La Liga Lowdown

Latest Episodes:

Spain World Cup MD3 Review: "Por los pelos" as Spain are stunned by Japan Dec 01, 2022

Show notes

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.

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Spain World Cup MD3 Preview: The Prince of Spain Nov 30, 2022

Show notes

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.

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Spain World Cup MD2 Review: A special day for Luis Enrique Nov 28, 2022

Show notes

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 Substack (lllonline@substack.com), and you can keep up to date with all things Spanish football on Twitter. We are @LaLigaLowdown.

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Spain World Cup MD2 Preview: The most iconic celebration of all Nov 26, 2022

Show notes

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!

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Spain World Cup MD1 review: Not the worst start Nov 24, 2022

Show notes

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!

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2022 World Cup: Spain vs Costa Rica preview & our new favourite streamer Nov 23, 2022

Show notes

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.

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Spain's World Cup Preview - Can they do it? Nov 18, 2022

Show notes

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!

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LaLiga Matchday 14 Recap: They just need the break Nov 11, 2022

Show notes

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.

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LaLiga Matchday 13 Recap: The Red Mist Nov 07, 2022

Show notes

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 busy week before Luis Enrique announces his Spain squad for the World Cup.

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Bonus: Gerard Piqué se va Nov 04, 2022

Show notes

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.

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