La Liga Lowdown

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!

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

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 dramatic chaos of the moment, Merino had the presence of mind to replicate a celebration performed by his father in the same stadium 33 years ago. A precious moment for him and all Spanish fans. We include the fabulous commentary from Antonio Muelas Aberasturi from Radio Nacional de España.In Part Two we look ahead to the semis, talking Kylian Mbappé and the other strong LaLiga links in the French team, and Didier Deschamps' blasé attitude to his critics.We applaud the powerful political statements made by many of the French players, in contrast to Unai Simon's recent dead-batting of similar questions.Can't wait for the semis? Check out our other content at lllonline.substack.com

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.

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.substack.com.

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.

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.

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.

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.