wrong during Real Madrid's pummeling at the hands of Manchester City... It's not as bad as you think. Paco picks through Carlo Ancelotti's mistakes, but just give more praise to City for stopping Real Madrid doing the one thing they do best. How exactly does it affect the Italian's future, and we touch on a major problem for Ancelotti that really isn't his fault. Finally, we take a brief look ahead to the fixtures in La Liga this weekend.

Follow us on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown and subscribe to our substack for all of our written content at lllonline.substack.com

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LaLiga has its third champions in the last three years, after Barcelona sliced through rivals Espanyol to secure the title, and write a sweet chapter in the club’s history. Hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Román de Arquer (@aeroslavee) are on hand to tell you how and why.

In part one, we break down who the main culprits for the Blaugrana victory, and which were the key moments in ensuring that it was they that triumphed. Román closes out part one with a wish and a worry for the summer months.

Part two comes onto the numerous other goings on in Spain this weekend, including a fiery relegation battle or three. Only Valencia won out of the relegation candidates this weekend, which is worth four more places in the table to Los Che. Real Valladolid were up in arms about defeat to Sevilla, which tightened the race for Europe right down to 12th-placed Real Mallorca. Up in top four country, La Real lost ground to give Villarreal narrow hope.

Follow us on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown, where we will be covering the title celebrations, and find all of our written content at lllonline.substack.com

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Summer is fast approaching and that means the season is reaching boiling point. Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) review all the midweek action and look ahead to an important Matchday in LaLiga.

In the European competitions, Real Madrid and Sevilla both had to settle for 1-1 draws following two hugely entertaining and different first legs. 

In Madrid, City resisted the City pressure and managed to keep Erling Haaland quiet, but were unable to generate any advantage to take to Manchester next week.  

In Turin, Sevilla were seconds away from a famous win, but should be happy enough to come away unscathed. Having dominated the first half, to concede in the last play of the game was a suckerpunch, but this disappointment illustrates the progression made by the side in recent weeks.

In the second half of the show we pay homage to Sergio Busquets, undisputed legend of Spanish football, as he announced his imminent departure from Barça. We delve into his unique attributes as well as asking how he can be replaced, if at all.

We then look ahead to MD34, including discussion on Barça's chances of wrapping up the title at Espanyol, as well as some key games in the relegation battle and the fight for European spots.

Follow @LaLigaLowdown for all the latest, and subscribe to our Substack at lllonline.substack.com.

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Real Madrid are Copa del Rey champions.

Nine years since their last, Los Blancos have the Copa back in their possession after beating Osasuna 2-1 in a pulsating final at La Cartuja. Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Thom Harris (@ThomHarris_) to review the showpiece in Seville, which saw a fifth winner of the competition in as many seasons.

We talk about the key protagonists of the game, including Vini Jr, Rodrygo and Dani Carvajal.

Vini showed his blistering best and his frustrating worst at times in this game, and we evaluate whether this can be resolved before it costs him or his team dearly.

In Part Two we analyse what this triumph means to the club and to Carlo Ancelotti. Real become the first Spanish side to win 100 trophies, 10% of which have been won under the affable Italian.

Before we're done we salute Osasuna on a proud and persistent performance, and then look ahead briefly to the huge European semi-finals this week.

Follow us @LaLigaLowdown and subscribe to our Substack at lllonline.substack.com.

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A regal theme on this week's podcast after a frenetic week of action.

As the UK is set to officially crown Charles III, in Spain it is the King's Cup which is the focus this weekend. Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) to review Matchday 33 and look ahead to Saturday's showpiece in Seville.

In LaLiga, a few big questions were answered and others moved a long way towards being resolved.

Barça recorded a record-equalling 11th 1-0 victory to put themselves one step away from confirming their title. They will be crowned if they win away at Espanyol next weekend. We also discussed some significant off-field developments at Camp Nou.

Real Madrid's abdication from the throne is confirmed as they slipped to third after a defeat at Real Sociedad. Imanol’s side are getting closer and closer to securing Champions League football.

Atleti are now a free-scoring Antoine Griezmann machine and they scored five for the second successive match.

At the bottom, Elche's relegation was confirmed as Almería beat them 2-1. Elsewhere, José Bordalás was back at the Coliseum and it was as if he had never left. 

The battle to avoid joining Elche is hotter than ever, with five points separating six clubs.

There's praise for Girona too, as they are 7th and now best-placed to grab a potential European spot. 

In Part Two, we preview the highly-anticipated Copa del Rey final on Saturday night. We deliberate on how the teams arrive, what it would mean to win it, and how the game might pan out.

Before we finish, Paco gives us his take on the outcome of the final, with both his head and his heart competing. Whatever the end result, we hope it provides a spectacle fit for a King.

As always, keep across everything @LaLigaLowdown and subscribe to our Substack at lllonline.substack.com.

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Almost as soon as Matchday 31 had concluded, Matchday 32 arrived hot on its heels. Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) to review the weekend action with crucial fixtures at the top, and most importantly at the bottom. Home is where the heart is, and for the majority of the weekend, it was where the points were too. Six of the eight matches played were won by the hosts.

We start at the bottom, with Espanyol gaining a much-needed victory over Getafe, who have just reappointed José Bordalás. There was no immediate effect for returnee, instead it was his counterpart Luis García who registered a first win of his own. Espanyol had been the team with the longest winless run in the division, but that baton now passes to Getafe themselves.

Down in Andalucía, Cádiz also needed to react after three games without a goal, taking on a resurgent Valencia who had won their last two games. Once again it went the way of the hosts, a valuable three points for Sergio's side. Valencia's momentum is stalled.

Elsewhere Elche stunned everyone by pulling a 4-0 win out of the bag. Every game is now a must-win or they will be officially relegated.

Real Valladolid went punch for punch with Atleti, but came out on the wrong end of a seven-goal thriller.

In Part Two, we discuss the big two who scored four goals each, but it was Karim Benzema who closed the gap on Robert Lewandowski in the Pichichi race. For the title, Barça require just three wins to seal it.

Lastly we look at the race for 4th, as La Real continue to hold firm, while Villarreal are trying their best to pressure them all the way.

Matchday 32 concludes on Monday and Matchday 33 begins on Tuesday. Subscribe to our Substack at lllonline.substack.com and follow us on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown for all the latest at this crucial stage of the campaign.

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We are back with a midweek pod to review a pulsating Matchday 31 in LaLiga.

Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) reflect on a midweek which saw both giants lose in the same jornada for the first time in 18 months, history made at Montilivi, and a rocket-launching 19-year-old changing the mood of 40,000 inside Mestalla.

