Madrid’s Magic, Bellingham’s Brilliance & Say Less, Lamine

Summary

The Rest Is Football: "Madrid’s Magic, Bellingham’s Brilliance & Say Less, Lamine"

Podcast: The Rest Is Football
Date: October 28, 2025
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alex Aljo
Topic: La Liga's eventful weekend featuring Real Madrid's El Clasico win, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe's brilliance, Barcelona's frustrations, standout performances, and La Liga's wider talking points.

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Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into Real Madrid’s dramatic 2-1 El Clasico victory over Barcelona, exploring Jude Bellingham’s match-winning influence, Kylian Mbappé’s starring role, VAR drama, and emotional flashpoints. The hosts also reflect on key La Liga results, standout performances, the ongoing evolution of Spain’s top teams, and share exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from Alex Aljo’s trip to Spain. Lively banter, strong opinions, and insider dressing room tales make it an essential listen for passionate football fans.

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Key Talking Points & Insights

1. El Clasico: Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona

Timestamps: 03:18–21:40

• Atmosphere & Stakes

  • Alex describes the "unbelievable" matchday environment in Madrid:

    “It’s always brilliant, isn’t it? The Clasico. An unbelievable atmosphere. A win for Real Madrid to go five points clear at the top.” (03:18)

• Match Incidents & VAR Drama

  • Early drama with a potential penalty for Real not given after VAR review.
  • Mbappé denied once but scores after a sublime Bellingham assist (05:19). Barcelona immediately equalize; Bellingham later bags the winner (06:04).
  • Further VAR decisions, penalty controversy, and emotional flare-ups characterized the match.

• Jude Bellingham’s Rising Stardom

  • Bellingham scores his third winner in five Clasicos.
  • Alex:

    “Massive game for Bellingham… In five league clasicos, he’s scored the winner in three of them… Stepped up when it mattered most.” (08:33)

  • Gary:

    “Three winners in clasicos. That’s something we have in common.” (09:12)

• Mbappé’s World-Class Impact

  • Referred to as “the best player in the world at the moment” (17:01, Gary)
  • Missed a penalty, but his influence undeniable as he spearheads Madrid’s attack.

• Marcus Rashford’s Performance

  • First time two Englishmen (Rashford and Bellingham) participate in El Clasico.
  • Rashford provides an assist; Alex notes, “He had a decent game” (09:26).

• Lamine Yamal & Post-Game Drama

  • Young Barcelona winger kept quiet by Madrid’s defense, then at the center of a heated post-match exchange.
  • Gary:

    “Madrid players were having a go at your Mal...basically giving it, ‘you talk too much.’” (09:53)

  • Alex:

    “Say less, Lamine… Bellingham put up an Instagram post with ‘a little less conversation’ as a song. I like that… Subtle.” (10:08)

• Vinicius Jr.’s Frustration

  • Substituted and initially storms down the tunnel, but returns to the bench.
  • Gary:

    “Any player hates to be taken off… but what you don’t do is you don’t storm down the tunnel.” (12:04)

  • Both agree emotional flare-ups add color, but hope young stars channel it positively.

• Tactical and Psychological Analysis

  • Barcelona’s high line exposed by Madrid; possession battle expected but did not translate to control.
  • Gary on away disadvantage:

    “Away games in clasicos are hard...it massively favors the home side.” (14:19)

  • On Barca’s title hopes after defeat:

    “Five points, it sounds a lot but it’s not that much… Barcelona, fabulous side… you can’t say it’s done yet.” (15:48)

• Managerial Styles: Xabi Alonso vs. Ancelotti vs. Flick

  • Gary praises Alonso’s organized approach:

    “He’s brought out the best in Mbappe… seems to be much more organized… might be beneficial to Madrid in the long term.” (17:01)

  • Discusses Hansi Flick’s absence from touchline due to suspension and its impact (18:15).

• Bellingham’s England Future

  • Debate about Bellingham’s omission from England squad after injury:

    “If he’s not [picked], I’ll be astonished.” (20:01, Gary)
    “He’s a superstar.” (19:29, Gary)

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2. Other La Liga Highlights

Timestamps: 23:24–28:03

• Villarreal 2-0 Valencia

  • Villarreal impresses:

    “Villarreal awarded a penalty… Moreno scored and then Santi Comesaña… Valencia really struggling, right down the bottom of the table.” (23:32–24:14, Alex)

• Athletic Club’s Mid-Table Struggles

  • Loss at home to Getafe; injury to star Inaki Williams; worries about the club’s direction.
  • Alex shares plans to interview Aymeric Laporte, offering deeper coverage soon (26:30).

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3. Exclusive: Alex’s Upcoming Interviews

Timestamps: 02:51, 26:30–28:18

• Ivan Rakitic Teaser
  • Rakitic reflects on winning "almost everything" with Barcelona, yet says:

    “Looking back, he thinks they should have won more… they got bored of winning… lost the hunger, lost the desire... he looks back with regrets.” (26:44–27:04, Alex)

  • Gary questions this glass-half-empty outlook, reflecting on athletes’ mentality.

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4. Atletico Madrid’s Season & Fan Perspective

Timestamps: 28:18–30:55

• Losing to Arsenal; Simeone’s future questioned by Alex’s taxi driver contact, who also wants Felipe Luis as next manager.
  • Notable quote from Alex’s “Madrid Takista Atletico” fan:

    “Simeone should have gone three years ago…not convinced about Conor Gallagher either.” (30:38–30:43)

• Arsenal impresses Simeone as “most complete team in Europe” after facing Real Madrid and Liverpool (29:40, Alex).

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5. La Liga Weekend Round-up

Timestamps: 31:04–32:45

• Alex rapid-fire recaps:
  • Espanyol 1-0 Elche
  • Girona 3-3 Real Oviedo (with a 97th-minute equalizer)
  • Celta Vigo’s late win
  • Real Sociedad’s crucial victory
  • Mallorca 1-1 Levante
  • Rayo Vallecano’s third straight win
• “Real Madrid are top … as a reminder.” (32:45, Alex)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Bellingham’s Big Game Mentality:

  “In five league clasicos, he’s scored the winner in three of them. So, I think he answered his critics.” – Alex Aljo (08:33)

• On Emotional Flashpoints:

  “What you don’t do is you don’t storm down the tunnel… But, I don’t mind. It’s an emotional sport, an emotional game.” – Gary Lineker (12:04/12:24)

• On Lamine Yamal’s Post-Game Antics:

  “Say less, Lamine… Do your talking on the pitch.” – Alex Aljo and Gary Lineker (10:08–10:59)

• On Managerial Impact:

  “Even if you’re a very well respected former player of the club… he’s still a very young manager… really impressive what’s he’s done so far.” – Gary Lineker on Xabi Alonso (17:01)

• On Footballers’ Mentality:

  “[Rakitic] said looking back, he thinks they should have won more… they got bored of winning… lost the hunger… looks back with regrets.” – Alex Aljo (26:44)

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Segment Timestamps

• Intro & Host Setup: 01:31–02:12
• Alex’s Madrid Trip, Rakitic Teaser: 02:40–03:18
• El Clasico Match Recap & Commentary: 03:18–08:09
• Post-Match Analysis: Players & Drama: 08:09–13:50
• Atmosphere, Tactics & Team Evaluations: 13:50–18:15
• Managers’ Styles, Bellingham’s England Prospects: 18:15–21:40
• Villarreal & La Liga Matches: 23:24–26:12
• Athletic Club, Laporte Interview, Rakitic Teaser: 26:30–28:18
• Atletico Madrid, Simeone Talk: 28:18–30:55
• La Liga Weekend Summary: 31:04–32:45
• Outro & Coming Interview Promotion: 32:45–33:54

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Tone & Style

The episode captures the hosts’ sharp insight, passion for football, and dry humor, embracing both serious analysis and playful banter. Alex brings vivid on-the-ground coverage and exclusive content, while Gary weaves together personal anecdotes, tactical expertise, and friendly ribbing.

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For Football Fans Who Missed the Episode

• Get an in-depth breakdown of El Clasico’s drama, star performances, and fallout.
• Enjoy unique behind-the-scenes stories from Spain, plus future interviews with star players.
• Catch up quickly on all the other key La Liga results.
• Hear strong opinions on personalities and managerial approaches shaping today’s football.

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Transcript

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[Gary Lineker]

Coming up on today's show, Kylian Mbappe Jude Bellingham scores the winner as Real Madrid win a fiery action packed El Clasico. Marcus Rashford did get an assist in his first taste of this famous fixture, but it wasn't enough for Barcelona. Villarreal's impressive season continued as they eased past Valencia in a local derby and athletic club's struggles continue new this season as they're beaten at home by Getafe. Stay tuned for all the action.

