Bellingham’s Best Position, Raphinha Back With A Bang & Griezmann’s Brilliant Winner

Summary

The Rest Is Football – La Liga Roundup: Bellingham's Best Position, Raphinha Back With A Bang & Griezmann’s Brilliant Winner

Date: December 16, 2025
Hosts: Gary Lineker & Alex Aljo

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Rest Is Football with Gary Lineker and Alex Aljo delivers a comprehensive debrief of the latest La Liga action before the Spanish winter break. They dissect tense storylines around Real Madrid, Barcelona's steady run, and Atletico’s fight for consistency, blending tactical insight with candid opinions and a few laughs. Key topics include Xabi Alonso’s job security, the impact of injuries, Raphinha’s explosive return, Griezmann’s enduring value, and the relentless pressure on top managers in Spain.

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Key Segments & Insights

1. Real Madrid’s Narrow Victory & Xabi Alonso Under Pressure

[03:16 - 13:30]

• Match Recap: Real Madrid secured a much-needed yet unconvincing win over Alaves, temporarily easing pressure on manager Xabi Alonso.
• Standout Performances:
  • Kylian Mbappe scored his 17th goal in 17 La Liga games – “That’s quite the record.” (Gary Lineker, 08:30)
  • Brilliant assist from Jude Bellingham, but “Real Madrid just don’t look convincing as a team. No identity.” (Alex Aljo, 09:20)
• Squad Issues:
  • Real Madrid missing seven defenders; debut for 19-year-old Val de Penas highlighted the injury crisis.
  • Alex Aljo felt Xabi Alonso was unfairly critical of the young defender—“I thought it was more Antonio Rudiger’s fault.” (05:32)
• Tactical Talking Points:
  • Alonso started Bellingham, Vinicius, Rodrigo, and Mbappe together for the first time to keep stars happy, but it’s "impossible to do." (Alex, 06:54)
  • The team remains a “collection of top individuals, not a team.” (Alex, 09:20)
• Fans & Media Mood:
  • The Madrid media is “pretty brutal. Marca’s headline was ‘oxygen’ – Alonso’s been given some to stay alive a little longer. But they don’t think he’ll last beyond the Supercopa.” (Alex, 08:07)
  • Madridista fans remain vocally dissatisfied—“It’s very hard to please those Madridistas; they want perfection, week in, week out.” (Alex, 10:08)

Memorable Quotes:

• “If they were going to get rid of him, I think they’d have done it after the Champions League defeat... it’s the president who’ll decide, isn’t it?” (Gary Lineker, 06:41)
• “Bellingham is a classic box-to-box midfielder. For me, he’s an eight, not just a ten.” (Gary Lineker, 11:54)

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2. Barcelona - Raphinha’s Return & Flick’s Attacking Rotation

[13:35 - 19:29]

• Match Recap:
  • Barcelona defeated a stubborn Osasuna with Raphinha netting twice after returning from injury—“Back with a bang.” (Gary, 15:39)
  • A clean sheet and, “for once, they didn’t have to come back from behind!” (Alex, 16:21)
• Tactics & Squad Rotation:
  • Flick started Rashford, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres; Rashford was played centrally—“Didn’t go to plan last time, but now he’s a key part of the team.” (Alex, 17:14)
  • Rashford’s attitude praised: “You don’t have to explain to me, the only thing that matters is the team. That’s a great attitude.” (Gary quoting Flick, 18:01)
• VAR & Disallowed Goals:
  • Controversy over Ferran Torres’ disallowed goal—“It’s like they’re trying to find ways of disallowing goals…sucking the life out the game.” (Gary, 18:50)
• La Liga Context:
  • Barcelona now on seven straight wins, four points clear, and certain to be top at Christmas.

Memorable Quote:

• “It took them a while before the Raphinha brace, but a clean sheet and didn’t have to come from behind – not that ordinary at the moment for Barcelona.” (Alex, 16:21)

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3. La Liga Winter Break & English Football Comparison

[19:29 - 20:55]

• Spanish clubs benefit from a proper winter break—"I’m slightly envious. It makes sense if you can fit the football in." (Alex, 19:29)
• Lineker reminisces about rare Christmas breaks while playing abroad—“It was so lovely to have Christmas off.” (Gary, 19:31)

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4. Atletico Madrid’s Late Winner & Griezmann’s Role

[22:45 - 28:09]

