La Liga Lowdown

In this episode, we take a look back to 1992, when the Olympic Games came to Barcelona and Spain. The Spanish squad won the football tournament, the only time they've claimed gold at the Olympics.We hear from Matt Clark (@MattClark_08), who picks out the most interesting names from the squad. We hear from Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG), who explains how Spain reached the final and how they did so in Valencia. Euan McTear looks back on the final, along with some wild commentary. And we hear from Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee), who reflects on the legacy of those Olympics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We start off this week's matchday recap with host Euan McTear (@emctear) discussing what he saw at the Bernabéu as Real Madrid were held to a 2-2 with Celta Vigo, complete with post-match comments from the back-from-injury Eden Hazard. The other team in the title race is Barcelona and they got the better of Getafe, winning 2-1. Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) is on hand to analyse that one.There's also a look at the relegation battle and Real Mallorca's crucial win with Alex Fitzpatrick (@Mallorcalex100), there's discussion of the Valencia vs Atlético Madrid draw with Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG), there's a chat about Athletic Club's struggles in the league with Dan Parry (@DanParry_) and there's a match report from Gregor Chappelle (@gregorchappelle) as he tells us what he saw as Sevilla drew with Espanyol.That's what we've got in this episode, complete with some audio goodness from Cadena Cope and Movistar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's midweek podcast, we take a look at the Martin Ødegaard story so far.We've got Alex Fitzpatrick (@Mallorcalex100) on his origins in Norway. We've got Sam Leveridge (@samleveridge) on his arrival at Castilla, Real Madrid's B team. We've got Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) on his loan spells in the Netherlands. We've got Dan Parry (@DanParry_) on his time so far at Real Sociedad. And we've got Matt Clark (MattClark_08) on his international career.All hosted by Euan McTear (@emctear) and with commentary clips from Sky Sports and Cadena Cope. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is the next in our series looking at every club in Spain’s top division. This time the focus is on one of the country's most successful clubs - Atlético Madrid. Euan McTear (@emctear) hosts and looks at a few of Atleti's most glorious moments, before Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) talk us through the club's history.Sam Leveridge (@samleveridge) then names three all-time Atleti legends, before Ricardo Menéndez (@rickyam) explains what the matchday experience is like at the Wanda Metropolitano and what it used to be like at the Vicente Calderón. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 dramatic season.Don’t miss the coda with our predictions regarding Luis de la Fuente’s 26-man squad for Spain in the Euro 2024.Catch all the reactions, plus the bonus pods, by upgrading 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 dramatic season.Don’t miss the coda with our predictions regarding Luis de la Fuente’s 26-man squad for Spain in the Euro 2024.Catch all the reactions, plus the bonus pods, by upgrading at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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