Hello and welcome to the rest is Football. La Liga episode with Alex Aljo in Madrid and Miguel Nica sadly not in Madrid. We're recording this the morning after, the night before or the afternoon before of the first classico of the season where Real Madrid prevailed. No gloating please, Alex. At this point, before we get onto the game itself, you've had quite a productive trip, haven't you?

[Alex Aljo]

Yes, I have. I have had a brilliant time in Madrid. By the way, it's not the middle of the night, it looks like it's the middle of the night. Like I've just come back in from from the party the post Classico party.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, have you just come in?

[Alex Aljo]

You will never know. But no, it's very sunny. Beautiful day here in Madrid. It's been. It's been brilliant. I interviewed Ivan Rakitic ahead of the Classico that will be on the podcast very soon. You can listen to that. Really interesting chat with Ivan Rakitic. Said some great things. So looking forward to that coming out. And then I'm off to Bilbao later as well to interview Aymerich Laporte, which will be on the podcast.

[Gary Lineker]

Former of Manchester City, of course.

[Alex Aljo]

Yes, yes. Now Athletic Club, who lost to the weekend. We can talk about that. But yes, I was at the Classico as well, which was. Well, it's always brilliant, isn't it? The Classico. An unbelievable atmosphere. And what's more, a win for Real Madrid to go five points clear at the top.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. No, no.

[Alex Aljo]

Wearing my whites. Los Blancos.

[Gary Lineker]

No floating. I did fear that Real Madrid might win that one. But before we discuss the game, let's see how Real Madrid managed to beat Barca.

[Match Commentator]

The greatest players, the grandest stage. Barcelona and Real Madrid collide in El Clasico once again.

Here's Vinicius Jr.

Who is caught there by Yamau. Referee points to the penalty spot. An early opportunity for Real Madrid to seize the initiative here.

It will be checked. There isn't a great deal of contact there from Lamina on Vinicius Junior.

It is overturned. No penalty.

Turned into the path of Killian Mbappe. Oh, Killian Mbappe. Extraordinary.

Even a man in the most sublime form.

But he's gonna be denied.

Xavi Alonso shakes his head and it stays at nil.

Nil.

Oh, Bellingham's Fed. Kylian Mbappe. Kylian Mbappe. He's not to be denied a second time. Perfectly crafted by Jude Bellingham. And Kylian Mbappe does have his Classico go.

Rashford into the path of Firmin Lopez, who equalizes emphatically.

Barcelona want it back. High up the pitch and Fermin Lopez has steered them level. Finishes, Junior. It's a high cross which Militao keeps alive. Jude Bellingham scores.

Jude Bellingham has his say on the biggest day for Real Madrid. He has been frustrated at times in the early part of this season, but he's made his mark today. Mbappe.

Bellingham back to Mbappe. Flag goes up and Killian Mbappe is denied another.

They're looking at handball on Eric Garcia. The army's up.

Control that too much.

Well, another change of mind and a Real Madrid penalty. And Barcelona will think themselves pretty Aggrieved with that.

Killian Mbappe has the opportunity to just produce a bit of clear blue water between them and the champions here.

He wants his second, their third V. Chesney stands in his way.

BAPE saved brilliantly by VCH Shesney. A big strong arm to keep it at 2. One.

To Valverde. Brian Diaz sets off. The three white shirts racing away. Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham into the net. Flag up again.

Real Madrid have been denied on a string of occasions. Now.

Pedri, he slightly overran that as he slams into a challenge.

[Gary Lineker]

Pedri has been booked.

[Match Commentator]

And he's off. And Barcelona will finish with 10.

It is over. It is Real Madrid's type. They have beaten their greatest rivals and they are five points clear at the top of La Liga.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, it's quite an eventful game. I thought there might be more goals and they could have been. There was quite a few, you know, var incidents and penalties and all sorts, but overall, I think probably Madrid edged it.

[Alex Aljo]

Yes. I think Real Madrid deserve to win for sure. Massive game for Bellingham. Obviously been out injured, people doubting him. Not in the England squad. In five league classicos for Jude Bellingham, he scored the winner in three of them, so I think he answered his critics. It's crazy to think he even has critics. Right. But he was brilliant, stepped up when it mattered the most. Incredible assist for the first goal as well. Kylian Mbappe, who's on fire as well. I think we wrote in the group, to me, Mbappe, hat trick incoming. It felt like that. There's no stopping him at the moment. And Jude was great, but they definitely. Yeah, they deserve the win.

[Gary Lineker]

So, yeah, three winners in classicos. That's something we have in common.

