The experienced trio of Robert Lewandowski, Antoine Griezmann and Gerard Moreno all proved age is just a number on Matchday 12 of the 2025/26 LaLiga season. 

Ben Sully (@SullyBen) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) start by focusing on Lewandowski’s hat-trick in Barcelona’s exciting 4-2 away win over Celta Vigo. We then focus on Atlético Madrid and Griezmann’s role as an impact sub in a successful home outing against Levante. 

Elsewhere, Gerard helped Villarreal bounce back from a disappointing Champions League result with a 2-0 triumph over Espanyol. Marcelino’s side are now just five points adrift of the summit after Real Madrid failed in their quest to beat Rayo Vallecano in their final outing before the international break.

In part two, we discuss Valencia’s improved showing against Real Betis, Mikel Oyarzabal’s late penalty and Nico Williams’s stunning goal in one of four 1-0 wins that took place over the weekend. We then turn our attention to Sevilla’s return to winning ways, as well as three points for Girona and Mallorca.

LaLiga now pauses for the international break, but we will continue to produce content over at lllonline.substack.com, where you can access our bonus podcasts and regular articles on a variety of topics.

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Recap matchday 11 with Ben Sully (@SullyBen) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) in a weekend with plenty of goals and excitement.

Part one kicks off with the passionate Basque derby, which had all the ingredients to become a 'partidazo', and saw Real Sociedad take the win right at the very end. They also review Villarreal's cruising win against Rayo Vallecano and both Barça and Madrid's wins in the title race.

In part two, you'll find words of praise for Antony, aka Antonio de Triana, who wowed LaLiga fans with two stunning goals and an assist for a comfortable 3-0 win over Mallorca. Getafe also keeps showing their consistency as they climb up to 7th, while Atleti dispatch Sevilla as Griezmann scored his 200th LaLiga goal.

As always, thanks for listening, and remember, you can access our bonus podcast and weekly articles over at lllonline.substack.com.

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Looking for some analysis on 'El Clásico' and all the LaLiga action? Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee) have sorted it out for you!

In the first part of the pod they look into what happened between Madrid and Barça. It was billed by some as the English Clásico, and Jude Bellingham was the man who decided it. Neither side seemed to be in their best form of late, but during the game there was definitely a superior side, which ultimately pulled off a big win to widen the gap to five points in the standings. The football, the players, the beefs, the controversy... it's all covered.

In Part Two, they go through the rest of the Matchday, with some big results: including Girona's 6-goal home draw vs Real Oviedo in a fight to escape relegation, Celta's first win of the season and Bordalás' masterclass to sink Athletic in their misery, unable to break down Getafe's defensive wall. All this and more in our Monday pod!

Thanks for listening, and remember you can access our bonus podcast and multiple weekly articles over at lllonline.substack.com.

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The world of Spanish football was stunned on Tuesday night to hear of the news that the Miami match between Villarreal and Barcelona has been cancelled.

Relevant, the sponsoring company organising the match, and LaLiga both released statements expressing their disappointment at the need to cancel, citing the “uncertainty generated in Spain”. It seems apparent that the AFE protests from last weekend certainly had a timely effect.

In this additional bonus podcast, we bring you all the news, reaction and fallout. Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) convenes Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG), Ben Sully (@SullyBen), Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) and Louis Scattergood (@louiscxtt) to analyse the situation and answer the myriad questions this dramatic day has raised.

How embarrassing is this for Javier Tebas? Should he resign? Is the Miami plan now dead in the water?

What about Barcelona and Joan Laporta, who was so confident and bullish only hours earlier on Tuesday? Román gives his perspective.

As for Villarreal, they are furious about the decision and the way they feel sidelined from the process. The news broke during their Champions League match with Manchester City, leaving CEO Fernando Roig Negueroles to make a hasty exit from the Directors’ box. Louis offers his take on the situation as a whole and the Villarreal angle.

For more, read Christian Poulsen's piece below, available to paid subscribers:

LaLiga’s Miami dream collapses as Villarreal–Barcelona returns home

Remember, you can subscribe at lllonline.substack.com to get ALL of our content, including comprehensive coverage of El Clásico this weekend!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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A season review requires a four-midable team! Matt Clark (@MattClark_08), Román de Arquer (@Aeroslavee), Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) and Ben Sully (@SullyBen) all get together to dissect the good and the bad from the 2024/25 LaLiga campaign.

We kick off this special pod on a positive note by picking our best players from the season. SPOILER ALERT - There may be one or two from Barcelona.

Best coach is up next, and of course, that means a mention for Hansi Flick. But away from the Barcelona boss, we discuss a number of coaches who impressed with their work during the course of the season.

Once the positives were out of the way, it was time to share our disappointments with the group. Everything was on the table for this one, including players, coaches, clubs, and even an unreliable laptop.

Away from the season review, we also touch upon some key news stories and Spain’s upcoming UEFA Nations League semi-final tie against France.

Remember, you can access all of our audio and written content over at lllonline.substack.com.

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The 2024/25 LaLiga season is officially over. It started with Athletic Club’s 1-1 draw with Getafe on August 15, and it ended on May 25 with Barcelona’s 3-0 victory over Los Leones. Join Ben Sully (@SullyBen) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) as they recap the final LaLiga matchday of the season.

