Valverde's Late Winner Keeps Madrid In The Title Race

Summary

The Rest Is Football – "Valverde's Late Winner Keeps Madrid In The Title Race"

Date: March 10, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alex Alger

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Episode Overview

This La Liga-focused episode offers a lively and insightful breakdown of the latest action, with Gary Lineker and Alex Alger diving into Real Madrid’s dramatic late win, Barcelona’s steady form, and Atletico’s entertaining clashes—all with a dash of their trademark wit and expertise. The conversation spans last-gasp goals, managerial hot seats, media pressures in Spain, prospects in Europe, and plenty of chat about standout individuals lighting up the league.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Real Madrid’s Crucial Win and La Liga Title Race

• Dramatic Finish at Balidos
  • Real Madrid clinched a vital win with a heavily deflected 95th-minute strike from Fede Valverde, keeping their title hopes alive in dramatic fashion.
  • The context: Under-fire manager Alvaro Arbeloa faced huge pressure after back-to-back defeats, with Celta unbeaten in four and Balidos a notoriously tricky ground.
  • “I think it was such an important goal for them. 95th minute, big deflection. Got a slice of good fortune, which is what you need when things are going against you.” – Gary (02:35)
• Squad Issues and Performances
  • Madrid were missing at least ten key players (due to a mix of suspensions and injuries to the likes of Mbappe, Bellingham, Militao, and others).
  • Despite these absences, the performance earned credit: “Today we came here with 10 absentees, if I'm not mistaken. The performance the players delivered on a pitch like this deserves a lot of credit.” – Gary quoting Arbeloa (04:02)
• Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Mixed Night and Media Reaction
  • Trent was strongly criticized in Spain for his part in Celta’s goal; the hosts joke about familiar scrutiny of his defending.
  • “It was sort of like he was running back without realizing there were other players on the pitch... he was torn apart in the Spanish media after that game.” – Alex (04:43)
  • Despite criticism, Gary notes his extraordinary attacking strengths: “He just about hit the pass of the century to Vinicius in the early stages... an extraordinary pass with the outside of his right foot.” (05:02)
• Madrid’s Ongoing Structural Issues
  • There’s unease about Madrid’s midfield and overall balance: “I think they've got problems and I think it's the midfield they probably need to sort out... replacing Kroos and Modric, they’ve found it very, very difficult.” – Gary (05:53)

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2. Champions League Prospects: Real Madrid vs Manchester City

• Battle of the Giants
  • Both hosts are eager to see how depleted Madrid fare against City in Europe:
    • “It's never easy [at] the Bernabeu. Champions League night... But I think Manchester City are favorites to go through.” – Gary (07:03)
    • “I'm really interested to see what happens in this tie against Manchester City.” – Alex (06:35)
• Frequent European Clashes
  • “It’s mad how often they meet… 13 times, wasn't it? It's either Man City Real Madrid or Man City Newcastle mostly.” – Gary (07:34)

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3. Managerial Hot Seats and Media Pressures

• Arbeloa’s Future at Real Madrid
  • Per Alex’s sources, Arbeloa appears unlikely to remain beyond the season:
    • “A friend... was just saying, Alex is a disaster. It's a disaster… four [defeats] in 12 [games].” – Alex (07:59)
  • The Spanish press is relentless, with Jurgen Klopp now linked to Madrid and Atleti.
  • Gary observes: “Well, I think Jurgen would fit any club, to be honest, because he's obviously exceptional. The question remains... do I really want to go back and stand on, you know, the side of training grounds?” (08:55)
• Relentless Spanish Football Media
  • The pressure coaching in Spain is compared to England:
    • “Pep Guardiola… said it is a thousand times more difficult in Spain and Madrid. I don't think people realize that here.” – Gary (09:52)
    • “Imagine having a daily newspaper just on Arsenal, Manchester United... It's crazy.” – Gary (11:00)

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4. Barcelona’s Steady Progress and Talents on Display