Thought I'd throw that one in quick before he beats that record.

[Alex Aljo]

3 and 5.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, similar, I think. It was exactly the same, I think.

[Alex Aljo]

Well, impressive, but two Englishmen in a Clasico for the first time as well. With Marcus Rashford, who had a decent game, I thought with an assist, he'd obviously scored in the Champions League midweek. But Lamina Mal was very quiet, I thought.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, but until after the final whistle. I mean, it kicked off a little bit.

[Alex Aljo]

We love to see it, though. Well, we do. We love to see it. I think you sort of need that drama, don't you?

[Gary Lineker]

Well, it's all part of the show. It's all part of it, isn't it? It's a spectacle. And I think the one or two of the Madrid players are having a go at your Mal, weren't they at the end of the game saying, I think basically giving it. You talk too much. Have they got a point?

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah, I think so. I think. I think he needs to be very careful, doesn't he? Especially because he's playing in the national team with. Well, Danny Carvajal obviously went over to him, just said, you know, too much chat. I think if you then go and play well and score a hat trick in the Classico, fine. But. But he didn't. So I think. Say, say less. Say less. Lemine, that Jude Bellingham put up an Instagram post with a little less conversation as a song. I like that. I like that. Subtle, subtle, subtle.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, I suppose the thing is, you're setting yourself up for a fall, but we've got to remember that he's still young man and learning and hopefully we'll learn a lesson from this. Try and keep that till after the games is probably better. Saying things. Yeah, he just probably needs to be a little bit careful. Hopefully he's got someone around him that will give him good advice. You know, just do your talking on the pitch.

[Podcast Sponsor Announcer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

And that. I think that's always the best thing to do. But I quite like it, you know, I know some people don't, but I quite like the fact that he's got a bit about him.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

You know, he's got confidence. He doesn't mind. I don't mind. He's. At least he's not bland and boring and just pipes up with the same old stuff that every other player. Well, we're only as good as the next game.

And I actually quite find it quite refreshing now, people will dislike it, that's fine, but it's easy. Something different from the banality of. Of how most players speak after games or even before games.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah, absolutely. I think it was a chat with Piquet as well. He was probably egging him on a bit, saying, real Madrid steal, they cheat. But the one other player, I think probably he's similar to Lamine in terms of personality and character. And he speaks out is Vinicius Jr. Maybe worth a mention. Also very young. Substituted and was clearly fuming when he came off. But again, what do you think, Gary? It's not a great look, is it?

[Gary Lineker]

Well, I don't mind getting the hump about going off because honestly, any. Any player hates to be taken off. It's. I mean, even in these days, where we get way more substitutions than. Than they used to get, it's understandable that you can get the hump. But what you don't do is you don't storm down the tunnel.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah. He came back out though, didn't he?

[Gary Lineker]

Saw sense. I think he'd obviously got a bit hot headed, probably needed to get out the way and then he did come back. So that's fine. Back on the bench. I don't mind. I again, I'll come back to my point. You know, it's emotional sport thought. It's an emotional game and players get involved. Now obviously I'm not going to condone that kind of behavior of storming down the tunnel or when it kicks off at the end, but it does add a little bit. As long as it doesn't go completely overboard. As long as the players.

He probably even apologized later on.

[Alex Aljo]

And Rodrigo as well, I think.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, because Rodrigo came on for him obviously, so it's slightly insulting towards him, but it would have been in, in the moment. It's a massive game. It's a classico. They're winning. They look like, you know, it looks like all the glory and you want to share that glory at the end of the game you don't be sat on the dugout. So I get it from both sides but I'm sure, I'm sure his coach would have, you know, put an arm around him later on saying no, come on, come on this, you know, but at least he cares and it's the same, you know, and I, I don't mind that. The actual game itself I thought was, you know, it was quite end to end. There's a lot of. I mean obviously Madrid had the, the better of it in terms of shots and shots on, on target. Although both teams had their efforts, Barcelona had most possession as you would, would expect.

[Alex Aljo]

But the high line again. The high line again.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, it's, it's. That's the way he plays. So you know that's going to be a case. They got away with one early, didn't they? On Bape. Fantastic.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Tight as well. It was just off, I think just.

[Alex Aljo]

But where do you think they fell short then Barcelona yesterday?

