La Liga Lowdown

Spain bounced back from their Serbian stalemate in the best possible fashion on Sunday night. Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) unite to discuss the international break at length.Luis de la Fuente's side produced a superb all-round performance to beat Switzerland 4-1 in Geneva, despite playing for over an hour with ten men.Spain raced out of the blocks, with Joselu quickly reminding everyone that he can still provide the answer as Spain's number 9. Lamine Yamal produced yet another goal contribution, leading Paco to make a bold prediction for his season's total output, while comparing him to a certain former Barça player...Fabián continued his fine form with Spain's second inside the first quarter of an hour. Robin Le Normand's dismissal (harsh, but we are biased) changed the picture, and the hosts pulled one back before the break.Spain suffered in the second half, finishing with their lowest possession ever recorded. But they were clinical when they did have the ball: Ferran Torres sh

Review all the fantastic LaLiga action with Ben Sully (@SullyBen) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) in our pod for matchday 4.There's plenty to go through, starting with Mbappé's scoring debut in LaLiga. Two crucial goals ensure three points against Betis and carry 'los blancos' all the way up to second position in the standings. Barça, on the other hand, thrashed Valladolid and are looking stronger than ever despite the (for many) disappointing transfer window.Sevilla are feeling the heat as another home defeat brings back not too distant memories of suffering, after losing to an improving Girona. Meanwhile, the Valencian derby ended 1-1, with Villarreal clinging on to a draw after losing a player in the second half.Find all this and so much more in our pod and remember, you can access all our content throughout the 2024-25 campaign by upgrading at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No Olmo, no problem. Barcelona make it two wins in two despite being without the services of their star signing. Join Ben Sully (@SullyBen) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) as they discuss Barcelona’s successful outing as well as the other nine matches from matchday two.While Barça maintained their 100% record, city rivals Real Madrid and Atleti celebrated 3-0 victories in their respective home matches. However, there was to be no win in García Pimienta’s first home match as ex-Betis forward Ayoze Pérez proved to be Villarreal's hero against Sevilla.In part two, we discuss super Celta, Kubo’s statement and Arrasate’s unsuccessful return to El Sadar. There was also a win for Leganés and a typical Bordalás performance.Remember, you can access all our articles and bonus podcasts by upgrading your subscription at http://lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LaLiga is back! Join Ben Sully (@SullyBen) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) as they round up all the action from matchday one.We discuss Real Madrid’s underwhelming start to their title defence and Barcelona’s hard-fought victory at Mestalla. Atlético Madrid’s Alexander Sørloth celebrated his return to Estadio de la Cerámica with a goal, while a LaLiga debutant stole the show for Getafe and Rayo Vallecano claimed a surprise win over Real Sociedad.In the second part, we focus on Míchel’s new-look Girona side and García Pimienta’s Sevilla bow against his former employers. There was also plenty of time to laud the evergreen Iago Aspas and focus on the three newly promoted clubs.Remember, you can access all our content throughout the 2024-25 campaign by upgrading at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hot on the heels of the Paris Olympics, football returns to Spain as LaLiga is back this week.Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) preview the campaign with some exciting new faces and uncertainty at many of the clubs.Hansi Flick is in the Barça hotseat. Can he revitalise the Catalans to challenge Real Madrid for the title? What about the impact of Kylian Mbappé? A signing that has been coming for years, Los Blancos finally have him, but how will he perform?Atleti have had a busy summer of departures and potential arrivals? Can they challenge again?How will Girona fare with key players gone and Champions League football to content with?Athletic, La Real, Betis, Villarreal, Sevilla – can any of those push on into the top four?We also discuss the rest of the clubs, including the three promoted sides. It feels hard to predict where things will end up, but we are excited to get back underway!Join us on Substack for even more exclusive content for just €5 per month – lllonlin