• Match Recap:
  • Antoine Griezmann, now 34, came off the bench to score the crucial winner against Valencia—"He’s still got that talent. That was a great finish." (Gary, 27:15)
• Performances & MVP/Lingo:
  • Mark Pill shined as “MVP”—a term Alex laments as "so American" but says is now in the Spanish football lexicon.
  • “Man of the match. What’s wrong with that?” (Gary, 25:17)
• Fan Insight:
  • Listener Eric claims coach Simeone listens to The Rest Is Football for selection advice!
  • Griezmann’s bench role seems to suit his current level—5 goals in limited minutes: “Coming off the bench to score is exactly what he’s in that squad for.” (Alex, 27:45)

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5. Table Outlook, Villarreal’s Woes, and Transfer Rumors

[22:45 - 27:56]

• Villarreal’s game postponed due to floods, creating a fixture backlog; their UCL failures baffle both hosts: “It’s just one of those anomalies that happen in football.” (Gary, 23:53)
• Speculative fan rumors about signings—Eric calls for right-backs and a striker for Atletico, and jokes Lineker should bring his boots!

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6. Other Results & Managerial Sackings

[28:24 - 32:24]

• Key Results:
  • Sevilla smash Oviedo 4-0; Celta Vigo beat Athletic Club; Espanyol notch another win.
  • Girona stun Real Sociedad with a late comeback, while Mallorca continue their form.
• Managerial Merry-Go-Round:
  • Real Oviedo sack their manager “for the second time this season… More sackings than wins.” (Alex, 30:47)
  • Real Sociedad also dismiss their manager after a miserable campaign: “No one expected them down there.” (Gary, 32:22)
• Coaching Pressure:
  • The hosts reflect on the brutal turnover: “Such a difficult job. No one's ever satisfied all the time.” (Gary, 31:22)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |---|---|---| | 08:07 | “Marca’s headline was ‘oxygen' – [Alonso] has been given some oxygen to stay alive a little longer. But they don’t think he’ll be there after the Super Cup.” | Alex Aljo | | 11:54 | “Bellingham is a classic box-to-box midfielder. For me, he’s an eight, not just a ten.” | Gary Lineker | | 15:39 | “Raphinha was out for much of the season, but he’s come back with a bang, particularly in this game. First goal was terrific.” | Gary Lineker | | 16:21 | “A clean sheet for Barcelona. And another thing, they didn’t have to come back from behind to win, which is not that ordinary at the moment.” | Alex Aljo | | 18:01 | “‘You don’t need to explain to me, the only thing that matters is the team.’ What a great attitude to have.” (quoting Hansi Flick/Rashford) | Gary Lineker | | 25:15 | “MVP is so American… Just call it man of the match!” | Gary & Alex | | 27:15 | “Griezmann… he’s still got that talent. That was a great finish.” | Gary Lineker | | 30:47 | “More sackings than wins. That’s quite a stat.” | Alex Aljo |

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Segment Timestamps (HH:MM:SS)

• [03:16] Real Madrid edge Alaves – Alonso’s job, Bellingham’s role, injury crisis
• [13:35] Barcelona v Osasuna – Raphinha’s return, squad rotation, tactical tweaks
• [19:29] Winter break chat – La Liga vs. Premier League
• [22:45] Villarreal’s fixtures, Atletico’s resurgence, fan banter, Griezmann’s winner
• [28:24] Quick-fire results and lower-table news
• [30:06] Managerial sackings: Real Oviedo, Real Sociedad

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Tone & Chemistry

The episode is informal, witty, and insightful, balancing technical football chat with behind-the-scenes context and friendly banter. Gary and Alex’s chemistry makes for a lively, easy listen, particularly with their blend of analysis, anecdotes, and gentle ribbing over football lingo and La Liga quirks.

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Episode Summary

This episode delivers a snapshot of Spanish football at a critical moment—Real Madrid and Barcelona face different kinds of pressure, Atletico rely on old hands like Griezmann, and the bottom clubs endure the harsh realities of top-flight management. Expect tactical debates, strong opinions, and some humor on the state of La Liga as 2025 winds down.

Transcript

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[Gary Lineker]

This episode is brought to you by.