[Gary Lineker]

I just don't think they didn't perform as well as they can. Obviously Madrid managed to keep Laminal quiet on the pitch, that is.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah, yeah. Alvaro Carrera's had a really good game, I thought.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, yeah, he did really well. I think that away games in classicos are hard. I mean I know there were exceptions last season and Barcelona were brilliant in a couple of occasions in the Bernabeu, but they are generally hard and it massively favors the home side. The support in Itself is, I'm sure. What was the atmosphere like?

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah, it was amazing. It was really, really good. Really good.

[Gary Lineker]

And you don't really get away fans, do you, as such? I mean, you do get some nowadays. When I played you, there were. Apart from the visiting president of the club and maybe the board, you wouldn't get any kind of away support at all. So it is very different. And when the away team scores in a classico, it's. It's bizarre, isn't it? The silence.

[Alex Aljo]

Silence.

Total silence.

[Gary Lineker]

I remember playing, I'm playing in the first classico that I played and when Real Madrid scored, there was not a single sound in the stadium. And I was thinking, oh, it must have been disallowed because I've been used to English football. There's so many away fans. It was so different. But, but Mbappe was brilliant again. I know he missed a penalty. It's actually a fantastic save, wasn't it.

[Alex Aljo]

From really good Chesney? Yeah, yes, absolutely. But the thing is, it was a year to the day, wasn't it, since the 40 win at the Bernabeu Barcelona last season. And I think a defeat like this in a Classico at this stage of the season now Real Madrid five points clear at the top. What do you think that. Where does that leave Barcelona? How damaging is a defeat like this in a classico?

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, five points, it sounds a lot, but it's not that much. But you know, Jabby Alonso's his team. I mean, if he goes along the lines of Leverkusen, which when he was there, if that first season, if he keeps him as consistent and he clearly knows what he's doing, he's clearly got, you know, a strong personality as well, which you need at a club like Real, though I think they're better organized overall as a team. They seem to know what they're doing. I think with Ancelotti, while he gave the players so much freedom and he would involve the players, it was a bit more free flowing, a bit more offensive, just playing with passion and imagination. Whereas I think Alonso seems to be much more organized in the way his teams play and I think that might be beneficial to, to Real Madrid in the long term. But yeah, Barcelona, fabulous side. They've got so much talent that I, I don't. You, you definitely can't say that it's done yet by any stretch of the imagination.

[Alex Aljo]

No, no. I was going to say the Liverpool game will be a, a good test for Real Madrid to see where they're at. But, but Liverpool keep Losing, so.

Such a great test.

[Gary Lineker]

No, but it will be an interesting.

[Alex Aljo]

Game just to see, see the level.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. But I think it's been a brilliant start for Alonso. Deserves enormous credit. Even though if you're a very well respected former player of the club who'd achieved so much there, he's still a very young manager, very young coach. He's only had a couple of two or three seasons coaching, so I think he's really, really impressive, what he's done so far. He's brought out the best in Mbappe, no question about that. That best player in the world at the moment. I would probably say so. He's made such a great start to.

[Alex Aljo]

This season and it's not an easy job that, is it? Real Madrid manager, managing those, those egos in the dressing room. But yeah, he's doing a fantastic job. He's got an aura about him, doesn't he? Xabi Alonso on the side. I think it's going to be a brilliant season for Real Madrid. I really do. I really do. I think you said 2:1 as well. I'm pretty sure you said 2:1. You said, my heart says Barcelona, my head says Real Madrid. I think they're going to win 2:1. Because I said too.

[Gary Lineker]

I hate my head. I hate my head.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah, your head? Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

I wanted my heart to win, but it didn't, sadly. But, yeah, it wasn't. It wasn't Barcelona's best display, particularly as they pulverized Real Madrid and all the Classicos last season. But don't forget they have got a couple of, you know, injuries as well.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah. And Hansi Flick wasn't on the touchdown, was. He was suspended up in one of the boxes. Does that have an impact, really, with your manager when he's not down there?

[Gary Lineker]

I don't know. I used to ignore them anyway because they used to drive you mad. Shouting on the touch line. So Louis, Enrique sometimes sits in the stand. I think he's taken on board kind of the. From the rugby, obviously, which.

[Alex Aljo]

Better view from.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, you certainly get a better view, there's no question about that. You can oversee the game, but you can't get that hands on field to players. Particularly now as they all stand in the little white boxes, don't they, where they are? So, I mean, it's impossible. It's. It's. It's an impossible equation to prove that one, isn't it, whether it's better or not.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah, yeah, that's. Yeah. A big win for Real Madrid and a day off for them today. They were supposed to be training, but that was cancelled and they've been given two days off.