Of course we begin with the Poker in Girona as Taty Castellanos and Co caused Carlo Ancelotti to raise his eyebrow ever further. Real Madrid picked a bad time to produce that performance and Éder Militão will have to improve when he faces Erling Haaland...

We continue the theme of underdogs earning deserved victories over at Vallecas. Andoni Iraola has the midas touch over Xavi's Barça without a doubt, as the Catalans missed the chance to go 14 points clear and lost the option of hitting 100 points.

Then it's all about Valencia and their triumphant win courtesy of their latest youngster. Los Che move out of the relegation zone at the expense of Getafe, who sacked Quique Sánchez Flores after they lost at home to Almería. Yes, Almería won a game on the road. It really was a wild week.

In Part Two we talk Atleti, Villarreal and the battle for Europe. At the other end it is looking bleak for Elche and Espanyol – the former could be officially relegated as soon as this upcoming weekend.

We end by looking at the scrap at the bottom and running through the fixtures for MD32. Time is running out and the tension is rising.

Subscribe to our Substack at lllonline.substack.com and follow us on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown to stay in touch.

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Matchday 30 was a surprising weekend in many ways. There were no penalties, no red cards...and Valencia won a game of football.

A delighted Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) joins Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) to review all ten matches of the round.

The European race took more twists as Betis lost in Pamplona, La Real produced a remontada and Sevilla knocked the stuffing out of Villarreal. Don't sleep on Athletic Club either.

In Part Two we look at some more familiar things. Barça winning 1-0, Real Madrid winning 2-0 and Quique Sánchez Flores with a verbal zinger in the press. 

Following Barça's win over Atleti, no hay Liga. Valencia had a good weekend and so too did their former-academy players Ferran Torres and Kang-In Lee, who both scored for their respective sides on Sant Jordi.

We wrap up the show by assessing the relegation picture, which still involves around a third of the league, and briefly look ahead to the midweek round.

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A hectic midweek in Spain as Sam Leveridge (@samleveridge) is joined by a man from the biggest party in Europe as Rafa Garrido (@RGarrido2210) connects from Seville in the aftermath of Sevilla’s 3-0 thrashing of Manchester United in the Europa League to reach the semi-finals.

We then pan across to Madrid, where Jorge López-Torrecilla (@Jorge_ltg_) jumps on to discuss Real Madrid’s routine 2-0 brushing off of another Premier League side, Chelsea, on route to a semi-final rematch against Manchester City.

Finally, we also turn our attention to the upcoming domestic action where Atlético Madrid travel to Camp Nou to take on Barcelona on Sunday, alongside some relegation six-pointers as we near the business end of the season. Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) joins us for that. 

Stay tuned to La Liga Lowdown on Substack at lllonline.substack.com and on Twitter at @LaLigaLowdown throughout this weekend and in the build-up to next week’s midweek matchday.

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Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Thom Harris (@ThomHarris_) to review a pulsating weekend in LaLiga which had local derbies, intense relegation six-pointers and some surprises thrown in too. 

We begin at Mestalla where Valencia needed a result to keep the belief but faced a Sevilla side who salvaged a draw impressively at Old Trafford on Thursday. A game full of controversy and drama ended up going the way of the visitors as José Luis Mendilibar continues his unbeaten start. We ask how Valencia were undone yet again, how precarious their position is, and whether Sevilla are now safe. 

We then turn our attention to the Basque Country and the European race. Athletic dealt their rival's Champions League hopes a significant blow as they enhanced their own prospects. We discuss the form of Iñaki Williams in particular. 

Villarreal did a Villarreal and Betis were able to cash in with a convincing win over freefalling Espanyol. 

In Part Two we focus on the big three, as Barça were held to another stalemate at Getafe. Real Madrid won at Cádiz to cut the gap to 11 points. With Barça's profligacy in front of goal, is there a hint of a title race once again? 

One team in full force is Atlético Madrid and Antoine Griezmann was differential once again. They are hunting down the top two and face Barça at Camp Nou next weekend. Game on. 

Follow us @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter and subscribe to our Substack for plenty of content at lllonline.substack.com.

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In this podcast, we recap on the latest from Spanish football with both action in midweek in Europe and an exciting matchday round coming up. Sam Leveridge (@samleveridge) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) break down the action.

We start off with a recap from the capital on Real Madrid's convincing win over Frank Lampard's Chelsea before moving on to discuss another recent coaching appointment as José Luis Mendilibar secured a dramatic draw with Sevilla against Manchester United.

In part two, we take a look at another huge game for Mendilibar's men, a tricky away trip for Barcelona and a big Basque derby.

Stay tuned to lllonline.substack.com and @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter for all the latest coverage of everything going on in Spain.

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La Liga took centre stage again after the Copa del Rey, and it did not disappoint. Averaging over three goals per game this weekend, it was the Matchday of the entertainers, as hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Thom Harris (@ThomHarris_) discuss.

There is no other place to begin though than perhaps the most entertaining tie of the weekend, as Villarreal and Samu Chukwueze put Real Madrid to the sword at the Santiago Bernabéu. We talk through his strides forward and the impact it's having on the top four race. It was Semana Santa in Spain, but in Seville the only thing rising this weekend was an unholy wave of frustration as both Real Betis and Sevilla saw red again, costing them points in the process.

Sevilla do at least have some breathing room between themselves and the relegation zone, unlike Valencia and Espanyol. We start part two with a focus on the relegation zone, and a crucial victory for Almería over Los Che. Then we analyse our first impressions of the new managers at Espanyol and Real Valladolid. Atletico Madrid march onwards, they now have Real Madrid in their sights.

Follow us on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown, and find our written content on lllonline.substack.com.

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The Copa del Rey semi-finals were all set up for stories in midweek, and they did not disappoint. Real Madrid humble Barcelona, Osasuna make their second ever Copa del Rey final, Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) is joined by Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) and Jorge López-Torrecilla (@Jorge_ltg_) to break down all the goings on.

Part one kicks off with El Clásico, as we come fresh off a 4-0 win at Camp Nou for Real Madrid, a thrashing not seen since the 1960s. We start off with where the match was won and lost, Real Madrid's most underrated but rated player, and how Carlo Ancelotti vindicated his position. Then we have a go at both fanbases, all is fair in love and war. Finally, we work out how this result influences what remains of both of their seasons.

The second half sees us work our way through an historic achievement for Osasuna - but also a bitter defeat for Athletic Club. Within that we look at the protagonists for Osasuna and the lack of them for Athletic Club. Our extra time is devoted to Espanyol and Real Valladolid who both appointed new managers this week.

Follow us on Twitter for more coverage of all things Spanish football (@LaLigaLowdown).

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La Liga was back after the international break - one perhaps best forgotten in Spain - but there were plenty of memorable matches across Jornada 27 for a number of reasons. Join hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) as they navigate their way through the narratives.

