Podcast Summary: The Rest Is Football

Episode: Trent is BACK as Real Madrid Hunt Down Barca

Date: February 17, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker & Alex (with segment, Erik)

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on two major footballing storylines: the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold to form at Real Madrid—sparking discussion about his revival and future with both Madrid and the England national team—and the ongoing La Liga title race, featuring Real Madrid's resurgence amid Barcelona’s stumbles. The hosts also analyze a rollercoaster week for Atletico Madrid, the key moments and reactions in Spanish football, and provide a thorough roundup of the weekend’s action, players, and league developments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Impact at Real Madrid

• Trent Alexander-Arnold, now simply "Trent" in Spain, returned from injury and immediately impressed for Real Madrid with a superb assist and a strong all-around performance.

• Alex and Gary Lineker discuss the perception shift among Real Madrid fans and management, highlighting Trent's versatility and unique passing ability.

  • Alex:
    "Trent, five minutes in, wonderful, superb assist for Gonzalo Garcia and just proves what he can bring to any team, really." [03:52]
  • Gary Lineker:
    "He is not the typical fallback who will always stay wide. He can play inside in our system where we want them to move and interchange positions." (quoting Arbeloa on Trent) [04:25]

• Addressing rumors, the podcast firmly debunks any suggestion that manager Arbeloa didn’t rate Trent:

  • Gary Lineker:
    "Now, I suggest that means that the aforementioned things about him not being satisfied, not wanting Trent around were complete nonsense." [05:15]

• Speculation about Trent’s future in the England squad:

  • Real Madrid’s platform could force England manager Tuchel’s hand, making Trent hard to ignore for national call-ups despite past defensive criticisms.
  • Gary Lineker:
    "It would be utter madness not to use [Trent], even if it's off the bench; if you're trailing with half an hour to go and you can bring on a right back who's probably the best passer of the football in world football." [06:32]

• Discussion of Tuchel’s lukewarm comments about Trent’s defensive ability persists:

  • Gary Lineker:
    "Tuchel shouldn't have done that—it's wrong…if you think that, that's fine. But you don't do that publicly just to justify your own decisions." [10:46]

2. Real Madrid’s Revival and La Liga Title Race

• Real Madrid go top of the league, coming off a commanding 4-1 win over Real Sociedad.

• Vinicius Jr. starred (narrowly missing a hat-trick); Fede Valverde scored a spectacular goal.

  • Moment: Valverde’s anger when subbed, including a sideline outburst:
    • Gary Lineker:
      "He kicked the thing with all the drinks, but left it for someone else to pick up. I just thought—is he a bit of a dick?" [11:56]

• No Mbappé (unused sub) but Madrid’s depth showed.

• Real Madrid’s focus on the Champions League highlighted:

  • Alex:
    "That two-legged affair against Benfica…probably one of the toughest draws they could have had." [12:58]

3. Atletico Madrid’s Rollercoaster Week

• Sensational 4-0 halftime lead over Barcelona stuns the league, with hosts replaying audio and sharing the resulting excitement.

  • "This is just incredible. This is our lady, man. This is amazing." (Erik’s son, halftime at Atletico v. Barca) [17:18]

• Only days later, Atletico crash to a heavy defeat against Rayo Vallecano—a shock considering prior form.

  • Analysis of post-match comments reveals tension:
    • Jan Oblak suggests the team "can’t choose which games to play," while Simeone rejects this, saying: "They competed poorly and when the opponent plays better…they beat you." [18:57]

• Unusual VAR delays also discussed:

  • Gary Lineker:
    "The 8-minute VAR decision for the offside for the Barcelona goal just after half time…Eight minutes." [19:15]

• Concerns for Barcelona under Flick’s high defensive line remain, especially without Rafinha and Pedri.

  • Gary Lineker:
    "Highlines are fine, but…when your opponent has a massive advantage, you need to drop a couple of yards." [21:18]

4. Player Focus: Adamola Lookman’s Breakout

• Lookman praised for immediate impact after transferring from Atalanta to Atletico Madrid:
  • Alex:
    "Looks like a very, very good signing…was really dangerous on the left throughout that first half and…scored again." [22:44]
  • Gary Lineker:
    "He's one of those players that, on his day, can be incredibly dangerous. He seems to have found more consistency as he's got older..." [23:12]

5. Fan Perspective

• Erik delivers a passionate, rollercoaster fan email about Atletico’s week:
  • "Watching Athletic this season has been a roller coaster ride—probably headed towards a similar fate as one in Final Destination." [23:47]
  • Mix of on-pitch highs and off-pitch frustrations—mirroring emotional nature of support.

6. La Liga Roundup

• Notable Results:

  • Valencia escape the drop zone with a derby win.
  • Getafe and Real Betis both grab important victories.
  • Sevilla draw despite a red card early on.
  • Athletic Club come from behind to beat Real Oviedo.
  • Celta Vigo and Espanyol share points after late drama.
  • Elche and Osasuna draw 0-0, keeping the tight relegation battle alive.

• Gary Lineker Quip:
  "Some absolute tongue twisting names there today. When I used to do games…always just say [the name] with confidence." [27:03]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Gary Lineker, on Trent's England prospects:
  "It's hard to imagine him not being in an England squad. It would be utter madness not to have him around…he gives you something completely different." [06:32]

• On Valverde’s Sideline Outburst:
  "You can lose your temper occasionally…But don't leave the kit man or the physio to do it." [11:56]

• On Atletico’s Fan Turmoil:
  "Watching Athletic this season has been a roller coaster ride—probably headed towards a similar fate as one in Final Destination." [23:47]

• On Pronouncing Player Names:
  "But also sometimes you know, you'll get a Dutch name and it's unpronounceable…Always just say it with confidence." [27:03]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [01:31] Trent’s Return & Combative Alexander-Arnold Discussions
• [03:52] Real Madrid’s 4-1 over Sociedad & Fan Sentiment Shift
• [05:22] Arbeloa Press Conference Quotes on Trent
• [06:32] Trent’s Uniqueness for England
• [08:27] Tuchel’s Old Comments and Defensive Critiques
• [11:43] Valverde’s Goal and Temper
• [12:45] Real Madrid Depth Without Mbappé
• [16:48] Atletico Madrid’s 4-0 Over Barcelona
• [17:18] Half-time Fan Audio—Atmosphere
• [18:15] Atletico’s Collapse Against Rayo, Management Discord
• [19:15] 8-Minute VAR Delay—Barcelona
• [21:09] Flick’s High Line & Player Discontent
• [22:44] Spotlight: Adamola Lookman
• [23:47] Fan Email: Emotional Atletico Recap
• [24:58] La Liga Weekend Results Roundup

Tone & Style

The tone throughout is informal, witty, and conversational; rich with dry English humor, strong opinions, behind-the-scenes insight, and affectionate banter.

Conclusion

This packed episode delivers sharp insights into individual player revivals, tactical choices, and the unpredictable nature of La Liga, all through a lens of rich experience and fandom. Gary, Alex, and Erik provide context, color, and candor—offering a must-listen experience for any football fan who wants informed opinions and dressing-room perspective with plenty of laughs.