• Lamine Yamal’s Magic Moment
  • Barcelona earned a narrow win thanks to a sparkling finish from the 17-year-old: “Lamina Mal stepped up with another exquisite finish... Lamine inch perfect.” – Gary (11:35)
  • Alex notes: “But the Lamine goal, outstanding. And ultimately the difference. [He] didn't have a great game. But then that one moment of magic, that's all you need it.” (12:06)
  • Hansi Flick post-match: “I don't think Lamine had his best game today, but he decided it. When he has space, he can create chances and he practices these kind of plays that can win you a game.” – Quoted by Gary (12:42)
  • Lamine’s numbers are outstanding for his age: “It's 19 goals in all competitions this season... but he's so young.” – Alex (13:12)
  • Natural talent is lauded: “Incredible natural talent that you, you’re born with… It's almost intuitive the way he does things.” – Gary (13:32)
  • Lively banter about star personalities: “He is basically a little kid... he's got almost a bit of Ronaldinho... loves to dance. All the skills.” – Gary (14:44)
• Barca’s Squad Rotation and Prospects
  • Flick resting key stars with the Champions League in mind, and Pedri’s impact is singled out: “He makes such a difference. Such a difference. What a player.” – Alex (12:06)
  • Barcelona’s squad is relatively healthy and the draw is favorable, putting them among the favorites:
    • “They haven't got the injury problems that Real Madrid have got... In fact, I see them as one of the possible winners of the competition.” – Gary (16:57)

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5. Preview: Newcastle vs Barcelona

• Tactical Intrigue and Newcastle’s Attack
  • Barcelona are favorites, but Newcastle’s pace in attack—particularly Elanga and Gordon—could hurt them on the break.
  • “Elanga, Gordon I think could cause them a lot of problems. Get behind them… but… I’d be shocked if Newcastle went through.” – Gary (17:56)
  • Alex shares Joel Garcia’s warning: “The forward players [Newcastle] are so fast, we can't give them any space at all.” (17:47)
  • Alan Shearer’s confidence: “He says I need at least a one or two goal leads going into the new camp to have any chance.” – Alex (18:33)

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6. Atletico Madrid: Goals, Klopp Rumors, and Simeone’s Tenure

• Atletico’s Entertaining Clash with Real Sociedad
  • A lively 3-3 match packed with eye-catching goals:
    • “What was your favorite? I think mine was Oyarzabal’s… sweet as a nut in the top corner.” – Gary (20:37)
    • “He’s been playing so well... six goals in three against Real Sociedad as well for Sorloth where he used to play.” – Alex (20:51)
  • Sarcastic nod to the "Eric effect"—Sorloth’s form since receiving criticism on the pod (21:41).
• Coaching Situation at Atletico
  • Jurgen Klopp is linked with Atletico in the Spanish press: “Papers in Spain are linking Klopp to both Real Madrid and Atletico.” – Alex discussing fan tweets (21:41)
  • Ongoing debate about whether Diego Simeone gets a fair shake:
    • “It’s really harsh when you think about what he’s done for the club.” – Alex (21:43)
    • “Nothing seems to affect Simeone… the football’s a bit dour and defensive…but this season they’ve been pretty entertaining.” – Gary (21:58)
• Antoine Griezmann’s Future
  • Rumors swirl about a potential move to MLS, with Simeone demurring:
    • “‘I love him very much. He will decide when he has something to say. I’m Diego Simeone, I’m not Antoine Griezmann.’” – Alex quoting Simeone (24:09)

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7. La Liga Weekend Roundup

[24:21–25:56]

• Girona rescued a late draw at Levante (Joel Roca, 90’, after VAR review).

• Osasuna came back from 0-2 down to draw Mallorca in a chaotic, red card-filled contest.

• Villarreal up to fourth after a 2-1 win over Elche.

• Getafe beat Real Betis 2-0—Soria starred in goal.

• Sevilla & Rayo Vallecano drew 1-1; both goals notable.

• Valencia staged a stoppage time comeback to beat Alaves.

• Oviedo and Espanyol drew 1-1.

  • “Valencia produced a remarkable comeback against Alaves... Ugo Duro’s stoppage time penalty completed the turnaround.” – Alex (24:21)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It is a thousand times more difficult [to manage] in Spain...” – Gary recalling Guardiola’s words (09:52)
• “When he started, [Arbeloa] looked really healthy, suntan, like happy. One month later he’s gone… drained… pale.” – Alex (09:34)
• “Incredible natural talent that you, you’re born with… It’s almost intuitive.” – Gary on Lamine Yamal (13:32)
• “[Lamine] just looked like a little kid, like walking to St. James’s.” – Alex (14:12)
• “Thank heavens I never went into that [coaching] world.” – Gary (21:58)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:35 – Discussion of Valverde’s crucial goal and Madrid’s struggles
• 04:02 – Arbeloa’s post-match comments, Trent’s controversial performance
• 07:03–07:45 – Champions League preview: Real Madrid vs. Manchester City
• 09:52 – Guardiola on Spanish media pressure
• 11:35 – Barcelona’s win and Lamine Yamal’s influence
• 16:26–17:56 – Newcastle vs. Barcelona preview and tactical breakdown
• 20:23–22:37 – Atletico Madrid’s thriller with Real Sociedad, Simeone job chat
• 24:21–25:56 – Rapid-fire La Liga weekend roundup