Part one begins with Real Madrid and Barcelona, who combined for ten unanswered goals against Real Valladolid and Elche respectively. Ahead of their Copa del Rey crunch match both had confidence building victories, but Román is grilled on a number of questions hanging over Carlo Ancelotti and Xavi Hernández. We also touch on the Ansu Fati drama, as well as a first win for José Luis Mendilibar as Sevilla manager.

The second half of the show kicks off with an enthused Sam Leveridge (@samleveridge), fresh off the back of Atlético Madrid's sixth victory in their last seven matches. What might have been? Then we dig into Athletic Club and Osasuna, with the onus on Los Leones to turn around their 1-0 deficit. Finally we may be on the verge of a sacking (this might have happened by the time you're listening), find out why Espanyol and Diego Martínez has not worked out.

Make sure to follow us on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown and keep across all of our written content on lllonline.substack.com.

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To preview Luis de la Fuente’s first international break as Spain coach, Sam Leveridge (@samleveridge) is joined by Paco Polit (@PacoPolitENG) to break down all to expect from this new-look Spain squad. 

By delving into the squad choice, captain selection and possible line-up to take on Norway for De la Fuente’s first match in charge in Málaga on Saturday evening, we look at how the new coach can put his stamp on the squad. 

We also look at Spain’s opponents, with Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) joining us to share his insights on his home nation, Scotland, while we discuss some familiar faces to LaLiga fans that feature in the Norway squad. 

Finally, we wrap up by looking at the managerial merrygoround in LaLiga with an old friend returning as José Luis Mendilibar took charge of Sevilla and a complete novice starting out with Sebastián Beccacece appointed Elche coach.

Stay tuned for more across our Substack in the coming days and on Twitter at @LaLigaLowdown. 

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Hay poca liga. Barcelona win El Clásico and move themselves 12 points clear, as the relegation battle gets increasingly hot and sticky. Join hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Thom Harris (@ThomHarris_) as they break down a crucial Jornada ahead of the international break.

Part 1 begins and stays with the big one for the most part as we break down the anatomy of the match itself, the consequences for the two teams going forward, and the Copa del Rey semi-final coming up between the two. We round off the first section with the other two teams charging onwards currently; Atlético de Madrid and Celta de Vigo.

Part 2 sees us plunge into the hot mess that is the relegation battle. With a single win Getafe can breathe and sleep a lot easier outside the relegation zone. They were the only side to win in the bottom nine, and it the pressure is starting mount on the men in charge. In more temperate climes, the European race is threatening to get a little messy too. Finally, we end on one of the most bizarre penalties seen for many years on Spain.

Follow us on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown to keep across our Spanish football coverage, and subscribe to lllonline.substack.com for all of our written content.

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La Liga Lowdown is back with another podcast with plenty on the agenda.

Hosts Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) begin by reflecting on a disappointing night in Europe for the Spanish sides.

After three defeats and not a single goal scored across Thursday's Europa and Conference League matches, only Sevilla progressed, suffering and holding on in Istanbul.

It opens up questions about the state of LaLiga and we ask to what extent these negative results serve as a diagnosis on the health of Spanish football?

At least Real Madrid made it through in the Champions League, with an air of serenity not seen in their momentous campaign last season. Their comfortable and controlled performance against Liverpool is also touched upon.

Surely the Clásico on Sunday will be more taxing for them, as they seek to cut the gap to Barça at the top.

In the second half of the show we preview that game in full, including the importance of Pedri's potential return, what Real Madrid should do with Eduardo Camavinga and more.

Then there is a segment on questions from listeners and followers. Paco does his best to dive into the Clásico culture and whet your appetites for the big game.

Stay across our coverage on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown and subscribe to our Substack for fresh daily content at lllonline.substack.com.

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On Oscars weekend there was no shortage of drama in LaLiga. From blockbuster encounters to thrilling epics, heroes and villains, Matchday 25 wouldn't look out of place on the red carpet. Hosts Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) pore over the action and leave their reviews. 

As it went, Barça maintained their nine-point advantage at the summit ahead of El Clásico next weekend, but they had to dig in deep in Bilbao. Another 1-0 win to add to the catalogue, this new-look resilience reminds Román of a different club and manager of recent LaLiga times. 

Elsewhere there were humongous victories for two of the giants struggling at the bottom as Sevilla and Valencia both put themselves above the water line for another week at least. 

In the race for Europe, it was a lap of consolation for the pretenders, as Real Sociedad, Villarreal and Betis all drew, keeping the contest intriguing. 

The big weekend winners were Celta, and we salute them, Iago Aspas and Carlos Carvalhal, who has quietly transformed their outlook this season. 

Ahead of another important week of European action, follow us @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter and subscribe to our Substack for more analysis: lllonline.substack.com.

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It was a topsy, but mostly turvy week for Spanish sides in Europe, but no less interesting to unpack. Hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) do so in your midweek podcast, before turning their attention to some of the other major storylines.

In part one, Matt Clark (MattClark_08) calls in from the snowy, blustery and generally torrid weather outside Old Trafford - he wasn't much more of a fan of Real Betis' second half in their defeat to Manchester United. Manuel Pellegrini has an uphill task in the second leg of their Europa League tie, as is true for Real Sociedad. Villarreal got a better result in the Europa Conference League, but here's the fun part - they are all battling it out for the top four at the same time. We break down the key weaknesses that might hamper both European and domestic aspirations.

In the second half of the show, we turn to Sevilla. Imagine a world where Sevilla win the Europa League but get relegated? One seems more likely than the other, but will Jorge Sampaoli even see the season through? More questions than answers in Seville - a problem that is very much the case in Barcelona too. Román gives his view from Catalonia on El Caso Negreira.

Follow us on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown, and subscribe to our substack at lllonline.substack.com for all of our written content.

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In our match day 24 recap podcast, host Sam Leveridge (@samleveridge) is joined by Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) to delve into a crazy weekend of LaLiga action where we may have seen the death of a title race. 

First we head to the red and white part of Madrid, where a special celebration for Diego Simeone was marked in style as he took charge of his 613th game with the club in a seven-goal thriller. We then move on to Camp Nou, where Barcelona won with very little style, and the Benito Villamarín, where Real Madrid had just as little style but lacked Barça’s cutting edge, as Hasan Karim (@TheHasanKarim) tells us.

In part two, we look at the relegation battle, where Getafe secured a crucial and nail-biting win over Girona, while Elche clung onto a faint tinge of hope until the very end against Mallorca in two of the weekend’s most eye-catching results. 

Stay tuned across lllonline.substack.com and @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter for all the latest in another action-packed week of Spanish football.

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La Liga Lowdown get down to the nitty gritty of El Clásico on its 5th birthday! Join hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) as they break down the big Copa del Rey semi-final.

