La Liga Lowdown

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 wa

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Subs

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 C

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

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 adios but hasta luego, for Geri will be back in some capacity someday. For now though, gràcies Geri. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 remainin

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.Mak

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' inj

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 - wa

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo