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Checkmate and into the final: EURO 2024 recap podcast
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
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25. Inexplicable...there is still a title race: LaLiga Matchday 22 recap
40:52||Season 8, Ep. 25A fabulous weekend in LaLiga is recapped by Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG).The league leaders were stunned in Cornellà as Espanyol took advantage of their reprieves to snatch a late winner. Carlo Ancelotti said it was 'inexplicable' that Carlos Romero was still on the field to be able to score the only goal, but Espanyol (and Real's title rivals) were not concerned with that.Atleti celebrated Diego Simeone's 500th LaLiga match with a classic win to put themselves just one point behind their neighbours ahead of next week's tantalising derby. Barça suffered but were just about able to beat Alavés to stay in touch.As well as Espanyol, there was a huge win for Valencia at Mestalla, beating Celta to heat up the relegation battle and drag Celta into it. Anyone from 13th down must be looking worried.Rayo have their goalkeeper to thank for securing the win at local Leganés, who missed two chances to equalise from the spot. Rayo are flying high in 6th and were the only visiting side to win in MD22.Villarreal kept their quest for a top four finish alive with a thumping win over hapless Real Valladolid, who have conceded 47 goals, ten more than the next worst defence in the league.Osasuna showed Real Sociedad what a clinical goalscorer looks like with a deserved 2-1 win on the back of Ante Budimir's brace. Only Robert Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappé have scored more than the Croatian front man. Paco thinks time is soon up for Imanol, and colourfully compares managerial longevity to food going off in your fridge.The two most experienced coaches in LaLiga faced off at the Benito Villamarín as Manuel Pellegrini's Betis twice took the lead against Ernesto Valverde's Athletic, but Los Leones roared back twice to maintain their unbeaten run. Antony looked bright on debut for Los Verdiblancos, but his Manchester United counterpart Marcus Rashford won't be gracing LaLiga, opting instead for Unai Emery's Aston Villa.Ahead of Copa quarter-final week, subscribe with us at lllonline.substack.com for plenty more content.24. Mbappé's treble sends Real Madrid four points clear: LaLiga Matchday 21 recap
36:00||Season 8, Ep. 24Matchday 21 saw a lot of equality in many of the results, but with a dollop of some heavy victories.Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) are here to review it all, commencing at Montjuïc, where Valencia suffered a chastening, historic defeat by seven goals to one.We discuss whether they have hit rock bottom, or whether this is the clearest sign yet that they won't be able to escape from relegation and their worst possible fears? The only bright spot was the return of Mouctar Diakhaby from injury.Barça were relieved to get three points in the league, but it only keeps them third, as Real Madrid continued to motor on at the top of the table. Kylian Mbappé's first hat-trick in the famous white was the headline in Valladolid, extending their lead to four points at the summit.Atleti dropped more points in their home game with Villarreal, but in truth, it could have been worse. Athletic Club failed to capitalise following a stalemate at San Mamés, as Leganés achieved another impressive defensive performance and result.In Part Two, we pay tribute to José Bordalás (yes, again), as his Getafe side shocked everyone by winning 3-0 away against La Real, rounding off a torrid week for Imanol Alguacil. Are his days at the helm numbered? 17% of Getafe's LaLiga goals this season came in the final 20 minutes of this game.If that was not enough, we talk Sevilla struggling, Jagoba Arrasate raging, and why Míchel wasn't happy with Rayo's President.Subscribe with us at lllonline.substack.com for all our content.23. The tables are turning as Mbappé sends Real Madrid top: LaLiga Matchday 20 recap
39:46||Season 8, Ep. 23A weekend for the relegation candidates. Join Ben Sully (@SullyBen) & Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) as they recap up an eventful round of LaLiga action.Leganés proved to be LaLiga’s giant killers once again, claiming a surprise win over Atlético Madrid to go with December’s stunning victory over Barcelona. Meanwhile, Hansi Flick discovered how tricky a trip to the Coliseum can be, as Getafe held Barça to a draw in Saturday’s encounter.Real Madrid ultimately took full advantage of Atleti and Barça’s slip-ups, with Kylian Mbappé starring in a dominant performance against Las Palmas. There was also a win for Athletic Club, who moved level on points with Barcelona thanks to a successful trip to Balaídos.In part two, we discuss Kike García’s perfect hat-trick at the Benito Villamarín as well as a crucial victory for Espanyol in their relegation six-pointer with Real Valladolid. Carlos Corberán celebrated his first league win as Valencia boss, while Dodi Lukebakio proved to be the hero for Sevilla. We then conclude our recap with a quick review of Rayo Vallecano’s hard-fought point against Osasuna.Thanks for listening and remember you can access all of our audio and written content at lllonline.substack.com.22. A Supermanita for Flick's First: Supercopa Final & LaLiga MD19 Recap
36:28||Season 8, Ep. 22We have another stacked podcast to bring you at the start of another week 🙌 Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) analyse the Supercopa final and review the weekend in LaLiga which saw the competition reach the halfway stage.In Part One, we look back on a thrilling final in Jeddah, one which saw seven goals, a red card, a comeback, and another title for Barça, their 100th in history. A jubilant Román hopes this can be the springboard to challenge on all fronts in 2025 and expects Real Madrid to recover from their second heavy Clásico defeat of the season. Work for Carlo Ancelotti to do.Back in Spain, Diego Simeone is loving life at the top of the table, as his side won a record-setting 14th match in a row to regain top spot and crown themselves winter champions. Can they sustain this form all the way to the end of the campaign?Elsewhere, Valencia were denied victory by a late leveller in Seville, pain which was compounded by wins for relegation rivals Getafe and Real Valladolid this weekend. Girona got a late winner of their own, Rayo's coach had to wear a bib on thr touchline, and the points were shared at the RCDE.Subscribe to lllonline.substack.com to ensure you never miss any of our content.21. Saved by the Bell & shockers in the Copa: Copa del Rey Round of 32 recap
35:52||Season 8, Ep. 21La Liga Lowdown is celebrating King's Night with another podcast. Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) to review the dramatic and eventful LaLiga match at Mestalla on Friday night before looking back on the weekend's Copa del Rey round, which included a few shocks.We begin at Mestalla for Carlos Corberán's debut, and things started well for Valencia, with Hugo Duro's goal giving them a deserved lead.Then there was the flash point moment when Vini Jr was sent off for raising his hands to goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.Luka Modrić came on for the ten men and grabbed a vital equaliser before Jude Bellingham (who else) took centre stage to snatch all three points for Carlo Ancelotti's side. Los Blancos move top of the table ahead of their congested week of fixtures.In Part Two, we review the Copa and salute Pontevedra, Almería, Elche and Ourense, who all knocked out LaLiga sides and will eagerly await the draw in anticipation.We end by looking forward to the Supercopa de España in Riyadh, although Paco probably won't be watching too closely.Subscribe for more content at lllonline.substack.com.20. Papa Cholo sitting on top of the tree: LaLiga Matchday 18 recap
34:04||Season 8, Ep. 20It was billed as the headline act and it certainly delivered. A monumental match at Montjuïc is our top story on this weekend's recap, featuring Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG).Did Atleti execute the perfect gameplan? Or were Barça unfortunate not to win given the chances they created? Either way, Diego Simeone is on top of the tree this Christmas, with LaLiga fans excited at the prospect of a three-horse race!Real Madrid also piled on the pressure, as they swept Sevilla aside in Jesús Navas' final game as a player. The emotional scenes overshadowed what ended up being a routine win for Carlo Ancelotti, but they looked somewhat closer to their best version.Athletic continued their fine form with a comeback win in Pamplona, leaving some to whisper that they might even be in the title conversation.Villarreal were involved in a 7-goal-thriller at Butarque, while Mallorca are quietly keeping pace with Marcelino's men.Diego Martínez continues to amaze with his saviour operation at Las Palmas, and there was an 80s pop theme in Vigo.At the bottom, Valencia just can't buy a win. Neither can Espanyol. They will be hoping the turn of the year brings a reversal in their fortunes.We want to wish all of our subscribers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. ¡Feliz Navidad y Próspero Ano Nuevo!19. Pepinazo, adios Navas & a title race for the ages: LaLiga Matchday 17 recap