It's likely to be a game defined by injuries with both sides missing players, although the Barcelona limp is a little more obvious at this point. We discuss how both sides might line up, where the weaknesses lie, and how it could leave the La Liga race after the first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The second half of the show sees us travel around Spain to discuss some of the most interesting statistics and stories from around Spain. Once again Román demands more time for Quique Setién at Villarreal, we break down one of the most exciting and talented youngsters cutting his teeth at Celta Vigo, and make the case for the two best value signings of the season.

Follow us @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter, and tune into our Substack too - lllonline@substack.com - where we have daily content and will work our way through the El Clásico reaction.

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Comebacks, shocks, goalfests, upsets and twists. That was Matchday 23 in LaLiga, as the form table almost turned upside down and we witnessed another twist in the title race. Hosts Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Thom Harris (@ThomHarris_) are here to break it all down, in a weekend bookended by 3-2 thrillers involving Seville sides.

We begin with probably the surprise of the season so far. Following their defensive horror show last weekend, Almería went into their game against the league leaders with little more than blind faith. However, they caught a Barcelona still in hangover mode from their latest European exit, and the Andaluz side took full advantage, scoring early and defending well. As a result, Xavi's side missed a golden opportunity to open up a double-digit gap on Real Madrid.

The defending champions could not win either, even against the ten men of Atlético Madrid in El Derbi de Madrid. Teenger Álvaro Rodríguez saved a point for Los Blancos with his first senior goal but most observers felt it was an insufficient point. Little did we all know that Madrid would actually cut the gap at the top this weekend.

Elsewhere, Rubén Baraja got his first win as Valencia suffered and earned a much-needed three points while Espanyol and Cádiz registered important home wins too.

In the European race it was a fantastic weekend for Real Betis, who battled back from 2-0 down at Elche to get a crucial victory.

At the end of the show we take stock of the tightening races for Europe and to avoid relegation, as well as looking ahead to the first legs of the Copa del Rey semi-finals.

Follow us @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter and subscribe to our Substack at lllonline.substack.com.

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We’ve been averaging three goals a game on this 22nd weekend of an enthralling LaLiga season, and with one more to go crunch-match to go, there could be plenty more drama still to unfold.

Join your hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Thom Harris (@ThomHarris_) as they discuss the best of the action, including an eight-goal thriller at Montilivi, a last-minute screamer in Elche, and a wonder-assist at Camp Nou. 

Our experts also dive into a tense top-four, as Villarreal slump to a fourth defeat in a row for the first time in 24 years, before looking ahead to some tasty mid-week European ties, as Real Madrid travel to Anfield, and Barcelona gear up for round two with the Red Devils.   

Wild celebrations, uncontrollable tears, and fists literally being swung, you don’t want to miss this.

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It has been another momentous week at Mestalla and appropriately we have Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) on the pod to tell Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) all about it. 

Fresh from attending Rubén Baraja's presentation on location, we start there as Valencia's third coach of the season begins an unenviable task. A cheap option on a short-term contract, is this simply a move by Meriton to pacify an angry fanbase?

Paco assesses the move to bring a club legend into the fray, as well as analysing Baraja's first statements as coach. His first match will be a relegation six-pointer away at Getafe, the importance of which cannot be overstated. 

In Part Two we discuss the other big news from Wednesday; the bombshell involving Barcelona and alleged payments to a company linked to a former senior referee in the CTA. We discuss the reports and where it might leave the Catalans. 

Then we turn our attention to this weekend's fixtures in LaLiga, featuring some attractive match-ups and a European showdown in Madrid. 

Last but by no means least, we salute Jakub Jankto, who this week made the brave public announcement of his true identity. 

Remember to follow us @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter and subscribe to our daily content at lllonline.substack.com.

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La Liga continues to tighten up all over the table - everywhere except at the very top, where the gap between Barcelona and Real Madrid continues to expand, if perhaps only temporarily. Join hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Román de Arquer (@aeroslavee) as they work their way through a weekend that may have serious employment consequences.

We start at the top as Barcelona suffer against Villarreal but ultimately get the job done. Another rearguard action, another Pedri goal. Ronald Araújo was the star of the show but how concerned should Barcelona be about the form of Robert Lewandowski, with Manchester United on the horizon? Elsewhere Atlético Madrid mugged Celta Vigo at Balaídos, and Quique Sánchez Flores teeters on the brink.

In part two, there's only one place to start - Mestalla. Valencia are deep in crisis mode, and right now it feels like quicksand. Román has his doubts about even Pep Guardiola's ability to turn things around. Sevilla are only four points above them, but are feeling terrific that they are no longer the giants in crisis. It was a happy Saturday on the whole in Seville, with one player in particular coming in for praise in the Andalusian capital. With matters so tight at the bottom, every result continues to grow in size.

Follow us on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown, and join us at lllonline.substack.com for our latest written content.

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On the midweek pod are Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) to discuss all the talking points from Spanish football.

In the first half of the show, we break down Real Madrid's win over Al Ahly which sealed progression to the final of the Club World Cup. It was a scoreline which ended up flattering Carlo Ancelotti's side, but that's not to say it was a performance without positives.

Andoni Iraola and Rayo Vallecano are also high up on the agenda after the Vallecas side moved up to fifth in LaLiga. Iraola attracted the advances of Leeds United but has reportedly turned down a move to the Premier League in order to continue his fine work with Rayo. Rejoice.

In Part Two we look ahead to the nine matches in LaLiga this weekend, which sees coaches have reunions with their old clubs and giants in need of home wins to boost morale as much as their respective points tallies.

Remember to follow us @LaLigaLowdown and subscribe to our Substack (lllonline.substack.com), where you can read articles on everything from Celta's new goalkeeper to the lost edition of the Club World Cup.

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LaLiga provided us with a weekend full of surprises as five of the top six dropped points, with everyone but Barcelona allowing the Catalans to extend their lead at the top to eight points courtesy of a thrashing of Sevilla.

To discuss the action, Sam Leveridge (@samleveridge) is joined by Paco Polit (@PacoPolitENG) who brings his insight from Valencia with updates on fan protests and the club's search for a new manager as they fight off relegation.

Elsewhere, Elche stunned Villarreal to record their first win of the season, but was it too little too late for Pablo Machín's team? Stay tuned to @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter and LLLonline.substack.com for all the latest.

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Following a furious rather than frantic end to the transfer window, hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Román de Arquer (@aeroslavee) pick through combative few days in Spanish football.

Part one opens with the people that can be feeling pleased with themselves after rushing to hand in their assignments, before coming onto remarkable second transfer window in a row where one president has been in physical danger after his decision-making. Gavi wore number six on Wednesday night, he is registered as a first-team player, but it isn't over until Javier Tebas sings.

