The Rest Is Football – "Shock Defeat For Real Madrid Hands Top Spot To Barcelona"

Date: February 24, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Alex Aljo (Micah Richards absent)

Episode Overview

This episode delves into a dramatic weekend in La Liga, headlined by Real Madrid’s shocking defeat to Osasuna and Barcelona’s return to the top of the table. Hosts Gary Lineker and Alex Aljo (with contributions from Alan Shearer) break down the significance of the slip-up for Madrid, analyze the midfield dynamics affecting both Spanish giants, and review the wider La Liga picture, including Atletico Madrid’s inconsistency and notable individual performances. The episode also explores deeper themes such as player mentality, criticism and media narratives, and the fun and challenges of covering the game up close.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Real Madrid’s Shock Loss and Barcelona’s Opportunity

[01:46]–[07:20]

• Real Madrid’s Form and the Osasuna Defeat

  • Real’s eight-game league winning streak ends with an upset loss to Osasuna.
    • "It was a really poor performance from Real Madrid. Vini Jr. Maybe the bright spark. He scored the goal." – Alex [02:53]
  • Vini Jr. booed by fans, but delivering goals despite adversity.
    • "He'll be accustomed to that...despite the adversities, he's doing all right." – Gary [03:35]

• Midfield Weaknesses

  • The absence of Kroos and Modric has hampered Madrid’s traditional dominance.
    • "They haven’t got that dominance in midfield...that kind of comfortable with the ball, great passing ranges." – Gary [03:59]
  • Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr.'s chemistry still debated
    • "People saying Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. can't play well together, which seems ridiculous." – Alex [04:19]
    • "Mbappé’s turned himself into an absolutely brilliant number nine...Vini is the obvious person to play on the left." – Gary [04:28]

• Title Race Implications

  • Barcelona leapfrogs Madrid to top La Liga; only one point separates them.
    • "Looking at the two teams, you’d have to say Barcelona were favorite to win it...particularly with Pedri coming back." – Gary [06:08]
  • Barcelona’s midfield depth seen as key, despite injury issues.
    • "Even though Pedri’s been injured...he’s back now, which is great news." – Alex [05:26]

2. Dramatic Refereeing & Game Moments

[06:19]–[07:20]

• Controversial Penalty Decision in Real Madrid's Match
  • "The penalty was overturned and usually, usually goes for Madrid these things." – Gary [06:21]
  • "I would say it was a penalty...Courtois foot clearly made contact." – Gary [06:32]
• Barcelona’s Consistency and New-Found Resilience
  • "They do all look together, and I think Hansi Flick pretty much knows his team, how he wants his team to play." – Gary [07:17]

3. Champions League & Big Club Dynamics

[07:57]–[08:49]

• Madrid’s Champions League Prospects & Dressing Room Culture

  • Saving key players for Champions League (Trent's impact off the bench).
    • "He probably started him on the bench because he will start in the Champions League...Trent was superb." – Alex [08:00]
  • Discussion of recent tunnel altercations and the mood post-match.
    • "There was a big fight in the tunnel with both clubs involved...just horrible." – Alex [08:53]

• The Mental Side: Classic Bobby Robson Story

  • Gary shares an inspiring—and humorous—story from the 1986 World Cup about Robson addressing permutations and motivating players.
    • "You know you can do this....I've got every confidence in you." – Bobby Robson via Gary [10:02]
    • "Classic Bobby." – Alex [11:19]

4. Barcelona’s Recent Form & Player Management

[12:10]–[15:52]

• Barcelona Bounce Back

  • After being thrashed 4–0 in Copa del Rey and losing to Girona, Barcelona’s convincing win over Levante returns them to the summit.
    • "They actually really needed this win...it would have lifted them seeing Madrid lose before they went out on the field." – Gary [12:36]