36:08||Season 8, Ep. 19Drama in the title race! Just one point separates the top three following a dramatic weekend in LaLiga. Join Ben Sully (@SullyBen) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) as they discuss all the action from matchday 17.Real Madrid had to settle for a point after they trailed by two and then led by one in Saturday’s thrilling clash against Rayo Vallecano. As it proved, Los Blancos gained a point on leaders Barcelona, who suffered a shock defeat in their home game against relegation-threatened Leganés.Meanwhile, Atleti were made to work for three points by a dogged Getafe side, collecting a narrow win to move above Real Madrid and level on points with Barcelona. There was also plenty of drama in Sunday’s clash at the Estadio de la Cerámica as 10-man Betis squeezed past Villarreal.Elsewhere, Jesús Navas said an emotional farewell to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, while Valencia’s woes continued against Valladolid. There was also a precious point for Coudet’s Alavés, a hard-fought win for 10-man Mallorca and a couple of goalless draws.Remember, you can subscribe to our Substack (lllonline.substack.com) to access all of our content, including our bonus podcast which will be out later this week.18. How many horses in this race? LaLiga Matchday 16 recap
36:32||Season 8, Ep. 18Join (@SullyBen) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) as they recap an exciting weekend of LaLiga action, including big results in the race for the league title.Assane Diao’s deft touch denied Barcelona maximum points in Saturday’s gripping contest, allowing Real Madrid to close the gap to two points with a Jude Bellingham-inspired victory over Girona.This isn’t a two-horse race, though, as Atlético Madrid showcased their title credentials in Sunday’s comeback win against Sevilla. Away from the title race, Athletic Club made full use of the San Mamés factor to clinch a crucial win in the battle for Champions League qualification.In part two, we discuss Kike García’s goalscoring return to El Sadar. We also reflect on Valencia’s disappointing result against Rayo, Sandro’s match-winning display against Valladolid and another win for rejuvenated Real Sociedad. Meanwhile, the evergreen Iago Aspas got on the scoresheet as Celta moved into the top half with a victory over Mallorca.Thanks for listening, and remember you can access all our content, including a weekly bonus podcast by subscribing at lllonline.substack.com.17. Atleti shine bright as Barça continue to flicker: LaLiga Matchday 15 recap podcast
37:52||Season 8, Ep. 17Matchday 15 provided more dramatic twists and turns in the title race, as well as plenty of action throughout the league table. It all began on Friday night, when Mallorca extended their fantastic start to the season by coming from behind to beat Valencia.A potentially pivotal Saturday in the race? Barcelona were celebrating their 125th birthday, but there was nothing left to enjoy on the pitch, as they lost 2-1 at home to Las Palmas. That's three without a win for Hansi Flick's men, with just one point from a possible nine, allowing the chasing Madrid pack back in the fight. Atleti took full advantage with a crushing 5-0 win in Valladolid, a result which saw them strike 11 goals on the road in the space of four days, and one which spelt the end of the road for Paulo Pezzolano, who was finally relieved of his duties at the Pucela helm. Real Madrid also put Anfield behind them with a comfortable enough 2-0 win over Getafe, with Jude Bellingham promoted to penalty taker. It was also a great weekend for Espanyol, and Athletic, the latter capping a superb week with a come-from-behind win at Rayo. Wth Villarreal involved in yet another 2-2 draw with late action, Los Leones took advantage to move up to 4th.Catch up on everything Spanish football by subscribing to our Substack at lllonline.substack.com.