In part two, we pick through more of the debris of Gennaro Gattuso's Valencia departure, where he surrendered before he was cast off, and the return for what we feel we can now call an icon of Spanish football in Voro. Plus signs of encouragement for Real Madrid, Rayo Vallecano (on the pitch) and Quique Setién.

Enjoy our written content at lllonline.substack.com and keep up-to-date @laligalowdown on Twitter.

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187 down, 193 to go. We’re just a few games from the half-way point of the 2022-2023 LaLiga season, and what a primera vuelta it’s been.

Join your hosts Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Thom Harris (@ThomHarris_) as they dissect the weekend’s results, starting at the Santiago Bernabéu, where not even Vinícius Júnior’s 20 dribbles were enough to break down a sensationally structured Real Sociedad side, who remain just three points off Los Blancos in third. 

Part One also sees our experts analyse big wins for Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, who continued the theme of 1-0 wins across the weekend. Pedri and Saúl the midfield match-winners in those.  

Not all the games this weekend were low scorers though, as Sevilla thumped Elche by three goals to nil on Saturday, to extend the visitor’s winless streak to nineteen games. The guys also have high praise indeed for Cádiz and Almería, who continued their fine form in front of their own fans. 

Make sure to follow us @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter for all the latest news and reaction, and don’t forget to subscribe to our Substack for free, daily LaLiga content emailed straight to your inbox! That's lllonline.substack.com.

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The business end of the Copa del Rey is fast approaching, as this week's crunch-match quarter-finals have whittled the remaining candidates down to the final four.

Join your hosts Thom Harris (@ThomHarris_) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) as they dissect two pairs of thrilling clashes between Spain's greatest teams, as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Athletic Club and Osasuna all took one more huge step to cup glory.

In Part one, don't miss Paco's in-depth analysis of the situation in Valencia, speaking to us just moments after witnessing the incredible events that  unfolded outside Mestalla. We also have plenty of praise for the Basque visitors, who make their fourth Copa semi-final in succession.

After the break, our experts get stuck into Osasuna vs Sevilla, paying particular attention to their sensational coach, before looking ahead to some of the weekend's big games.

Make sure to follow us on Twitter, @LaLigaLowdown, for all the breaking news, reaction and analysis from our team of journalists, and subscribe to our substance below, for daily content emailed straight to your inbox, free of charge!

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As we approach the halfway stage of the season, LaLiga Matchday 18 was a weekend low on goals but not short of drama.

Join hosts Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) to reflect on the talking points and the implications of all the results.

We start at the top, and it's as you were as both Barça and Real Madrid record victories, both having to endure some suffering. Winning championships isn't supposed to be easy, after all.

The most impressive team is in third, however, so we laud Real Sociedad once again as they set a new club record for consecutive victories in impressive fashion at Vallecas.

Atleti were also impressive, led by their pink prince Antoine Griezmann. They round off the top four and the first half of the show.

Into Part Two, we analyse two late victories of significance in Seville and Vila-Real, both courtesy of late pressure penalties. There was emotion and relief in equal measure.

Elsewhere there is more pain for Betis, a small glimmer of hope for Elche and a golazo from Segunda.

Follow us @LaLigaLowdown for all the latest transfers and news from Spanish football, and go deeper by subscribing to our Substack at lllonline.substack.com.

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It's not often a football team plays on three different continents in a week, but that's exactly the challenge that Xavi's Barcelona will face over the next few days, as they return from Saudi Arabia with the Spanish Supercopa tucked under their arms.

Join your hosts Thom Harris (@ThomHarris_) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) as they discuss the week's news, starting with their analysis of the title race ahead of a gruelling period for Real Madrid. Before part one is out, Paco reflects on Valencia's current situation, before some exciting transfer business for Girona is assessed.

After the break, the guys look ahead to the weekend's action, with a relegation six-pointer between Sevilla and Cádiz at the top of the bill.

Make sure to follow us @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter for all the latest news, analysis and insight, and subscribe to our substack below, absolute free of charge, for quality LaLiga content emailed to your inbox every single day!

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It was a dramatic weekend of football in Spain, and Saudi Arabia, this weekend, as Barcelona were crowned champions of the Spanish Super Cup with Xavi getting his hands on silverware for the first time as Barcelona coach. To break down the Clásico final, Sam Leveridge (@samleveridge) is joined by Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee).

Then, we turn our attentions back to the Iberian Peninsula, where there was a thrilling Basque derby on Saturday night. Athletic Club fan Beñat Gutiérrez (@beinatguti) joins us to share his thoughts on the game, a controversial refereeing decision, and what it means for both teams.

Sam and Román also run through all the rest of the action, including a game of golazos in Getafe, Girona's late win to send Sevilla into the drop zone, and more dropped points for Atletico Madrid and Villarreal. Stay tuned for more coverage at lllonline.substack.com and twitter.com/laligalowdown.

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A packed midweek podcast this week as Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Thom Harris (@ThomHarris_) discuss the marathon pair of Supercopa semi-finals before looking ahead to a slightly-reduced schedule of LaLiga matches at the weekend.

In the first half of the show, the hosts dissect and chew over the semis which saw both giants start well, fade and then rely on their superb goalkeepers to secure passage to the final on penalties. There is praise for the conquered Valencia and Betis and questions about the performances of the big two: is it tiredness or something more fundamental? Both were more Casio than Rolex.

Before the break we discuss the dramatic debut of João Félix at Chelsea which went from red hot to red card. Diego Simeone was unavailable for comment.

In Part Two we turn our attention to the LaLiga weekend, featuring the Basque Derby as its designated partidazo.Two sides looking to make strides up the table, this should be a fascinating encounter. There are some huge games at the bottom too, which could give hope to some or reinforce the despair of others.

You won't want to miss it. Claramente.

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In this week’s podcast, the La Liga Lowdown squad review the Matchday 16 action. Host Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) starts with the Sunday night partidazo and talks to Sam Leveridge (@SamLeveridge) in Madrid about the atmosphere at the Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano and what the Barcelona win means for both Barça and Atlético Madrid.

Then, Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) joins the action from Valencia to break down Villarreal’s win over Real Madrid, Real Sociedad’s surge on the top four, Joselu’s incredible goalscoring record and Valencia’s struggles after a home defeat to Cádiz.

With the January transfer window open and the Spanish Supercopa coming up this week, stay tuned for more at lllonline.substack.com and twitter.com/LaLigaLowdown for all the latest insights and action.

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Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) for a midweek dip into the deep pool of Spanish football.