[Gary Lineker]

Wow. See, that's good coaching. That's the kind of coach I used to like. The ones that come in when you win a big game, they go, there's two days off. I'm really pleased for Jude, particularly having been left out the England squad. Now, I suspect that might be because he's only just come back, started playing again. I hope that's what it is. I can't imagine he'll be left out. He's too. I mean, he's a superstar.

[Alex Aljo]

There's no way he turns up where he plays.

[Gary Lineker]

No. Surely he could cover so much ground. I mean, he's brilliant defensively as well. He wins the ball so much, but on the ball, he's. He's so silky. His passing's great. He's. He can run with the ball. He's got it all. And it's. It was only a matter of time before he got himself fit and flying again. And that's. Which is, you know, good news for, obviously, Real Madrid, but also for England.

[Alex Aljo]

Do you think he goes straight back in to that England squad in November International?

[Gary Lineker]

If he's not, I'll be astonished.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

You've got to do what he's just done in Classico and then not be picked again. Now, that will. There would be some headlines, a lot, surely. He'll be death, mark my words.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah. I love that they all sing hey Jude as well. At the Bernabeu. I was singing yesterday. It was so good. So good. Anyway, sorry, Gary, I know it wasn't so good for you, the result, but.

[Gary Lineker]

I know disappointed for Barca fans, but. But they'll be hard to beat at home. It'd be. Hopefully. It's quite late in the season, isn't it, the south, which I think they've done, hopefully. So the stadium's open.

[Alex Aljo]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Who. Who impressed you? You. You were at the game. It's. You always get a better view of things there. Who impressed you?

[Alex Aljo]

Barcelona or around?

[Gary Lineker]

No. Real Madrid was Real Madrid's day, really, wasn't it? I thought, you know.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah. I think Jude, to be honest, it's just the way he steps up and his presence, the way. Also the way he interacts with all the fans. He was going. Actually, I'll tell you another player that really impressed me. It was his first Classico. Dean Howson.

[Gary Lineker]

Yes.

[Alex Aljo]

I thought he was brilliant. And again, he's got this personality. They were singing. I won't say what they were singing but a song about Barcelona.

I think you know it. You probably know it. And he's like, yeah, come on, come on. And he's so young as well, isn't he just 20. He's 20, just turned 20. And I think he's. I thought it was brilliant, thought it was really, really good yesterday.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, he was an obvious, obvious talent even when he was at Juve. And then he came and obviously played brilliantly at Bournemouth all season he's had a couple of red cards but that aside is been seamless, his introduction to the team and he's, he's such a, such a gifted player. Okay, let's take a break there, Alex, and discuss one or two of the other games and round things up for you when we come back.

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[Alex Aljo]

Yes, playoff tickets.

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Just need to click here and wait. What fake site. Good thing McAfee threw the red flag. That would have been 400 bucks gone.

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This episode is.

[Match Commentator]

Brought to you by State Farm. Listening to this podcast. Smart move. Being financially savvy. Smart move. Another smart move. Having State Farm help you create a competitive price when you choose to bundle home and auto bundling. Just another way to save with a personal price plan. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligibility vary by state.

[Gary Lineker]

Welcome back to the rest is football La Liga with Alex Alger and me, Gary Lineke. A good win for Villarreal at Valencia.

[Alex Aljo]

Yep, a derby clash in Comunitat Valencia. Villarreal awarded a penalty. It was late in the first half. Probably an example of VAR being used really well, which is good to see. Gerard Moreno went down a bit theatrically, but definitely a penalty. Moreno scored the penalty and then it was a Santi comes Sanya with a close range finish for their second goal. Valencia really struggling. Valencia struggled Valencia were a big deal.

[Gary Lineker]

When I played and for a long period after that. But they have had their struggles in recent years, haven't they? They've become a side that is generally in the bottom half, fighting for relegation. Often. Such a big club as well.

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah. Valencia right down the bottom of the table. 17th. But Villarreal looking like they could finish in. In the top four.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, I think they. I think they probably will. I mean, it's a very well run club that, isn't it? Tiny little place. Place.

[Alex Aljo]

Lovely place, love. Valencia. Great paella in Valencia. Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, yeah, well, it's home for.

[Alex Aljo]

Not as good as yours though, Gary, by the way.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, it was actually. I cooked one a couple of weeks ago.