We kick off with Celta Vigo’s narrow 2-1 away win over Getafe, as club legend Iago Aspas netted a late winner to seal Europa League football for Claudio Giráldez's side. Meanwhile, there was a pitch invasion over in Vallecas after Rayo Vallecano booked their place in the Conference League. A goalless draw was enough to clinch eighth spot as Osasuna failed to take three points off Alavés.

The focus then turns to Espanyol’s successful survival bid. A 2-0 victory over Las Palmas secured their safety and condemned Leganés to the second tier despite their win over basement side Real Valladolid.

We then start part two with Kylian Mbappé’s goals and Real Madrid’s farewells. Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modrić were among those to say their goodbyes in an emotional day at the Santiago Bernabéu. As for champions Barcelona, they wrapped up their treble-winning campaign with a dominant win over Athletic.

Elsewhere, Alexander Sørloth continued his red-hot form with a hat-trick, Villarreal piled the misery on Sevilla, and Real Betis warmed up for the Conference League final with a draw against Valencia.

Remember, you can head over to lllonline.substack.com to access all of our written and audio content.

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The penultimate Matchday in LaLiga proved to to be dramatic and decisive in a ten-game multi-match thriller!

Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) recap it all and decipher what it all means for the table and the ramifications.

Villarreal went to the newly-crowned champions and got the win they needed to secure a coveted return to the Champions League. Barça didn't mind losing this one, as they were in full fiesta mode to receive the title trophy and say farewell to Montjuïc.

Betis waved goodbye to their chances with a heavy defeat at Atlético, but their final is the Conference League next week. Julián Álvarez shone once again as compatriot Ángel Correa got a heavenly send-off of his own.

Kylian Mbappé kept on scoring as Real Madrid beat nine-man Sevilla. All eyes are firmly on the Xabi Alonso reign now, as the signing of Dean Huijsen was also confirmed this weekend.

In the European race, Rayo came from behind to win a massive six-pointer at Balaídos. Celta will be kicking themselves because it was all in their hands to qualify here, but they let their first chance slip. Osasuna beat Espanyol to stay in the hunt too: two teams will make Europe, one will miss out next week.

At the bottom, Alavés and Getafe secured their respective statuses with narrow wins, but Espanyol must sweat another week after suffering a fifth consecutive defeat. From what looked like safety has become a shoot-out.

Leganés maintained their survival hopes with a win at recently doomed Las Palmas. Both Lega and Espanyol face home games against Segunda-bound sides, so the drama is sure to be cranked up next weekend.

Lastly, we salute Imanol Alguacil as he waved goodbye to his public with a win, sadly roo rare for Real Sociedad this season. Fittingly, Mikel Oyarzabal was on the scoresheet from the spot, while a youngster scored the winner. Imanol's tenure and legacy in a neat nutshell.

With more to play for, keep up to speed by subscribing at lllonline.substack.com.

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Four Clásicos. Four Barcelona victories.

Barça took a decisive step towards clinching the title with another super-remontada in this epic season. Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and a jubilant Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) review everything from Montjuïc and around the country as we hurtle towards the finishing post.

Real Madrid came flying out of the blocks but Hansi Flick's side were not to be beaten, roaring back to lead 4-2 at half time. Kylian Mbappé completed his hat-trick, but just like in the World Cup final, he was on the losing side. Just two points required, Barça could win it at the RCDE like two years ago.

We analyse Barça's impressive performances, and ponder where Real Madrid go from here. Xabi Alonso is the short answer.

In Part Two we review everything else from the weekend, including Alexander Sørloth's scoring blitz, a huge win for Leganés, worrying times for Sevilla in a relegation battle that continues to heat up, and dropped points for Betis in the race for the Champions League.

For all of this and more, join us by subscribing at lllonline.substack.com.

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Narrow wins in the title race and an epic battle in the quest to secure Champions League qualification. Join Ben Sully (@SullyBen) & Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) as they round up all the latest LaLiga action, including hard-fought victories for Barcelona and Real Madrid.

A much-changed Barcelona side were forced to come from behind to maintain their unbeaten league record with a win over Real Valladolid. The Blaugrana will take a four-point lead into El Clásico after Real Madrid survived a late Celta Vigo fightback to claim a 3-2 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Meanwhile, the battle to secure Champions League qualification is heating up with just four points covering Athletic Club, Villarreal and Real Betis. Ayoze Pérez netted a brace to fire Villarreal to a 4-2 victory over Osasuna, while Athletic dropped two points in an underwhelming Basque derby. 

We kick off part two by discussing Antony’s stunning strike to snatch all three points for Betis against Espanyol. Elsewhere, Valencia continued their fine run of form with a win over Las Palmas, as Sevilla and Leganés played out a draw that extends their respective winless runs. There is also time to quickly reflect upon Atleti’s frustrating outing against Alavés and another 1-0 defeat for Getafe.

Head over to lllonline.substack.com to access all of our content, including an array of written content and our weekly bonus podcast. 

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Only two games to reflect on this weekend but one was an enthralling Copa del Rey final five-goal thriller!

Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Paco Polit (@pacopolitENG) discuss Barça's triumph and Real Madrid's reaction to yet another Clásico loss.

Who were the standouts? Who should have stepped up? How does this affect Carlo Ancelotti's future? All of these questions are discussed and debated.

In Part Two, we have a quick review of Villarreal's win over Espanyol to move back into 5th, plus look ahead to the European semi-finals, with Spanish sides alive in all three competitions.

We end with a simple but big question: can Barça do the quadruple...?

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