On the agenda today is Copa del Rey, LaLiga and the new Kings League. We review the shocks and surprises from the first day of Last 32 matches in the Copa, starting in north Africa, where Elche's nightmare season got even more horrible, if that was even possible. Their agony is ecstasy for AD Cueta, who themselves are bottom of their league.

Elsewhere, three other LaLiga sides fell on Tuesday night, including last season's semi-finalists Rayo Vallecano. We discuss all the action and talking points.

Román then gives us a fascinating insight into Gerard Piqué's new project: the Kings League. Find out what it is, how it works, and the multitude of big names already involved.

In Part Two, we look ahead to the weekend in LaLiga, which features tough away games for the title challengers and plenty of other intriguing games besides.

Keep up to date by following @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter and subscribe to our Substack at lllonline.substack.com.

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10 games, 21 goals, and a 16-card special from Mateu Lahoz. LaLiga is officially back.

Spanish football returned with a bang this weekend, as Jornada 15 squeezed itself into the calendar before 2022 was out. Join your hosts Thom Harris (@ThomHarris_) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) as they pick apart the big results from the top and the bottom of a tasty looking table heading into the new year.

In part one, the guys dissect a bizarre game at Camp Nou, a professional performance at the José Zorrilla, and the return of some of the World Cup's shining stars, before they move on to discuss a tantalising race for European qualification after the break, as Real Sociedad and Villarreal both picked up statement wins in the fight for a precious top-four spot.

Make sure to follow us on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown, and to follow our blog at https://lllonline.substack.com for completely free, fresh content sent to your inbox every day!

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LaLiga is back and after six weeks off, we are being plunged back into the middle of a season. Join hosts Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) as they try to ease you in slowly to the first Jornada back.

The league leaders/failed European side Barcelona begin with a tricky proposition early on, without their leading scorer. Yet Real Madrid's proposition has all the ingredients of a bumpy landing too. Outside of those two, Athletic Club take on Real Betis in a match that could see either side go third or slip to 9th. Also included are Diego Simeone's shopping trolley, an over-extended metaphor and will the real David Beckham please stand up?

In the second half of the show, Celta Vigo-Sevilla sees two sides trying to keep their head above water. We discuss which manager will go into 2023 with the most pressure and find out how you could spend Nochevieja with Paco Polit.

Follow us on @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter and make sure you catch all of our written content on lllonline.substack.com.

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The celebrations have barely settled down in Buenos Aires, but ten of those players on that open-top bus will be back on Spanish shores soon enough, as LaLiga makes an almost immediate return after the 2022 World Cup.

Following perhaps the most dramatic international tournament of all time, join Thom Harris (@ThomHarris_) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) as they discuss how Qatar 2022 might impact the second half of the Spanish season.

In Part One, we discuss the best performers from LaLiga throughout the tournament, focusing in on Sevilla and Atlético Madrid and their Moroccan, French and Argentinian heroes, before touching on the titanic tussle between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the top of the pile.

After the break, we look at some of the activity back home while the World Cup has been in full flow, analysing new managers for Celta Vigo and Elche, before talking about a very exciting transfer indeed for Rayo Vallecano...

Make sure to follow us on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown, and to follow our blog at https://lllonline.substack.com for completely free, fresh content sent to your inbox every day!

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La Liga Lowdown are back to discuss the World Cup final because... how could we not? Jarring though it may be, Spanish football is back just two days after the World Cup ends, so Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Román de Arquer (@aeroslavee) cast an eye over some relationship troubles in LaLiga.

Some are calling it the greatest World Cup final ever and whether you agree or not, it everything the neutral could possible have hoped for. Lionel Messi added the missing jewel to his crown in an iconic moment. Lionel Scaloni got it right, but they were facing the Real Madrid of international football. Kylian Mbappé gets some love and we discuss how La Liga's representatives fared too.

In part two, we pick out the most appealing ties from the Copa del Rey second round. Beyond that, three of La Liga's bigger names who all started the season with European aspirations return to work with tension in the camp. That includes one of the most bizarre stories of the season, as a Spanish international is mistaken for a local waiter, and could João Félix be leaving in January?

We'll be back again before La Liga returns, so make sure you tune in as we remind ourselves where we are in the season, check out our written content at lllonline.substack.com, and follow us at @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter for more coverage of the greatest game in the world.

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As the dust settles on Spain's World Cup campaign, we take a look at the consequences of elimination to Morocco as Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Sam Leveridge (@samleveridge) analyse the fall-out.

First up, a discussion about Luis Enrique, what went wrong, and what led to his dismissal as Spain coach. What's next for Lucho? There's enough to talk about to fill out a whole stream...

After a short break, Matt and Sam are back to tell us about Luis de la Fuente. Who is this unknown entity? Beyond the white trainers and jeans, he's a man with as much in-depth knowledge of the Spanish system and youth set-up as you'll find out there.

For more insight and reaction to the change, as well as the final stages of the World Cup, follow us on Twitter at @LaLigaLowdown and subscribe to our Substack at lllonline.substack.com.

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It's over. Spain are out of the World Cup. Their exit comes at the Round of 16 stage once again, falling on penalties, just like they did four years ago in Russia.

This campaign promised so much more, from the togetherness of the group to the charismatic leadership of Luis Enrique. But it wasn't to be. The inquest has already begun in terms of his future and the direction of the national team, who still haven't won a knockout game at the World Cup since 2010.

Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) is joined by a sorrowful Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) for the postmortem. We review the match against Morocco, assess where it went wrong for Spain, and evaluate the campaign as a whole.

In Part Two we give credit to the Atlas Lions and their coach Walid Regraugi for their momentous achievement, becoming only the fourth African side ever to qualify for the World Cup quarter-finals. We then turn our attention to the ramifications of this unexpected Spanish failure, looking in particular at the futures of the senior players and Lucho himself.

Check out our Substack (lllonline.substack.com) for more reaction and analysis, and follow us @LaLigaLowdown for ongoing coverage of the World Cup and more.

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We're into the business end of the World Cup and there will be no more room for error as Spain face Morocco in a fiery derby of sorts on Tuesday. Join hosts Thom Harris (@ThomHarris_) and Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) as they preview the La Roja's Round of 16 tie.

Part one is dedicated to Spain's faults and flaws. Where did things go wrong against Japan and what changes should Luis Enrique make to counteract those issues? Somehow, we're having the Alvaro Morata debate again with a new angle to it.

Part two focuses on Morocco. The Atlas Lions surprised everyone by topping their group ahead of Belgium and Croatia. They did so conceding just one goal in their three games. Beyond their defence, we look at where they might cause Spain's downfall and what their key threats are.

Follow us @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter and head to lllonline.substack.com for more written content and analysis.

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Spain made it through por los pelos up against a Japanese side who stunned them with a 2-1 defeat in La Roja’s final group stage match of the World Cup. To analyse the action, Sam Leveridge (@samleveridge) is joined by Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) in his usual animated form.