[Alex Aljo]

Not that I tried it, but it looks so good.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, it was all right. I like to do a paella. I actually do the kind of Valenciana version.

[Alex Aljo]

What's a Valenciana version?

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, well, it's. Well, it's got kind of rabbit and chicken in as well. A bit of seafood as well. A bit of everything. Conejo.

[Alex Aljo]

The Spanish say you're not supposed to put chorizo in paella.

[Gary Lineker]

I didn't. I don't.

[Alex Aljo]

Oh, you didn't. Oh, so you do it properly. You do it properly. They go crazy if they see chorizo in.

[Gary Lineker]

I agree. I agree with them, actually. I don't think it works. Yeah, I mean, but who am I, who am I to.

[Alex Aljo]

Well, yours look very, very with them anyway.

[Gary Lineker]

Okay. It's not the same though, when you eat more than Valencia.

[Alex Aljo]

It's so good.

[Gary Lineker]

It's not quite the same.

Elsewhere. Getafe Be Athletic. Athletic Club struggling as well, aren't they? Mid table. We thought they'd do better than that, really. This season they're not. They're struggling at home a little bit. We saw that also in Europe, didn't we?

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah. And massive blow. Is that Inyaki Williams injured. We saw how much they miss him at the start of the season and the impact he had when he came back. But now out again with a groin injury. Yeah. Borja Mayeral scoring the only goal in that game for Hitafe. And I'm off to Athletic Club's training ground. I'm off there later on today, driving there because I was warned. I don't know if you've ever landed in Bilbao, but they told me that it's actually.

[Gary Lineker]

I can't remember so long ago.

[Alex Aljo]

Well, they said it's really hard to land planes where the airport is because in between two mountains and the breeze from the Sea. Anyway, they. They scared me enough.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, it's really difficult to land planes at the airport, so what the hell is the airport doing there?

[Alex Aljo]

Well, I said. Exactly. They said that often the plane will just turn around and go straight back to Madrid because they can't land. So I've convinced a friend to drive me. Three and a half hours.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, so, yeah, that would be interesting interview. And we'll put that out on our feed as well at some point. But how was Rakitic, by the way?

[Alex Aljo]

Really good. Shall I say. Can I say one of the lines as a teaser?

[Gary Lineker]

Tease people, a little teaser.

[Alex Aljo]

Thought it was really interesting. We were talking about everything he won, which is pretty much everything, when he was at Barcelona. But he said, looking back, he thinks they should have won more.

[Gary Lineker]

He.

[Alex Aljo]

He thinks they got bored of winning.

[Gary Lineker]

Got bored of winning.

[Alex Aljo]

Complacent, lost the hunger, lost the desire. And he said the fact we only won one Champions League, we should have won more. So he's actually saying that he looks back with regrets, which is crazy to think. You win all of that, you have the most incredible career and then. Then you regret not winning more. But I guess that's the elite mentality, isn't it? Winning mentality.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, there are two ways of looking at things, isn't they? Enjoy. Enjoy what you do win. Or. Or you can. I don't know if it sounds a bit half empty, that glass. You're looking back. Yeah. Amazing career like that and then thinking about the ones you could have won rather than the ones you did win. Yeah, it's. I mean, I must admit, the ones you look back on in your career is when you just miss out on something special, which I've a couple of two or three times, obviously, World cup semi finals. All you ever think about, actually is not that. The thing is, it's like he can say that with the Champions League, but he has actually won one, so.

[Alex Aljo]

And scored in the final in 2015. But he was. He was really good. He spoke really well. A brilliant story about how he met his wife, which I won't say. You have to listen to the podcast. A great story, but no, he was really good, so. So hopefully you'll enjoy that one.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, really look forward to that. We need an update, don't we? I know they don't play until tonight. We're recording this on Monday. Atletico need an update from your Atletico friend.

[Alex Aljo]

He's not happy. He's really not happy. One dimensional. I won't say the next word. He repeated that after they were thrashed By Arsenal, which, by the way, I don't think 40 really reflected that game. I was there, I was working. Yeah, I think it's. It was. It was. As Simeone kept saying, they competed until this 60th minute. I tried to get out of the post match interview with him. I said, are you sure? I don't think we need to. And my producer. No, we have to hear from Simeone. Sorry.

[Gary Lineker]

Was he off? Was he difficult?

