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The Transfer Flow Podcast

Episode 37 - El Clasico Preview, Real Madrid vs. Dortmund, and Xabi Alonso to City?

On this episode, Patrick and Ravi discuss Real Madrid's 5-2 win over Dortmund and the injuries to Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo. Next, they preview the Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich Champions League match today and how the game might be insightful for El Clasico on Saturday. They then dive into the best lineups for both Real Madrid and Barcelona, how much injured (Dani Olmo and Gavi) and older (Luka Modric) might play, and give their predictions for the final score. They end the conversation with Xabi Alonso's rumoured exit from Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, potential landing spots, and if he will actually leave. Enjoy!



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Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro

01:02 - Real Madrid vs. Dortmund

04:32 - Real Madrid’s defense was shocking

05:32 - Different Midfield lineups Madrid has used

06:50 - Ravi’s pre-game prediction

07:48 - Bellingham last season vs. this season

09:43 - Modric, Valverde, and Madrid’s Galactico mindset

11:02 - How do they fix their midfield issues?

11:41 - How much will Modric play?

14:08 - Will Rodrygo be the odd man out?

15:12 - Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich Preview

16:20 - A good test for Bayern

17:39 - Barcelona players returning from injury

18:50 - How much can Gavi give them?

21:02 - What front 3 will Barcelona play?

22:35 - Giving minutes to returning players against Bayern

23:33 - What lineup will Madrid use against Barcelona?

24:10 - Courtois injury for Madrid

25:19 - An offensive vs. defensive lineup

26:37 - Stylistic matchups

28:21 - Should Barcelona play more conservatively?

30:11 - Both teams are weak at fullback

31:13 - Lewandowski should play as a pivot

31:57 - Ideal lineup for Barcelona

33:21 - Ravi’s predictions for El Clasico

35:38 - Patrick’s prediction for El Clasico

36:45 - Flick’s first Clasico

37:12 - A La Liga game vs. a Champions League game

39:19 - Leverkusen rumoured to be looking for a Xavi Alonso replacement

40:14 - The timing with Txiki’s departure and Pep’s contract expiring

40:52 - Real Madrid also make sense

41:34 - Hugo Viana and Ruben Amorim

42:21 - The obvious spot for Xabi Alonso

44:25 - What happens if Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t want to leave?

47:18 - Alonso’s contract ends in 2026


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