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[Gary Lineker]

McAfee blocks risky sites so you don't pay for seats and other things that don't exist. Plans start at just $39.99 for your first year. That's cheaper than parking on game day. Learn [e-mail] online protection coming up on today's show, Real Madrid get a much needed win at Alabes, but a disappointing performance means the pressure is still on Xabi Alonso. A Raphinha double was enough for Barcelona to overcome a stubborn Osasuna at Camp Nou. 34 year old Antoine Griezmann came off the bench to score a crucial winner for Atletico Madrid against Valencia and Sevilla hit four past lowly Oviedo as they get themselves back on track. Stay tuned for all the action. Hello and welcome to the Rest is Football La Liga with Alex Aljo and me, Gary Lineker. We're approaching the winter break. Yes, they have a winter break in Spain where they don't need it as much as we do because it's a lot nicer there in terms of the weather and conditions. But I think all the teams will be hoping to go into that winter break with a bit of success. How are you doing Alex? What you've Champions League in Last week?

[Alex Aljo]

Yep. I was in Milan for the Liverpool game, so that was good. And then worked the Arsenal game here at the weekend and had a day off yesterday which was great. Highlight of my weekend is I went to a charity carol night and there was a raffle and I never win the raffle and I won it twice.

[Gary Lineker]

Twice.

[Alex Aljo]

Twice. One bottle of Sancerre started with that. And then lunch for four at a very nice Italian in Chelsea. I never win raffles. I feel like no one ever wins raffles.

[Gary Lineker]

Well done. I look forward to my invitation to the Italian restaurant in Chelsea.

[Alex Aljo]

We can all go. We can all go.

[Gary Lineker]

Harry can come on to the football. It was a big weekend for Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid. They had to travel to Alaves and let's say he needed a result and he got one. Let's have a look at the highlights.

[Match Commentator]

Back to back home defeats. There is no denying the pressure is firmly on Xabi Alonso. As Real Madrid arrive at Alaves. It's Kylian Mbappe. He's got Vinicius Jr. With him. It's Kylian Mbappe goes alone and fires Real Madrid in front. A solo mission that ends in success for Kylian Mbappe.

[Gary Lineker]

Comes the corner.

[Match Commentator]

Rudiger was there. It's Bellingham who bangs it in. Is it gonna count though? We're gonna have a look. Jude Bellingham has smashed it into the roof of the net, but it hits him flush on the arm just before he does so. Vicente is away here from a very good pass finish wasn't bad either from Carlos vi. And Alavez are level. He sprung a long way clear so it will be checked for offside. Goal given. And Xabi Alonso's reaction tells a story and so does his. Rudiger steps in, sets off. Real Madrid are away here. It's Vinicius Junior Rodrigo. So long without a Real Madrid goal. Two in quick succession. And might that be the winner? Real Madrid will quite happily keep it there. And the anxiety just lifts for now on Xavi Alonso.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, Alex, ever a victory was needed probably for. For a team and a coach, it was this. It suddenly got a little bit nerve wracking for them as well, didn't it?

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah, he needed the win, he got the win. But he also needed a convincing performance and it certainly wasn't a convincing performance. So yes, I'm sure it's bought him some time, less urgency. But a really big week now coming up. They've got a game in the Copa del Rey against Talavera and then a big weekend for them as well. Because four points still behind Barcelona. A lot of injuries, I'll give them that. Double figures now they're had no fit. Seven defenders missing. So Val de Penas made his debut. 19 year old defender who plays for Real Madrid. Castillo, who I thought did really well. Xabi Alonso actually called him out after the game, which I thought was a bit unfair. Yeah, for the goal they conceded, which was not really his fault. I think it was more Antonio Rudiger's fault if we watch it back. But yeah, he did call him out. He said, look, he played really well most of the game. The one mistake he made led to the goal, which was a brilliant goal by the way. Carlos Vicente, super finish from him. But yeah, obviously he doesn't have his full team at his disposal. Xabi Alonso. But it wasn't. It wasn't great from Real Madrid at all.

[Gary Lineker]

Was it enough? I mean, I think if they were going to get rid of him, I think they'd have done it probably after the Champions League defeat. But I might be wrong. I mean, ultimately it's. It's the president that will decide, isn't it?

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah, yeah, absolutely. I think, I think he's obviously trying to get. Xabi, is trying to get the players on his side. You can see that fact that he started for the first time. Bellingham, Vinicius, Rodrigo and Mbappe, they'd never all started together. And I think that's a sign that he's trying to keep everybody happy, which is obviously impossible to do. And the irony of it being Rodrigo, who he sort of phased out the team the start of this season, who stepped up and saved him with the.

[Gary Lineker]

Winning goal and interest in the Champions League. He ran over and hugged him, didn't he?

[Alex Aljo]

Yep, yep. And he hugged Vinicius as well when he came off. Vinicius wasn't happy about a penalty that wasn't given to him. He was. He was subbed shortly after that, but gave Xavi a big hug. And that was actually the headline of asked Vinicius hugs Xabi. You know, that was worthy of a front page headline. So, yeah, he's obviously trying, Xabi, he wants to keep his job and the players, I think the players are happy. But as you say, it is Florentino Perez who makes the final call.