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Tone and Style

The episode is conversational, insightful, and light-hearted, punctuated by dry humor and the hosts’ on-pitch and journalistic experience. They combine tactical analysis with dressing-room anecdotes, offering both fan-friendly banter and expert perspective.

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A must-listen for football fans wanting the inside track on Spain’s title race, the heat on high-profile managers, and the rise of the game’s newest stars.

Transcript

[Alex Alger]

Rabaloa was under pressure going into this one. Back to back defeat.

[Gary Lineker]

Ferri Valverde takes a huge deflection.

[Alex Alger]

One player who didn't have a great game was Trent. He was at fault for their goal and he has been playing well. But he was torn apart in the Spanish media after that game.

[Gary Lineker]

Lamina Mal stepped up with another exquisite finish. It's Lamina Inch Perfect. I saw Pep Guardiola interviewed and they were saying, how do the pressures compare of managing a club in England to managing one of the giants in Spain? And he said, it is a thousand times more difficult in Spain. Hello and welcome to the rest is football. La Liga episode with Alex Alger and me, Gary Lineker. Alex, as is customary, you are once again, it seems, in a hotel room.

[Alex Alger]

Yep, yep. I'm back in Newcastle for the Barcelona game, so. Really looking forward to that.

[Gary Lineker]

So did you go out last night again? With Shearer around again?

[Alex Alger]

He booked a restaurant I think you'd like. It's Persian. Cool, dude. Really nice, really nice. But not a late one because we're professionals.

[Gary Lineker]

You put your professional head on for once. Any interviews lined up? Because obviously it's ahead of the Newcastle Barcelona game, which is. Which is a beauty.

[Alex Alger]

No? So I was at St James's park yesterday and I interviewed Joanne Garcia, who was really lovely, actually really nice guy. And they wanted me to ask him about almost signing for Newcastle last summer. And so before the interview started, I just wanted to chat with him, that he was okay with speaking about it so it wasn't awkward during the interview. And he was like, yeah, cool, of course. Ask me about that. So that was the first question. And he said, yep, they were interested. But then Barcelona came along. So don't think the Newcastle fans are going to be too happy when they hear that interview.

[Gary Lineker]

Newcastle is a great city. There's a slight contrast in weather though.

[Alex Alger]

Yeah, yeah, there is.

[Gary Lineker]

There is.

[Alex Alger]

But the beach was beautiful.

[Gary Lineker]

Beautiful.

[Alex Alger]

The other day I went. I went to the beach here and I swam in the sea. I swam in the North Sea.

[Gary Lineker]

Was it chilly?

[Alex Alger]

It was six and a half degrees. And I'm worried about myself because I didn't feel cold at all. And the friend I was with couldn't get in. She was. She was like, there's no way. And I went in just easily.

[Gary Lineker]

What do you mean you didn't feel cold?

[Alex Alger]

I honestly don't know. I didn't feel. But I've been doing quite a bit this cold water swimming, so I think I'm getting used to it.

[Gary Lineker]

Maybe you've Got a superpower.

[Alex Alger]

I'm numb.

[Gary Lineker]

You're numb?

[Alex Alger]

I feel nothing.

[Gary Lineker]

You're numb. Yeah. It's obviously been an interesting week or weekend. We haven't spoken since they lost against Getafe last Monday. But they managed, managed. And I think it was such an important goal for them. 95th minute, big deflection. Got a slice of good fortune, which is what you need when things are going against you. Alexander Arnold poked clear as far as Fede Valverde takes a huge deflection.

