Clubs in crisis already?: LaLiga Matchday 5 recap

LaLiga was back with a bang after the international break. In the context of AFE-led league-wide protests, there was more controversy and late drama for Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) to get stuck into.We begin with those protests from the Players’ Union, who have been angered by the lack of communication from the league about the Miami match. This led to the captains agreeing to stop playing for 10-15 seconds at the start of this weekend’s matches. To exacerbate the problems for themselves, LaLiga appeared to direct their broadcast partners not to show these protests live on television, latterly conjuring up the explanation of a ‘commitment to peace’ strapline across screens. A pretty cynical ploy and it was widely denounced.Onto the football, and Barcelona avoided three games without a win in all competitions, but it took a 93rd-minute winner from an unlikely source, as Ronald Araújo spared their blushes. A visibly angered Hansi Flick was sent off and will be absent from the touchline for the Clásico. Real Madrid also had to work hard for their three points, leaving it relatively late to get the better of Getafe. Kylian Mbappé continued his incredible run of scoring and once again it was Arda Güler who provided the assist. The hosts ended with nine men, as Vini Jr's introduction – off the bench – led to two players seeing red. Román would not be drawn too much on a prediction for next week’s big encounter, but did acknowledge it wasn’t looking great for the Catalans at the moment.Across Madrid, Atleti also recorded a narrow win, just about getting the better of Osasuna, whose away record is a problem that Alessio Lisci must solve quickly. Form on the road is something which Diego Simeone himself also needs to correct. In Part Two, we begin with a partidazo between Villarreal and Betis, as Marcelino overtook his counterpart to become the coach who has led the Yellow Submarine in most matches. They led 2-0 and looked good for all three points, but Antony was the verdiblanco hero once more as his brace (including another late goal) saved the point.Then we turn our attention to the Robin Hood of LaLiga: Sevilla had just beaten the league leaders, but this weekend they lost at home to the side who was propping up the table. Mallorca came from behind with three goals in ten minutes to earn a massive win for Jagoba Arrasate.Elsewhere, it was groundhog day at Balaídos as Celta drew 1-1 for the seventh time in nine matchdays. Carl Starfelt’s red card changed the game, and La Real finally got a break as two of their summer signings combined to equalise late on.Rayo enjoyed a big win on the road to make it three in a row in all competitions, Espanyol ruined Luis Carrión’s Oviedo return, and Elche played out a stalemate with Athletic Club.Subscribe at lllonline.substack.com for all of our content, including written content all week ahead of the Clásico, and the bonus podcast analysing the European midweek action, including Arsenal vs Atleti, Real Madrid vs Juventus and Villarreal vs Manchester City. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spain are nearly there. Luis de la Fuente’s side moved to the brink of World Cup qualification with two successful outings against Georgia and Bulgaria. Join Ben Sully (@SullyBen) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) as they recap all the action from the international window.We start by focusing on Saturday’s 2-0 success against Georgia in Elche, where Yéremy Pino and Mikel Oyarzabal got on the scoresheet. The focus then turns to Tuesday’s 4-0 triumph against Bulgaria in Valladolid. Of course, we have to discuss Mikel Merino’s goalscoring exploits, as well as Spain’s impressive form and De la Fuente’s striker situation.In part two, Barcelona’s injury crisis is on the agenda, including the news that Robert Lewandowski looks set to miss the Clásico later this month. There is also time to reflect upon the controversial managerial change at Real Oviedo and look ahead to the weekend’s round of LaLiga fixtures.Remember, you can join us over at lllonline.substack.com to access all of our written and audio content, including our recent pieces on Endrick’s situation at Real Madrid, Barcelona’s high line and Yéremy Pino’s potential. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What an exciting weekend of LaLiga football worth reviewing with Ben Sully (@SullyBen) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee)! Matchday 8 had goals, unexpected results, comebacks, controversy... In part one, they look into Barça’s worrying form, after consecutive defeats, first to PSG and now to Sevilla after a shocking 4-1 scoreline. They also look into Villarreal’s disappointing performance against Real Madrid, Atleti’s hard-fought draw vs Celta de Vigo and Betis’ comeback, including a late, late penalty save by Pau López against his former club.In part two, Girona takes the forefront after their first win of the season came against a combative Valencia. Ben and Román also talk about how the Basque teams fared in their respective games, Levante’s crucial victory at Oviedo and Osasuna’s 90th-minute winner against Getafe.Once again, thanks for listening, and remember, you can access our bonus podcast and weekly articles over at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, well, well... what a weekend! LaLiga has taken quite a turn with Atlético de Madrid not only defeating their eternal rivals Real Madrid, but actually scoring five goals against them when few actually even gave them a chance of winning. How good were they? Did Xabi Alonso get his lineup wrong? Can Atleti challenge for the title? Did El Cholo really cry?Now Los Blancos have dropped to second, just behind an FC Barcelona who struggled quite a bit to defeat Real Sociedad at Montjuïc. Given the circumstances, Hansi Flick had to rely on Lamine Yamal, who'd just recovered from his injury, to complete the comeback and climb to the top.Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) tell us all about these two matches in Part One, but then go on to expand on the other games in Part Two.Elche keep surprising us all with their consistent form and now sleep in a Champions League spot, Athletic continue in their negative spiral, Sevilla are leaving the dark days behind them and progressing well with Matías Almeyda, Mallorca finally remember what it's like to win, and many more stories...Again, thanks for listening, and remember you can access our bonus podcast and multiple weekly articles over at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've got your Monday LaLiga fix sorted! Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) join forces to review and expand on the matches and main talking points of the weekend.But this time, with a twist! Instead of kicking off with LaLiga's duopoly, in Part One we start by looking into the teams that are struggling the most and potentially heading into a crisis: Atleti, Girona, Real Sociedad... What's going on? Can they turn things around or is it going to be as hard as it seems for them?In Part Two, we focus on Barça and Real Madrid, who seem to be cruising through, as well as other surprising teams such as Elche and Sevilla. They also make some time for a quick chat on the Ballon d'Or, which no one seems to be talking about these days... We wonder why...Once again, thanks for listening, and remember, you can access our bonus podcast and multiple weekly articles over at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s happened again. Valencia were left with an awful sense of Déjà vu as they slumped to a heavy defeat to Barcelona for the third time in 2025. Ben Sully (@SullyBen) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) reflect upon Barcelona’s dominant display at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, as well as the rest of the action from matchday 4.Real Madrid contended with a controversial Dean Huijsen red card to claim a fourth consecutive victory, ensuring they finish the weekend as the only team with a 100% record in LaLiga.Wins have not been as easy to come by for Atlético Madrid, but they finally ended their wait for a victory with a confidence-boosting display against Villarreal. Like Marcelino’s side, Athletic Club suffered their first loss of the season, spoiling their perfect start to the campaign.In part two, we focus on Real Betis and Sevilla’s tricky games against newly-promoted opposition, as well as another successful outing for expectation-defying Getafe. Elsewhere, Borja Iglesias prolonged Girona’s wait for a win, while Osasuna took all the spoils against Rayo Vallecano.Thanks for listening, and remember, you can access our bonus podcast and multiple articles over at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Clark (MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) are here to go over a phenomenal result and performance from Spain which left the press jubilant and firmly placing the national team as favourites for the World Cup next year.Without getting too far ahead of ourselves, we analyse a truly resounding victory for Luis de la Fuente’s men, who tore the Turkish side apart. Mikel Merino enhanced his reputation further, scoring his first career hat-trick. Mercurial Pedri is becoming the most complete midfielder of his generation — a “generational talent” according to Paco. Martín Zubimendi is making it hard for Ballon d’Or winner Rodri to find his way back in the team, as absurd as that statement sounds. And Mikel Oyarzabal is making the false forward position his own with increasing consistency and confidence.We discuss the absence of a pure number nine in Spanish football (find out who Paco thinks is the closest), and evaluate who are untouchable in the lineup. Plus, the injury to Nico Williams could be a huge blow ahead of a crucial month for Athletic. Ernesto Valverde won’t be happy, especially as he has also lost Yeray Álvarez until April after his doping ban was confirmed.We close with a brief round-up of the other international fixtures, with a former LaLiga player breaking his national team’s scoring record among the headlines.You won’t miss a thing when you subscribe and upgrade, including the bonus midweek podcast where we will look ahead to Matchday 4 in LaLiga. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just as the season in getting exciting, those pesky folks at FIFA insist we have to have an international break...No matter, Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) are here to discuss the thrills and spills from the third weekend in the Spanish top flight.We went from five clubs on 100% records to just two, as Barcelona, Villarreal and Getafe all dropped points, leaving Real Madrid and Athletic Club as leaders going into September. Real Oviedo also got their first top-flight win in almost a quarter of a century, producing an incredible atmosphere in Asturias.Hansi Flick's side travelled to Vallecas knowing a win would take them top, but despite the help of a penalty (awarded with VAR out of action), they suffered in the second half and ultimately succumbed to Rayo pressure. If it wasn't for Joan García, they would surely have lost. Villarreal also let a lead slip, but Celta deserved their last-minute equaliser. Let's not forget Athletic either, who produced a typically-efficient 2-1 over Betis at La Cartuja to join Real Madrid at the top of the standings.Poor old Atleti still can't buy a win, dropping two more points at Mendizorroza. Are they in crisis yet? On the flip side, Elche and Espanyol have enjoyed impressive starts to the season, and Román is backing them to continue that trend.We end with a little transfer talk ahead of the deadline day, plus briefly reflect on the Champions League draw.You can keep up to date with all of our content by subscribing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is only the second weekend, but this LaLiga campaign is shaping up to be a phenomenal one. Join Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) to dissect and analyse the second round of fixtures.Barça appeared to be heading for an early slip in defence of their title, trailing newly-promoted Levante at half-time. But Hansi Flick worked his magic again and produced another super-remontada, with the winner coming late to break Granota hearts. However, Flick and Román have a clear message: Don’t sell Casadó.Villarreal barely needed 25 minutes to ensure they took another three points, as they demolished Girona 5-0 on Sunday. Tayjon Buchanan was the star of the show with the first hat-trick of the season, and a celebration to match. Currently top, how long can Marcelino’s side stay there; where will this season of promise take them? As for the visitors, where do they go from here? Míchel was crestfallen and spoke pointedly and publicly after the game.What about Atleti? The sensations are not good after they stumbled once again. Despite taking the lead, they could only draw with newly-promoted — albeit extremely encouraging — Elche. With just one point from six, are they already out of serious contention for the title?After the break we look at Real Madrid and their 3-0 win over Oviedo. It wasn’t quite as simple as the score-line suggested, but it was a deserved victory, spearheaded by the player Román says is the best in the league. We talk about interesting personnel decisions from Xabi Alonso, too. It could be a race for the ages.There was also an entertaining draw between Real Sociedad and Espanyol, a first win for Betis in their new temporary home, and Alessio Lisci’s first victory coming courtesy of their Croatian swan.Ahead of Monday’s matches, we try and predict who Getafe might lineup against Sevilla, especially if they sell Christantus Uche before kick off…You can subscribe for more content throughout every week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New season, same Bordalás. Join Ben Sully (@SullyBen) & Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) as they recap all the action from the opening weekend of the 2025/26 LaLiga season, including a Bordalás masterclass at Balaídos. Before we laud the Getafe boss, we start by focusing on Barcelona’s eventful away clash against Mallorca, which produced three goals, two red cards and a victory for the defending champions. Hansi Flick’s charges are already three points better off than Atlético Madrid, who were left stunned by a late Espanyol turnaround. Real Oviedo’s LaLiga return kicked off with a tough away day against Villarreal, which was made all the more difficult by a penalty miss and an early red card. After discussing Getafe’s successful outing, we focus on Valencia’s score draw against a Real Sociedad side under new management. Elsewhere, newly-promoted Levante conceded late on in a narrow defeat to Alavés, while Paulo Gazzaniga had a night to forget in Girona’s loss to Rayo Vallecano. Remember, you can access all of our written content, plus our weekly bonus pod, over at lllonline.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.