[Alex Aljo]

He's. I'd interviewed him the day before, which helps, and I actually. He smiled the day before, a rare smile. And he was obviously fuming post match. But I thought he spoke well because he. He actually congratulated Arsenal, said, deserve to win. Even though we did compete up until the 60th minute, a couple of situations didn't go their way. But he said. And I asked him this question, I said, arsenal, has this been the toughest game so far this season? Bear in mind, they played Liverpool and Real Madrid. And he said, yes, without a doubt, they're the most complete team in Europe. That's obviously speaking about Arsenal, but they'll.

[Gary Lineker]

Probably quite like this Arsenal side because they're quite pragmatic, aren't they? And very good defensively. And it probably appeals to him a little bit, the way that they play. Did he do it in Spanish? Did you. Or English? Spanish translated. And you did one of your translations. You're very good at that.

[Alex Aljo]

They're getting boring now.

[Gary Lineker]

I know you're very good at that. I'm very impressed. In all sorts of different languages. It's not. Not an easy thing to do, so. Well.

[Alex Aljo]

Well, thank you. And, yeah, he kept speaking about an identidad and he said, Arsenal have this, we have this, and we're similar in the way we like to play. So, yeah, you're exactly right with what you're saying. But my Athletico fresh friend, I've got a new one.

[Gary Lineker]

You've got another one?

[Alex Aljo]

Yeah, he's a taxi driver.

So I was chatting to him the other night and he said, I actually sent myself a voice note, so I. I remembered to. To say this on the podcast. So he said he thinks Simeone should have gone three years ago.

And he wants Felipe Luis to be the manager.

[Gary Lineker]

All right. Yeah, yeah.

[Alex Aljo]

But, yeah, he said three years ago he should have left and he's not convinced about Conor Gallagher either. No, but. So that's a bit more insight from a Madrid Takista Atletico fan.

[Gary Lineker]

We all have to listen to the taxi drivers.

[Alex Aljo]

You got to know it all.

[Gary Lineker]

Do you. Do you fancy rounding things up for us. Alex, you're so much better at it than me.

[Alex Aljo]

I'm not so much better, but I will round up the weekend in La Liga. So Espanyol beat Elche 1 0. Carlos Romero's early second half goal is enough to win this one between two teams who are both going well this season. Espanyol move up to fourth before the Monday night game and it was a really thrilling game at Montibili. Girona 3, Real Oviedo 3 An incredible game between the two sides at the bottom of the table. Goals from Federico Avinas and Salmon Rondon had put Oviedo two zero up up. Christian Suani and Azzedine Onai had levelled things up for Girona before a 90th minute penalty from Suani meant the home side thought they'd won it. However, a 97 minute equalizer from Oviedo's David Carmo meant the points were shared. Celta Vigo beat Os Cesuna 32 and Ante Bulimia double put Osasuna ahead before Ferrand Ducla's second goal for Celta Vigo levelled things up. A late winner from Pablo Duran saw Celta vigo get their first win of the season. In the their 10th game, Real Sociedad beat Sevilla 2 1. Two goals from Mikel Ollarcibal gave Real Sociedad just their second win of the season. A big win for the home side as they move out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Mallorca drew one all with Levante. Karl Eta A Jong opened the scoring for Levante, his sixth league goal of the season. But Pablo Maffeo equalised late on for Mallorca as both sides remain just outside the relegation zone. Rayo Vallecano beat Alabes 1 nil. An injury time winner from Alemao made it. Three wins on the bounce for Rayo as they moved up to seventh in the La Liga table and Real Madrid are top as a reminder.

[Gary Lineker]

Thank you very much for that reminder. Brilliantly done, Alex, as always. That's all we've got time for today. A quick reminder though, that your interview will go out tomorrow. That'll be Wednesday.

And it will also go out on the Rest Is Football feed as our episode for Wednesday as well. So all encompassing and we're very. I'm very much looking forward to finding out how he met his wife.

[Alex Aljo]

It's a great story. I might try it myself while I'm here. The same tactic.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, really?

[Podcast Sponsor Announcer]

Have you got.

[Gary Lineker]

Have you got someone in mind?

[Alex Aljo]

No, but I'll go and find someone. A nice Madame.

[Gary Lineker]

Jude Bellingham might be available. Everything.

[Alex Aljo]

I don't think so. No, no, no, no. Footballers.

[Gary Lineker]

No, no. I would avoid them at all costs. That's my advice.

[Alex Aljo]

Good advice.

[Gary Lineker]

Okay, so make sure you listen to the Ivan Rakitic interview tomorrow. But as far as this episode is concerned, that's it. So, goodbye from me, goodbye from.

Sam.