[Alex Alger]

Alvar Arbolo was under pressure going into this one. Back to back defeat. Celta had won their last four games in all competitions. Balidos is not an easy ground to go to. It was never going to be a straightforward match. And also, I'm not making excuses, I'm not making excuses, but if you look at the list of players, I've written a few down. Three suspended Carreras, Dean House and Matantuano. And then some of the injuries are Mbappe, Rodrigo Bellingham, Militao, Sabios Alaba. So it is a lengthy list. Look, I'm not making excuses, I'm just

[Gary Lineker]

saying, sound like spurs, that they have

[Alex Alger]

a lot of key players out. I don't think spurs have ever been compared to Real Madrid before, but yeah, they really, really needed the three points and it looked like it was going to go Celta's way. At Iago aspas in the 87th minute hit the post and that would have all but killed off Real Madrid's title hopes, I think, ending the weekend seven points behind Barcelona. So it was a huge win.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Albaloa was quite defensive in some of his comments. He said, today we came here with 10 absentees, if I'm not mistaken. And the performance the players delivered on a pitch like this deserves a lot of credit. We all know how tough and difficult Balados is and how Celta have been playing football recently with the confidence they've had. As I said yesterday, these are the moments when you see the Real Madrid players and today I saw many of them.

[Alex Alger]

Yeah. One player who didn't have a great game was Trent. He was at fault for their goal.

[Gary Lineker]

There is Billion Svedberg and Iglesias and Celta Vigo equalized.

[Alex Alger]

It was sort of like he was running back without realizing there were other players on the pitch. Like he had all the time in the world. And I think it is where he has been criticized before, we know that, for his defending and he has been playing well, but he was, he was torn apart in the Spanish media after that game. Yeah, which is not ideal, not great.

[Gary Lineker]

He just about hit the pass of the century to Vinicius in the early stages of that game. Vinicius went through it inside of the post and it went along the line. I mean, it was an extraordinary pass with the outside of his right foot. We know his strengths, we know his weaknesses. But I go back to that thing with. With Trent. I mean, yes, there's a slight confusion running back, but the winger didn't just get past him this time. But it doesn't have to. To get highlighted wing. You know, fullbacks are turned inside out all the time by very good footballers. So it happens.

[Alex Alger]

But they were much better in the second half. Real Madrid, they grew into the game and Celsa had a, you know, a good first half. It came out strong, but Real Madrid certainly got better and deserved the win. Deserved the win, I'd say. But there's something still not right. There's something not right, but I just can't put my finger on it. It's just.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, I think they've got problems and I think it's the midfield they probably need to. To sort out. I don't think defensively either, they're probably as strong as they were a few years ago up front. Obviously, they've got a lot of firepower, but if you're not dominant in midfield, you're not going to provide the opportunities up top. And Mbappe is injured, so they're always a bit more blunt when he's not on the field. But I think replacing Cross and Modric, I think they found it very, very difficult. I mean, obviously, you know, they've got good players in there, but. But you're talking about very, very special midfield players that just control football matches.

[Alex Alger]

Yeah. I'm really interested to see what happens in this tie against Manchester City in the Champions League. I think that's a really, really good test to see. To see where they're at. And, yeah, fingers crossed that it's not Real Madrid winning 4 nil in the first leg or. Or City winning 4 nil, because then we wouldn't cover it next week. But as long as there's something to play for, we're going to go to the. To the second leg, so. So I'm really hoping that happens.

[Gary Lineker]

I don't think it's likely to be over after the first leg. I think you go to the Bernabeu. It's never easy. Champions League night. It is generally when they turn up. They have got a lot of injuries. City, although they are improving, they're Making progress. And you can see that they're still not quite what they were. They're still a little bit vulnerable to the counter attack, which, you know, Real Madrid do have the players to capitalize on that if that indeed the case. So I don't think it'll be over. I think Manchester City are favorites to go through and it's mad how often they meet. We said, didn't we, last week, 13 times, wasn't it? It's either Man City Real Madrid or Man City Newcastle mostly.

[Alex Alger]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

So what's the feeling in Madrid? Obviously, you said Trent's getting a bit of stick. What about the overall view on Arboloa and his chances possibly of getting the job on a permanent basis at the end of the season?

[Alex Alger]

I don't think it's looking that likely at this, at this stage. Yeah. A friend was speaking to me the other day about it and she's quite. Yeah, close people at the club and she was just saying, Alex is a disaster. It's a disaster. And she was linking me to articles and, you know, you know, the Spanish media are like, I do. This was. This was at the start of March and it was with Alonso. Five defeats in 28 games, Arbolo a four in 12. So that was. Yeah, that was at the start of this month.

[Gary Lineker]

So I don't think you can say things have improved.