We officially put an end to the season with our recap pod of the Euro 2024 final between Spain and England.But such a special game deserved a special pod, which is why we brought together Matt Clark (@MattClark_08), Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG), Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) and Ben Sully (@SullyBen) to cover all the angles and opinions.In fact, Paco was at the final in Berlin to give us his insight and share his unforgettable experience. All four review the match, the standout players, and provide the keys to Spain's success during the whole tournament. They also relive Spain's post-match celebrations and talk about England and whether it'll ever be coming home...For more Spanish football, subscribe with us at lllonline.substack.com and get ready for what's coming in the 2024/25 season! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spain march on, all the way to Berlin for the grand final of the Euros, after beating one of the pre-tournament favourites, France.Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) celebrate Spain's latest triumph and the sensational form of Lamine Yamal, still just 16 years old. A goal for the ages saw Spain draw level, before Dani Olmo – another unexpected standout of the tournament – scored the winner.We praise Luis de la Fuente and his work in winning all six matches so far, before looking ahead to Sunday's final against England.They came from behind in their semi against the Netherlands, as they have had to do in each of their knockout matches. Can they upset the form book and win the entire tournament, or will Spain's class shine through in Berlin?Catch up on all the Euros pods so far, and subscribe with us at lllonline.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spain triumphed over the hosts to reach the final four of Euro 2024, where they will face France in a heavyweight semi-final.Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Ben Sully (@SullyBen) reflect on the dramatic 120 minutes of action in Stuttgart, before looking ahead to the French clash.Joselu said in the build-up they wanted to retire Toni Kroos, but it was actually Pedri who was forced to leave the field early, courtesy of a bad challenge from Kroos himself. In an ill-tempered first half, Robin Le Normand saw himself suspended for the semis against the country of his birth.Dani Olmo broke the deadlock early in the second half, thanks to yet another assist from the prodigious Lamine Yamal. Luis de la Fuente took both wingers off, a gamble that almost backfired when Florian Wirtz equalised late in the game.Extra time ticked by and it looked like penalties awaited, but up stepped Olmo to cross for fellow sub Mikel Merino to head home, reminiscent of Carles Puyol's momentous testazo in Durban in 2010.Despite the dramati

Spain eventually cruised past Georgia to book their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. They were given a scare, but won their first knockout match in 90 minutes since the Euro 2012 final.Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) reflect on this big win and look ahead to a mouthwatering clash with the hosts Germany.There is praise for Rodri, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Robin Le Normand and of course consolation for Giorgi Mamardashvili. Ahead of the clash with Germany, Paco is nervous after Joselu's comments in the press conference, but believes Spain can end the 'curse of the hosts'.Keep across all of our coverage at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Group Stage now complete, La Liga Lowdown reflects on Spain's perfect start and looks ahead to the knockouts.In the first half of the show, Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Ben Sully (@SullyBen) analyse Spain's 1-0 win over Albania. Luis de la Fuente made ten changes to his side, but the back-ups proved they can certainly do a job for the team. Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres linked up beautifully for the only goal of the game.In Part Two, we delve into Spain's next opponents: Georgia. Despite being tournament debutants, Willy Sagnol's side have been positive and got their rewards by beating Portugal to qualify. Well known to Spanish fans, these sides met in the qualifying campaign just last year, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Giorgi Mamardashvili need no introductions.We then assess the wider draw for the Last 16, and try to plot a route for Spain to go all the way. On the tougher side of the bracket, is there anyone who Spain should be fearing?Join us on Substack for all our content: lllonline.sub