[Gary Lineker]

What are they thinking in press wise, media wise, in Madrid, about the situation? Do they think he'll survive it?

[Alex Aljo]

They're pretty brutal, aren't they?

[Gary Lineker]

Pretty brutal.

[Alex Aljo]

I think Marker's headline was oxygen. So it's like so dramatic, isn't it? They've been given some oxygen, keep them alive a little bit longer. Xavi's been given some oxygen rather, to keep him alive a little bit longer. But, no, they're certainly not confident that. They're sort of saying that. I read somewhere that they don't think he'll be there after. After the super cup. And so that's January.

[Gary Lineker]

It's a mad world. Mbappe certainly helped him, though. 17th goal in 17 La Liga games. That's quite the record. Brilliant pass from Jude Bellingham as well.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah, brilliant pass from Jude Bellingham and Mbappe. Yeah. Because I think he didn't start against City, did he? And I think they really missed him. But then, is that an issue as well? The fact, the over reliance on Kylian Mbappe, potentially.

[Gary Lineker]

Potentially, I would say, on behalf of Mbappe, it's a testament to his ability to do that. When a team is not flying, not at its best, not creating as many opportunities, perhaps, as when they're absolutely at their peak. So, I mean, to score a goal, a game, when a team, I mean, it's hard to say struggling, because, I mean, this, you know, they're right near the top of the league. They're four points behind Barcelona. But it's all relevant. It's that slight. It's the different circumstances and the football they're playing.

[Alex Aljo]

You know, I think it's, as I said, at the top, it's just not convincing at all. It looks like a team of top individuals, but it's not a team. It's not a team. I think last week we said there's no identity and. And that's sort of how it felt yesterday. It's hard to work out how Xavi. Xavi's obviously got away. He wants to play, but I don't think the players are on board with it at the moment, or whether he.

[Gary Lineker]

Has the players to play the way he wants to start, because obviously they're not his players. Yeah. And they were very much an individual team last season as well.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah. Which is why they brought in Shabby to try and sort it out.

[Gary Lineker]

Exactly. I mean, damned if you do, damned if you don't. Yes, I suppose. The Madrid fans, are they on his side? Are they giving him the benefit that out at the moment, generally speaking, or.

[Alex Aljo]

No, they're not happy. They're not happy. There's a lot, A lot of booze at the Burnabout. Whistles, booze, you name it. But it's very hard to please those Madridistas. Very, very hard. I would say it's probably, well Barcelona is the same, you know, but one of, if not the most demanding football club with the highest, highest expectations. Yeah, they want perfection, don't they, week in, week out.

[Gary Lineker]

Very true. Rodrigo's been a kind of breath of fresh air for them.

[Alex Aljo]

It's crazy, isn't it?

[Gary Lineker]

Give him any minutes earlier in the season and now he's become perhaps the players who can rely on.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah, he had that record, the unwanted record for the longest goal drought in Real Madrid history, which was 32 games. And then it always works out like this, doesn't it? Then scores two in the same week. Like London buses. You wait for ages and then two come along at once.

[Gary Lineker]

32 games is a long wait though, isn't it? I mean, it's extraordinary really, for a player of that talent. He's an exceptional footballer. Bellingham's going well. I think he's performing. He's got over his injury now and you can see he looks strong and fit. Back to his best. I just don't think they've quite got the balance right in midfield yet. We go back to the point made last week where they, you know, to replace Kroos and Modric is. Is tough and they haven't quite probably got the experience in there that those. Well, he certainly didn't have the experience in there, but also the control of the game is not quite there yet. There were a couple of counter attacks from Alaves that you could see they were kind of wanting defensively.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah, I don't know. Do you agree with the fact that he started the four of them? Bellingham, Vinicius, Mbappe and Rodrigo. Should he have started all four of those? He went very attacking, didn't he?

[Gary Lineker]

Well, I think so. But Bellingham's a midfield player, you know, Bellingham, I mean, you don't have to play Bellingham as a 10. I mean he can. Jude can play. I think he's. I personally, I think he's absolutely an eight. I mean he can play anywhere, any positional basically, and he can play as a 10 brilliantly. But I think as a. He's a. For me, he covers so much ground. He's got such a great attitude. He's a box to box player. He can create brilliantly as he showed with the first goal. But he's so good defensively and I think as a 10, you sometimes can miss that a little bit because he gives you. I mean, for me he's a classic box to box and an exceptional one midfield player. So even someone like Jose Mourinho over the years he used to have. He'll have four at the back, two defensive midfield players and then play four attacking minded players. So you can play with four out and out forwards if you want. But I don't see Jude Bellingham as an out and out forward thinking player. I think he's got more to his game than that.