They discuss what went wrong for Luis Enrique’s team and what that means for the rest of the tournament as Spain look to bounce back ahead of their last 16 clash with Morocco on Tuesday. Don’t worry though, there’s also a dose of Paco rage about VAR and goal-line technology to add into the mix too.

We’re also joined by Sam Robson (@FRsoccerSam) of J-Talk Podcast (@jtalkpod) with the point of view from Japan on their win and their impressions of Spain having topped Group E.

For more analysis and insights from Spain’s World Cup camp, stay tuned to our Twitter @LaLigaLowdown and also to our Substack channel for more content as the competition continues.

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It's crunch time in Qatar as the final round of Group Stage matches dawns. Spain are in a strong position and are in full control of their own destiny, but Japan stand in their way. Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) as they look ahead to the match and discuss everything from Luis Enrique's Twitch streams to Gavi's potential future royal prospects.

In Part One the focus in on Spain, pondering whether there will be any changes to the lineup, and how they will go about their task.

In Part Two we discuss the Japanese and how they will approach a game which is effectively a must-win for them. Following that, the hosts chat about the World Cup in general, picking their favourites to win, the best players and the most disappointing sides so far.

Check out our Substack over at lllonline.substack.com and follow us on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown.

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We're back again to review Spain's second game of the 2022 World Cup. Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) reflect on a pulsating game between two former World champions that turned definitively into a tale of two substitute forwards.

In Part One, we discuss the game from a Spain perspective, analysing what went well and what could have gone better, before Román gives his verdict on what it all means for Spain's chances of qualification.

In the second half of the show, German football expert Jasmine Baba (@_jasminebaba) joins us to provide the German point of view. Expect tactical insight, praise for both Niclas Füllkrug and Jamal Musiala, and a considered prediction on Germany's long-term future in Qatar.

Beyond the football, it was a poignant anniversary for Luis Enrique, and he surprisingly spoke about the tragedy he and his family suffered in 2019. We conclude with his own words on the most emotionally agonising thing imaginable.

We are releasing fresh new content every day on our Substack (lllonline@substack.com), and you can keep up to date with all things Spanish football on Twitter. We are @LaLigaLowdown.

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Join us for our preview podcast ahead of the biggest game yet at the 2022 World Cup as Spain take on Germany on Sunday night in Qatar. Host Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) is joined by Sam Leveridge (@samleveridge) in the first half to discuss how Spain could line-up and what we expect from the tactics board that Luis Enrique hasn't shown on his Twitch streams.

In part two, we're joined by German football consultant Adam Khan (@XxAdamKhanxX) to analyse the point of view from Spain's rivals in what is a must-win encounter after their shock 2-1 defeat to Japan in the opening game of their participation. 

Make sure to follow us on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown, and to subscribe to our Substack at LLLonline.substack.com, for free, fresh content sent to your inbox every day!

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Following the most sensational start to a World Cup in living memory, Thom Harris (@ThomHarris_) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) revel in the joyful aftermath of Spain's SEVEN-nil win over Costa Rica.

In part one, hear what our experts have to say about the performances of Pedri, Dani Olmo, and Gavi, who became the third-youngest goalscorer in World Cup history, at just 18 years and 110 days.

With the likes of Ansu Fati, Marcos Llorente and Pau Torres on the bench, we assess Luis Enrique's selection headaches ahead of a crucial encounter with Germany in part two.

Make sure to follow us on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown, and to follow our substack at lll.online.substack.com, for completely free, fresh content sent to your inbox very day!

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On this podcast, Sam Leveridge (@samleveridge) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) preview Spain's 2022 World Cup debut up against Costa Rica, featuring expert insight from Ellie Manville of The Rica Football Podcast. They discuss Luis Enrique's selection headaches and what La Roja can expect in their opening game.

There's also discussion of some of the major talking points in Qatar, including more disappointment for LaLiga's Argentine trio, a Barça star showing his bouncebackability for The Netherlands, and a certain high-profile figure going famous for his streams... Tune in to find out more.

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With just one more sleep to go until the 2022 World Cup kicks off in Qatar, host Thom Harris (@ThomHarris_) is joined by experts from all over the globe, as Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG), Adam Khan (@XxAdamKhanxX) and Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) discuss a tantalising Group E.

In Part One, Thom and Paco discuss all things Spain, from Ansu Fati to José Luís Gayà, with a heavy dose of optimism as Luis Enrique's men continue to seem to fly under the radar...

Part Two sees German football expert Adam Khan assess Hansi Flick's impact since taking over as Germany coach, before Dan Orlowitz talks about Karol Mitoma, Take Kubo and a few dark horses...

Make sure to follow us at @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter for plenty more reaction to the World Cup over the following weeks, and be sure to subscribe to our substack, at lllonline.substack.com, to receive fresh analysis from our excellent team of content writers straight to your inbox, absolutely free of charge!

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Don't ever let anyone tell you LaLiga isn't fun. Join hosts Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) as they break down four days of action which swung like a pendulum.

Part One begins at the top - with Barcelona. Not many saw it coming, but are they now favourites for the league? Real Madrid suffered their first defeat of the season and look less than imposing these days. Atlético Madrid - the less said the better, but we still said quite a lot.

Part Two deals with the rest of the European race and relegation skirmish - the two aren't even that far removed from each other. The Basque sides can smile at their position for now, while Real Betis are sick of the sight of red. More so than usual. At the bottom, there are scoldings galore for any number of teams, managers, owners and more. Finally, in a shock turn of events, Luis Enrique will not spring any surprises in his Spain squad.

Follow us @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter for more coverage of Spanish football and over the coming weeks, the World Cup.

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Two major events dominated Matchday 13, despite several storylines emerging elsewhere and demanding our attention. Join hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) as they break it all down.

Part one begins in Andalusia and it might be November, but temperatures and tempers ran hot in the Seville derby on Sunday night. Atlético Madrid bumbled their way to a draw with ten-man Espanyol - awkwardly, João Félix was their most dangerous player again. In Valencia, Villarreal's Quique Setién might be the first manager to be told to leave in their first home game in La Liga.

Part two begins with a different type of emotion - Gerard Piqué inevitably struggled to hold in the tears. Román was there to give us a first-hand account of a historic moment. Down in the boggy bottom half there was another big win in Catalonia, while Elche look hopeless after a third of the season.

With another midweek round on the way this Tuesday, follow us on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown to ensure you don't miss a beat in a busy week before Luis Enrique announces his Spain squad for the World Cup.

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Gerard Piqué has announced that he is retiring from football, leaving Fútbol Club Barcelona after 14 years and 30 trophies. To mark this momentous occasion, we had to jump behind the microphones to record a special bonus pod.

Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) is joined by Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) and Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) to reflect on the timing of the decision, whether it is the right one, and what factors have contributed to bring events to this end point.

Part Two is a nostalgic reflection of 'Peak Piqué', looking back on his best moments, memorable manitas, grand goals and his propensity for the presidential.

Always honest, sometimes nakedly so, Piqué has left an indelible mark on Barcelona and Spanish football in general. It's not adiosbut hasta luego, for Geri will be back in some capacity someday. For now though, gràcies Geri.

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After the European group stages concluded this week, another round of LaLiga is upon us once more. Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) for a full discussion of the fixtures this weekend.

There was a bit of soul-searching to do for some Spanish sides, namely Atlético Madrid. Knocked out of Europe entirely, the first time that has happened before Christmas in the Diego Simeone era. Paco discusses Cholo's future and whether he has another trick up his sleeve to recover yet again.

We turn our attention to El Gran Derbi on Sunday night which promises to be as fiery as ever, although this time there is one overwhelming favourite.

In the second half of the show, we discuss the latest managerial change in the division, as Chacho Coudet waves goodbye to Celta and Carlos Carvalhal lands in Vigo to take the reins.

While discussing Barcelona's upcoming match, the news of Gerard Piqué's retirement breaks LIVE on the show. Hear how Matt and Paco react to this bombazo!

After rounding up the remaining games, Paco reflects a little more on the legacy of Piqué before the close.

Follow us @LaLigaLowdown and subscribe to our new substack for FREE: lllonline.substack.com.

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As the clock struck ninety at Mestalla on Saturday night, it was looking as if the gap at the top would be five points by the end of Matchday 12.

Nonetheless, last-minute goals, controversial penalties and downward pressure on a football means that only one point separates Real Madrid and Barcelona at the summit of Spanish football, after another enthralling round of LaLiga Santander.

With another 20 goals to get their teeth stuck into, join Thom Harris (@ThomHarris_) and Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) as they dissect all the big decisions, big winners and big losers of October’s final fixtures, covering huge wins for Barcelona and Betis, and a damaging defeat for Atlético Madrid.

Part One begins in Madrid, where a Uruguayan stunned the Bernabéu, but for a change it wasn't Fede Valverde. The significance of a second consecutive stumble is assessed.

In Part Two, our panelists reflect on terrifying new lows for Sevilla, more home wins for Osasuna and Athletic Club, and incredible flukes against a luckless Mallorca.

Make sure to follow us on Twitter, @LaLigaLowdown, where we’ll keep you up to date with Monday night’s crucial fixture between Elche and Getafe, before European competition returns, whether the Spanish clubs like it or not, in what promises to be another jam-packed midweek schedule!

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Disaster, catastrophe and cruelty - Spain did not enjoy a good week in the Champions League. Join hosts Ruairidh Barlow (@RuriBarlow) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) as they pick through the wreckage and then look ahead to a crucial weekend in LaLiga.

Part one focuses on the European woes and La Ley del Deporte - the increasingly famous Spanish Sports Law. Atlético Madrid could scarcely have imagined a more ridiculous way to go out, the referee blowing full time on their Champions League twice. We analyse how it came to that and react to the failure in Barcelona. The Blaugrana may still make it into the Superleague though, after a draw was declared in parliament.

In the second section we look ahead to some decisive matches in the European race. Barcelona must respond at Mestalla, while their former manager Quique Setién takes on former manager Ernesto Valverde in search of his first win with Villarreal. In the Sunday night partidazo, Manuel Pellegrini is running out of fingers upon which to count Real Betis' injuries on and they travel to Donostia-San Sebastián knowing the victor will head into next week in the Champions League spots. Stay until the end for Paco's pick of the week, this weekend's most fun fixture.

To keep across all of the happenings this weekend follow us on Twitter @LaLigaLowdown.

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With games coming thick and fast, join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) for a review of Matchday 11 in LaLiga. It was a tale of contrasting fortunes if your name is Valverde: Fede scored again as Real Madrid kept up their unbeaten run, while Ernesto suffered a 4-0 defeat on his return to Barcelona. The form of the big two is discussed, including the question of whether anyone can beat Los Blancos, a formation tweak from Xavi and an impressive performance from Ousmane Dembélé.

Speaking of Frenchmen, Atlético Madrid are still unbeaten away from home and once again they owed their victory to Antoine Griezmann. His brace against Betis, including an Olympic goal no less, got Diego Smeone's side into the top three.

In part two, we discuss the remaining matches, featuring plenty of drama and talking points. It was an emotional game for Villarreal and they won in thrilling style with a last-gasp goal from Nico Jackson, not bad at all. Controversy reigned with the dismissal of Álex Baena - was it the right call or should some common sense have been applied?

Elsewhere, there were problems with the ex for Valencia, a 5-star Rayo performance, another win for Real Valladolid, and more dropped points for Girona, Espanyol and Elche.

Follow us @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter and don't miss any of our written content by subscribing to our newsletter at laligalowdown.substack.com.

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You know that Mitchell and Webb sketch about the football? The constant, dizzying, twenty-four hour, year-long endless football? It all fell a bit too real this week.

No sooner did LaLiga finish for Jornada 9, did it start again for Jornada 10, as Sevilla and Valencia played out an enthralling draw to kick off the midweek action. We also saw an incredible game in the rain at Valladolid, a goal-of-the-decade contender at Almería, and penalties, VAR, and penalties galore. Breathless stuff, once again, in the greatest league in the world.

Join your hosts Thom Harris (@ThomHarris_) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) as they round up another breathless game week. And if that's not enough for you, make sure to follow us on Twitter, at @LaLigaLowdown, and subscribe to our newsletter at laligalowdown.substack.com, for all the latest news, reaction and analysis.

Because if you want to stay up to date with all the football, your best chance is here!

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We can't quite remember the last time that we were so excited for a Clásico. We've been counting down the sleeps ever since that first lever was pulled...

But Sunday was finally the day, and it was Real Madrid ran out 3-1 winners over Xavi's Barcelona in a thoroughly entertaining game, to swing the title race back towards the capital club's favour.

Join your hosts Thom Harris (@ThomHarris_) and (@pacopolitENG) as they run through the ins and outs of the 250th meeting between these two clubs, before they close Part One with an analysis of Atlético Madrid's classic Atlético Madrid win at San Mamés.

Part Two sees a thorough run through of the other European contenders, as Paco makes his prediction as to who will take that final Champions League spot.

Make sure to subscribe to our substack - laligalowdown.substack.com - for some fantastic written content on the topics discussed, and follow us on Twitter, @LaLigaLowdown, for all the latest news, reaction and entertainment!

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