Spain produced another impressive performance at the Euros to seal qualification for the Knockout Stage.Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) is joined by Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) to reflect on La Roja's 1-0 victory over the Azzurri to seal top spot in what was deemed the 'Group of Death'.While the scoreline was slender, the comprehensiveness of the display was not. Spain were worthy winners, with Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal tormenting the Italian full backs.Can Spain go all the way? Or will their lack of a clinical edge come back to haunt them later in the tournament?After the break we evaluate the other runners and riders in the competition, as England stuttered, Portugal flattered to deceive, and Germany continued to impress.Join us at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Euros are underway and Spain got off to a flying start! Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) as they reflect on the amazing victory over Croatia in their opening game.Paco wasn't too enthused ahead of the tournament, but now he is "the most Spanish of the Spaniards in the Spanish country". We salute Álvaro Morata, the least likely leader, Fabián Ruiz proving doubters wrong, Lamine Yamal's remarkable maturity and Dani Carvajal's terrific fortnight.In Part Two we assess the early stages of the completion as a whole, with Germany impressing but Italy less so.Join us for coverage of every Spain game over at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you really think we were done for the season? No chance! La Liga Lowdown is also invested in EURO 2024, and we couldn't wait to preview all the excitement with Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee).In the first half of the pod, we go through Luis de la Fuente's squad selection for Spain, picking out some of its strengths and weaknesses, as well as previewing the first game against a tough and talented nation such as Croatia. Matt even gives us his prediction on how England will fare!In the second part, we delve into each group and pick some of the favourites to lift the desired trophy, as well as trying to decipher the potential dark horses and disappointments.So, give our pod a listen and start warming up for what's coming! Also, remember that you can subscribe to our Substack and support our work: lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Real Madrid are champions of Europe again, for the 15th time. For the final pod of the season, Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) review the game and assess the magnitude of this team's achievement.With more than double the number of titles as the next best club – Milan – Los Blancos continue to raise their own ceiling. This one is even more momentous, being the sixth in 11 years, matching the feat of the originals in the 1950s.One of those stars was Paco Gento, and he was joined at the summit by four current Madridistas as the only players with six European Cups.We talk about the stories and the subplots, from Jude to Joselu, Courtois to Carletto.Later in the show we discuss some of the new coaches appointed by LaLiga clubs, as well as check in on how Segunda wrapped up.Subscribe for all of our content at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2023-2024 LaLiga season is over! We have quite a few farewells to speak about in out last LaLiga Matchday recap: tears were shed, managers and players were tossed around by the squads, fans got emotional.Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) bring you the lowdown on the ‘adiós’ by Toni Kroos, Javier Aguirre, Jagoba Arrasate… and, yes, Xavi Hernández, whose additional season at Barça’s helm came to an abrupt end a few days ago after getting rage-sacked by President Joan Laporta. Hansi Flick will be Barça’s boss next season, even though Xavi’s stats have stuck pretty close to the template he showed in the successful 2022-2023 season.With only Real Madrid’s showdown against Dortmund pending, another Champions League final was played this weekend in Bilbao, with over 50,000 in attendance and with Barça dominating European football after beating Olympique Lyon (2-0). The lads might have disappointed, but Barça’s women’s team has been absolutely brilliant and the shining light in a dram

The 2023-2024 LaLiga season is over! We have quite a few farewells to speak about in out last LaLiga Matchday recap: tears were shed, managers and players were tossed around by the squads, fans got emotional.Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) bring you the lowdown on the ‘adiós’ by Toni Kroos, Javier Aguirre, Jagoba Arrasate… and, yes, Xavi Hernández, whose additional season at Barça’s helm came to an abrupt end a few days ago after getting rage-sacked by President Joan Laporta. Hansi Flick will be Barça’s boss next season, even though Xavi’s stats have stuck pretty close to the template he showed in the successful 2022-2023 season.With only Real Madrid’s showdown against Dortmund pending, another Champions League final was played this weekend in Bilbao, with over 50,000 in attendance and with Barça dominating European football after beating Olympique Lyon (2-0). The lads might have disappointed, but Barça’s women’s team has been absolutely brilliant and the shining light in a dram

The penultimate Matchday in this LaLiga season ended up ultimately being the deciding one. Everything that was left to be settled was indeed confirmed on the 37th round.Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) look back at it all, from Cádiz's familiar faults costing them their top-flight status, to a partidazo at La Cerámica, with Alexander Sørloth firing himself into the Pichichi lead. Elsewhere, there was a huge Europa League decider in Seville, but this one went the way of the visitors. Barça and Girona both won to confirm their spots in 2nd and 3rd respectively.Atleti suffered perhaps the shock of the weekend, being routed on their own turf by Osasuna.There were emotional goodbyes at San Mamés, and more home comforts for Alavés.Catch all the reaction, plus the bonus pods, by upgrading at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another one bites the dust. Matchday 35 saw Granada’s relegation confirmed before they had even kicked a ball in anger. Unfortunately for the Andalusians, Real Madrid were in no mood to show mercy as they handed out a 4-0 drubbing. Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Ben Sully (@SullyBen) as they review that one-sided affair and the rest of the weekend’s action.Cádiz continued their LaLiga survival fight with a crucial win, while Jon Guridi dented Girona’s runners-up hopes. Sergio Herrera dropped two points at San Mamés as Rodrigo De Paul thumped Atleti closer to Champions League qualification. Elsewhere, Mallorca took a giant leap towards safety against free-falling Las Palmas. We also reflect on two thrilling games at Estadio de la Cerámica and the Benito Villamarín as well as a cagey affair at Mestalla.We will be back to discuss the midweek round of fixtures over at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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