[Alex Aljo]

He's wasted. Wasted?

[Gary Lineker]

Well, he's wasted because he's brilliant. But. And you want him obviously in offensive areas, but he can do both. I mean, he can and he does anyway. Even when he plays in the 10 role, he chases back because he's such a. Such an honest lad and, and obviously supremely talented. But he, you know, he's got to find a way of playing because players need that. They need to know what they're doing. If you're changing all the time, you're not quite finding your way.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah, and that's what it looks like at the moment. It looks like the players aren't all on the same page. They don't really know what they're doing.

[Gary Lineker]

But they have had, as you quite rightly said, if you've got lot defensive players out, that's not. That's not going to help either.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Particularly in fullback positions. Let's move on to Barcelona. They overcame, well, a quite stubborn Osasuna at the Nou camp, but they got all three points in the end. Let's have a look.

[Match Commentator]

Barcelona are eyeing a fifth straight win in all competitions. They take on an Osasuna side yet to win away from home in La Liga this season. Garcia who thinks about a shot and it whistled just wide of the post.

[Gary Lineker]

RA.

[Match Commentator]

Rashford. Torres in well, Ferran Torres is headed. Barcelona in front but it is going to be checked for offside and that one is not going to count. It stays goalless. Edri surges clear and finds Rafilia. It's taken a while, but Barcelona finally have the lead and it's Rafinha who has supplied it. Yama dancing away well denied by Herrera. Might have just been a little unsighted the Osasuna goalkeeper, but he got across to make a good save. Yamau Kunde gets it back, takes a deflection and presents the simplest of opportunities for Aenia to score a second. Gift wrapped and on a plate and Barcelona have yet another win.

[Gary Lineker]

Raphinha was out for much of the season, Bosnia early on, but he's come back and he's come back with a bang, particularly in this game. First goal was terrific.

[Alex Aljo]

Brilliant goal. They really missed him when he was out. He's obviously Got a brilliant relationship with Pansy Flick as well, who was full of praise for him after the game. It was his birthday as well, so. Happy birthday, Rafinha. Happy birthday, Para Bains. What a way to celebrate your birthday. No, but it took them a while. It took them a while before that Raphinha brace. It wasn't easy for them at all. Sooner did really well. But one thing is good, a clean sheet for Barcelona. And another thing, they didn't have to come back from behind to win, which.

[Gary Lineker]

Is not that ordinary at the moment. I mean, they've done that so many times this season, I felt it was only a matter of time. And I think that. I mean, they've got so much firepower, it's hard to see them not scoring in a particular match. Doesn't happen very often, so you sort of knew it would come. And they are particularly good generally in the second half. And I thought Lamina showed some nice bits, creative, but chances were missed. They had a couple of disallowed goals as well. Torres had won the overhead kick and I was a shame. So it would have been a great goal. Some great work from Lamine prior to that.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah, interesting. He started Rashford, Raphinha, Lamine and Ferran, with Rashford playing centrally, which he did back in August. I think it was against Levante. Do you remember Marcus Rashford started in that position? It wasn't. Didn't go to plan. He was taken off at half time.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, he. Like a little bit like Jabby Alonso, although they're doing better, obviously. He's kind of moving them around, trying different things as well. I suppose it's slightly different circumstances because they're all doing pretty well. So he's got the issue of, like, keeping them all happy. He's rotating them. There's a lovely bit I saw from Hansi Flick himself talking about Marcus Rashford. He said, because he left him out in midweek, and he said something along the lines of, you know, I called Marcus in to explain to him why. Why he wasn't playing. And. And Rashi, as they call him, I think he. He said, you don't need to explain to me. The only thing that matters is the team. And I thought, right. And he said, what? That is a great attitude to have. So.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah, that's so good. That's so good. I'm not sure Vinicius would say the same. Xavi called him in, I suspect. Xavi, you're absolutely right. I would love to start on the bench in a Champions League game. No good. No Good for Marcus. He can obviously see the bigger picture. And also he says that knowing that he's had a brilliant start to his Barcelona career as well, he's not walking into that office thinking, oh, it's been terrible so far. Things haven't gone to plan. Confidence low. He's going in there knowing that he's already become a key part of that team.