• Hansi Flick’s Handling of Lamine Yamal

  • "You guys make a big deal out of everything Lamine does...if he's upset because he was substituted, that's human." – Hansi Flick via Alex [13:05, paraphrased]
  • Discussion of player reactions to substitution—coaching wisdom vs. public perception.
    • "I suspect he might say something slightly different behind closed doors...anything Lamina Mal does will be exaggerated." – Gary [13:42]

• Notable Performances

  • "Brilliant goal. Fermin Lopez scored...and shout out to Matty Ryan...that double save, so good." – Alex [15:07]

5. Atletico Madrid’s Inconsistency & Family Ties

[19:17]–[24:35]

• Atletico Madrid: Strong Character, New Style

  • Scoring and conceding more than usual; rollercoaster results.
    • "From being a bit of a Scrooge...this season especially of late, it's like big, high-scoring games." – Gary [21:14]
  • Praise for new signing Ademola Lookman.

• Simeone’s Son and the Challenges of Football Nepotism

  • Discussion about Giuliano Simeone’s goal and the complexity of father-son dynamics in professional teams.
    • "It must give you great joy when it goes well as it's done for both [Simeone and Van Persie]." – Gary [24:12]

6. Around La Liga – Quickfire Roundup

[26:33]–[28:52]

Alex summarizes the results and key performances from the rest of La Liga with characteristic rapid-fire delivery and multilingual flair:

• Villarreal win Valencia derby to remain third.

• Celta Vigo's Iago Aspas decisive with a brace against Mallorca.

• Getafe vs. Sevilla—red card drama, Sevilla finally break through.

• Real Betis drop points, Oviedo complete a comeback, Athletic Club win late, and Alaves vs. Girona hosts a thrilling 2–2 draw.

  • "There’s some tongue twisting names in there. Some absolute beauties." – Gary [28:52]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• "I think the issue with Real Madrid...is it's hard to pinpoint what the issue is, but something's not working, something's not clicking."
  – Alex [03:44]

• "You guys make a big deal out of everything Lamine does...if he's upset because he was substituted, that's human."
  – Hansi Flick via Alex [13:05, paraphrased]

• "I think Kanzi Flick handled him very wisely and very well and he'll learn from a bit of petulance. But...it's never fun being substituted."
  – Gary [14:12]

• Gary’s story on Bobby Robson’s legendary pre-match team talk, mixing brevity and comedy about match permutations.
  [10:00–11:19]

• On the challenge of football nepotism:
  "The great thing about football: you don’t get nepotism, particularly, because everyone knows who's the best player in teams...You can’t hide it like you might be able to do in other professions." – Gary [22:20]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Real Madrid’s defeat and analysis: [01:46]–[07:20]
• Refereeing and game specifics: [06:19]–[07:20]
• Champions League/Trent’s story: [07:57]–[08:49]
• Bobby Robson permutation story: [10:00]–[11:19]
• Barcelona’s bounce back, Lamine Yamal: [12:10]–[15:52]
• Atletico Madrid section: [19:17]–[24:35]
• La Liga round-up: [26:33]–[28:52]

Notable Personalities Mentioned

• Players: Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappé, Pedri, Robert Lewandowski, Lamina Mal, Fermin Lopez, Maty Ryan, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ademola Lookman, Giuliano Simeone, Iago Aspas, Santi Cazola, etc.
• Managers: Hansi Flick, Bobby Robson, Diego Simeone

Tone & Chemistry

• The hosts' chemistry is warm, sharp, and humorous, interspersed with insider knowledge, dressing-room memories, and playful banter about names, language skills, and the behind-the-scenes intensity of working in football journalism and media.
• Endearing self-deprecation (Gary’s memory of his World Cup hat tricks, Alex’s translation mishaps with managers) adds relatability and authenticity.

For Fans Who Missed It

This episode offers deep and entertaining insight into the week’s La Liga drama, with expert breakdowns of tactical issues, player and manager psychology, and the unpredictable momentum shifts of a title race. Rich in anecdotes and delivered with sharp banter, it’s a must-listen for anyone invested in Spanish football, top-level coaching, or just craving top-tier football conversation.