[Gary Lineker]

And also he made a cross for. With Torres's disallowed goal that they had to go back to the corner. It was a short corner that when he returned it to him, that was offside. I think everyone was left flummox. It was one of those classic examples where. And that, you know, they were right technically anyway.

[Alex Aljo]

So it was marginal, wasn't it?

[Gary Lineker]

It was margin. It was like tiny heel from a. Return from a corner. And you think it's one of those. Where everyone's going. They're trying to find a way of disallowing goals.

[Sponsor Announcer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

And sucking the life out the game of football. Even though technically, obviously they were they correct. Well, if we can trust the technology.

[Alex Aljo]

So seven straight wins now.

[Gary Lineker]

Yes.

[Alex Aljo]

Four points clear.

[Gary Lineker]

It's looking very good.

[Alex Aljo]

Definitely going to be topic Christmas.

[Gary Lineker]

Yes. Yeah. There's one more round of fixtures, isn't there? And then they have. They used to have quite a longer break than they have now, but they still do have a couple of weeks, don't they?

[Alex Aljo]

I'm slightly envious, I must say.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, I. I used to want. I mean, that was the only other time I can remember having Christmas off in my adult lifetime was when I. The three years when I was at Barcelona and two years when I was at Japan. Aside from that, it was either playing or. Or working on Boxing Day for Match of the Day. So. Yeah, it was. It was. It was so lovely to have Christmas off.

[Alex Aljo]

What did you do? Come back? Come back?

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, I used to come back, see my, you know, see my parents and have Christmas with them.

[Alex Aljo]

So. Good. And then they celebrate on. On the 6th, don't they? Dia de los Reyes.

[Gary Lineker]

Yes. Celebrate that as well.

[Alex Aljo]

So, yeah, slightly envious. I think it's good for the players as this. This busy time to have that. That have that break. It. It makes sense if you can fit the football in.

[Gary Lineker]

It's one of the things that counts against the Premier League when it comes to major tournaments for England or other sides in the home nation. So, yeah, it's. You know, we've campaigned for a winter break for a long time. They had. They sort of did that ridiculous one where you get one weekend once. Some teams will get it one and some teams the other, which, I mean, you still didn't have enough time. It was like one, it was one match day free or something. It was fairly ludicrous. But. But yeah, looking good for Barcelona. But as we know, they started well in the season. Real Madrid went top for a while then Barcelona have now capitalized on Real Madrid's bad run of form.

[Alex Aljo]

But we want an exciting title race. We want an exciting title.

[Gary Lineker]

We do, we do. And we might get one. And one or two of the other sides in the chasing pack are still there. And we'll talk about that after this break.

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[Gary Lineker]

Welcome back to the Rest Is Football La Liga with Alex Aljo and meet Gary Lineker. We're talking about possible title race. Now. Villarreal's game was postponed due to bad weather forecast. A lot of rain. Yeah, flooded. So they've now got two games in hand, haven't they? Yes, at the top of the league, but so they're. They're actually still in contact. But they might, you know, they might have a fixture backlog at some point because although I sense they might not make it, it's mad the contrast between their formula Liga and the Champions League, isn't it?

[Alex Aljo]

It? Yeah. I really don't get That. I really don't get that, because you could say, oh, you know, the focus is on La Liga. They're not worried about the Champions League, but of course they're worried about the Champions League. There's a massive deal they're playing in the Champions League. So I actually struggle to find an explanation to. To what's going on there. I don't know if you. You have an explanation.

[Gary Lineker]

They've just struggled to score any goals in the Champions League, haven't they? I mean, they haven't got any kind of results whatsoever, which is surprising because Spanish teams in European football always do.

[Alex Aljo]

Pretty well, and they haven't had really tough games either.

[Gary Lineker]

No, it's baffling. It's baffling. It's just one of those anomalies, I think, that happens in football, but in the league, they've been great. Although they didn't play this weekend for reasons that we've already mentioned. Atletico back on form. Needed that, Needed that. Eric must be absolutely chuffed.

[Alex Aljo]

That's so strange. He's just messaged me this moment. He's. He's added more. He. He messaged me yesterday. Basically, he's convinced that Simeone listens to this podcast.

[Gary Lineker]

Does he speak or understand English well?

[Alex Aljo]

Maybe he gets someone to translate it for him, because he definitely doesn't speak English well.

[Gary Lineker]

There you go.

[Alex Aljo]

So he was very pleased that Mark Pill was the MVP of that game because he, I think, a few weeks ago was like, he needs to remember he's got this player. He's a really good player. So he has remembered. He's playing him, and he's doing very well.

[Gary Lineker]

Can I pick you up on something there before. Before we move on? We can't be saying mvp.

[Alex Aljo]

Mvp. No, but only because I just.

[Gary Lineker]

That's so American. I know.

[Alex Aljo]

You just said Madrid's tweet says mvp.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, come on.

[Alex Aljo]

Mvp. What was it during the Club World Cup? It was.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Oh, it was even worse. What was it?

[Alex Aljo]

I can't remember what it was. It was superior. The spomb.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, that's right. Superior player of the match. Absolutely flows off the tongue, that, doesn't it? But MVP is just a valuable player. Man of the match.

[Alex Aljo]

Man of the match. Okay.

[Gary Lineker]

What's wrong with that?

[Alex Aljo]

Okay, fine, But I just read it off.

[Gary Lineker]

I know, I know not to go.

[Alex Aljo]

Okay. And then Griezmann obviously came on and scored the winner. Brilliant goal. And what had he said? Eric had said, look, he just needs to come on for those final 30 minutes. He came on in the 59th minute and did what he was brought on to do. So really good. Anyway, so he said, obviously this pod is the best way to get messages across the Simeone. So sign a right back and left back for Christmas. Diego, are you listening? He said, wonder if Sunderland wouldn't mind returning Rinaldo for free. Conor Gallagher might be heading back to the Premier League. Newcastle or Palace. Perhaps Eric knows more than we do. If so, need another midfield. Unless Athletic sign a decent right back and Llorente plays further forward and a striker should solo leave. But he doesn't think he will. Then he said Raspadori will probably be loaned back to some club in Italy, so maybe even two strikers. Gary, bring your boots.

[Gary Lineker]

Wow.

[Alex Aljo]

That's his message. And then he said, as for the game, another win. Although Valencia played well under the deserved a point.

[Gary Lineker]

All right.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Do you think. Serious question this. Do you think if Diego Simeone did somehow leave his job that Eric would be a candidate for the role?

[Alex Aljo]

Honestly think so.

[Gary Lineker]

How satisfying should Atletico be with their seat? I mean, I think they had a really tough start and they've rallied relatively well. It's up and down season, isn't it? But. And I suppose when you consider that, that neither Barcelona and Madrid. I mean, although Barcelona found their form and seven straight victories, I suspect their fans generally think they should be a little bit closer, given the fact that both the top two have faltered on occasions, Real Madrid in particular this season.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah, yeah, I would agree with that. I would agree with that. They should be near at the top, but they're still, you know, they are still up there, they're still in the top four and anything could happen from now until the end of the season.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, I love Griezmann's goal. I mean, he's. He seems to be accepting the fact that he's coming off the bench mostly these days and how, you know, he's. Yeah, there's no spring chicken obviously nowadays, but he's still got that talent. I mean, that was a great finish.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah, brilliant finish. I think it does suit him. He's probably worked out. That is the best role for him.

[Gary Lineker]

He's got five goals in La Liga and probably per minute that won't be a bad ratio because he's not playing. Played that many minutes.

[Alex Aljo]

Exactly. Coming off the bench to score is exactly what. What he's in that squad for. But when he comes on, you can see that he's still a top, top player, isn't he?

[Gary Lineker]

They must love him at that football club. I mean, he's Been so good for them, hasn't he, over such a long period of time. He's a class act.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah. By the move to Barcelona.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, yeah, but he came back.

[Alex Aljo]

He didn't come back, you know, say never go back.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, and it didn't really work for him at Barcelona, so. Which I think might have appeased the Atletico fans a little bit, but what a good player. Before we go, do you want to round up the matches? You do it so eloquently.

[Alex Aljo]

Okay, well, let's just have a quick roundup of the other results from this weekend. Sevilla beat real Oviedo 4 0. Ako Adams, Jibril. So Batista Mendy and Kidro Zuque were all on target for Los Rojiblancos as they thumped lowly Oviedo. David Karma was also sent off late on for the visit. Visitors to compound their misery, the win lifts Sevilla into the top half of the table. Celta Vigo beat Athletic Club 20 goals early in the second half from Willi Svedberg and Jones. El Abdelawi moved their home side to within a point of Athletic Club. El Abdalawi's goal was his first in La Liga and meant Celta Vigo continued to build on their victory at Real Madrid last week. Espanyol beat Getafe 1 0, captain Leandro Cabrera's 53rd minute header and Sean Espanyol edged a tight game against Tafe to claim all three points at the Coliseum. That was a fourth consecutive league win for Los Pericos, who sit fifth in La Liga. Real Sociedad lost 21 at home to Girona. Two late goals from Victor Tsigankov and Girona a crucial win. That means they're now only in the bottom three on goal difference. Former Wolves man Gonzalo Guedes had put Real Sociedad ahead in the first half, but they were stunned by a late fight back as Girona made it two wins and two draws from their last five league games. A 31 win for Mallorca against Elche. Late goals from Omar Mascarell and Vedat Marici gave los Bermalones all three points against Elche. That was Marici's ninth goal in 15 La Liga appearances this year as a 31 year old Kosovan continues to impress.

[Gary Lineker]

It's been a couple of dismissals, hasn't there? A couple of sackings just before Christmas.

[Alex Aljo]

Yep, yep. Real Olivier sacked their manager for the second time season. Luis, carry on. Only in charge for eight games.

[Gary Lineker]

Luis carry on. Carry on. Getting the sack that Was an old Christmas movie.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah. And it's actually now two seasons in a row that he's. He's lost his job, which, you know, not great for him and not great for Real Oviedo. I heard Sid Low say it was the worst Real Oviedo match he's. He's ever seen.

[Gary Lineker]

That's his team as well.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah. The worst performance. Yeah. More. More sackings than. Than win. Wins. I think they only scored one goal under. Under Louis. Carry on.

[Gary Lineker]

More sackings than wins. That's quite a stat.

[Alex Aljo]

It's not great, is it?

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, I shouldn't laugh, but that's. I mean, that's tough.

[Alex Aljo]

It's not great. And then. Yeah, Sid also said they're looking at the Via Dolid manager to take over. Valladolid are 10th in Segunda and it's Guillermo Almada. But it's just. It seems a strange move because. Because, yeah, they're mid table in a league below and then. And they're going for their manager, so. So make that one make sense because it doesn't make too much sense to me.

[Gary Lineker]

Interesting. And then it's a tough old job, that coaching game. I mean, I know it's well recompensed, but I mean, it's. No one's ever. It's so hard to satisfy everyone all the time. It's such a difficult job, particularly when you're in a club. I mean, I'll be able get promoted and that. I mean, what they expecting realistically with, you know, it's ultimately whether you got the players or not. It's very rarely. And they don't to the coach, but so be it. So Happy Christmas to all of them.

[Alex Aljo]

Feliz Navidad, Atolos. And then the other sacking was Real Socia. Real Socia have sacked their manager, Sergio Francisco. He. He was managing their B team and then took over in the summer, so. So it hasn't last long there, but it was. Well, so far it's been a pretty abysmal season for Real Sociedad, so probably had to make that move and sack him. Real Sociedad, well, they are one point clear of safety as things stand.

[Gary Lineker]

I don't think anyone saw the Ben down there, did they?

[Alex Aljo]

No, no, no, no, not at all. Not at all. So, yeah, two more managers bite the dust this weekend and yeah, not a very happy Christmas for them.

[Gary Lineker]

No. Okay, that's all we've got time for today. I'll be back tomorrow with Micah and Alan. But for this episode of the Rest Is Football, La Liga. That's it. Goodbye from me.

[Alex Aljo]

Goodbye from me.

[Professor Hannah Fry]

Hello, I'm Professor Hannah Fry. And I'm Michael Stevens, creator of Vsauce.

[Gary Lineker]

We thought we would join you for.

[Match Commentator]

A moment, completely uninvited.

[Professor Hannah Fry]

We are not going to stay too long.

[Gary Lineker]

Long.

[Professor Hannah Fry]

Unless you want us to.

[Gary Lineker]

Of course. We're here to tell you about our brand new show. The rest is science.

[Professor Hannah Fry]

Every episode is going to start with something that feels initially familiar, and then we're going to unpick it and tear it apart until you no longer recognize it at all. You know how banana flavor doesn't taste like bananas?

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. What is that about?

[Professor Hannah Fry]

So it is supposed to taste like an old species of banana that was wiped out in a banana apocalypse. And now you will only find it in botanical collections in the gardens of billionaires.

[Gary Lineker]

Wow. Banana candy is actually the ghost of a long extinct banana.

[Professor Hannah Fry]

So if you like scratching the surface thinking a little bit deeper or weirder. Yes, definitely. That too. You can join Michael and I every Tuesday and Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.