[Alex Alger]

No, things have not improved. Things have not improved. And I sort of wonder why they got rid of Xabi Alonso. Well, I know why they got rid of Xabi Alonso, but it didn't make much sense to me at the time. It still doesn't make much sense to me, but I don't. I can't see Alvar Baloa being the manager this time next year. Jurgen Klopp's been linked to Real Madrid and to Atletico, so I think that'd be a great fit.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, I think Jurgen would fit any club, to be honest, because he's obviously exceptional. The question remains. And he hasn't completely ruled it out, has he, that he'll return to management and coaching. I should say he's also intimated that, you know, do I really want to go back and stand on, you know, the side of training grounds? I think this was when he was linked with an English job because they said when it's pissing down with rain,

[Alex Alger]

etc, he looks so. Well, doesn't he? Looks like a different man.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, that's. I mean, that's it. It doesn't need to go back. But you know what it's like. It does seem to be a bit of a, like a, a drug almost for.

[Alex Alger]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

And when you're that good at it, I totally get it.

[Alex Alger]

So have you seen the photos of Alvaro? When he started, he looked really healthy, suntan like happy. Well, it's like one month later he's gone. Drained like bags. Pale. Just like that's what managing does to you. Especially managing Real Madrid.

[Gary Lineker]

Funnily enough, I saw Pep Guardiola interviewed and they were saying, well, how do the pressures compare of managing a club in England to managing one of the giants in Spain, Barcelona or Real Madrid? And he said it is a thousand times more difficult in Spain and Madrid. I don't think people realize that here we have a media that are more interested in your private life and knocking you down that way. But over there, particularly with Real Madrid and Barcelona and just to remind people, there are two or three daily newspapers that just focus on either Real Madrid or, or Barcelona. You've got a sport and Mundo Deportivo in, in, in Barcelona. Then you've got Marca. There's another one. Is it Ass?

[Alex Alger]

Yeah, you love.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, you love us. Yeah, I'm glad you said that. And not me. Like I don't know, 40, 50 pages. And it's pretty much all on the football club, isn't it? Either Real Madrid or Barcelona. People can't quite comprehend that here. Imagine having a daily newspaper.

[Alex Alger]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Just on Arsenal, Manchester United or. Yeah, I know, it's crazy. Maybe that's the reason why he stuck around at Man City for so long.

[Alex Alger]

I did actually. I interviewed him a couple of weeks ago and I asked him that. I said I think it was like three, three is it buying four at Barca, why 10 at. And he said the people. But that might be a part of everything that you're saying here. He just said the people, the support, you know, everything I've had here compared to Spain, it's, it's different, isn't it? It is different. I I Alvarable can't be enjoying himself too much right now.

[Gary Lineker]

Thankfully for him and Real Madrid, they did get a winner in that game. Barcelona did what they had to do. They responded likewise. Wasn't probably their most free flowing performance, but he did rest a few players, presumably with Newcastle in mind. And Lamina stepped up with with another exquisite finish. The only goal of the game. A rare clean sheet as well. For Barca, it's lamin inch perfect as it so often is.

[Alex Alger]

Lamine magic. They were outstanding midweek in that Copa del Rey second leg winning three nil. Dominated Atletico Madrid and Then there were quite a few changes in, in this game against Athletic Club. Pedri Rafinha rested and Rashford started. But yeah, it wasn't a great performance. But I think Pedro came on at halftime and he makes such a difference. Such a difference. What a player. And yeah, the Lamine goal, outstanding. And ultimately the difference. Laminar didn't have a great game. But then that one moment of magic, that's all you need it.

[Gary Lineker]

Which is exactly what Hansi Flick said. He said, when we play our style, we sometimes concede a lot of chances. Doesn't matter how high up the pitch we defend, a clean sheet is always good. I don't think Lamine had his best game today, but he decided it. When he has space, he can create chances and he practices these kind of plays that can win you a game. I mean, it was, it was beautiful the way he finished and he's. It's not like a one off. You see that kind of goal from him frequently.

[Alex Alger]

It's 19 goals in all competitions this season, which everyone's. Oh, it's his best scoring season so far. Yeah, but he's so young. He's so young. He hasn't got many seasons to compare it to. And I think his decision making has always been good, especially for his age. But it seems to be getting even better.

[Gary Lineker]

As someone who obviously played at the top level, I look at him and I think, how does it come so naturally? Incredible natural talent that you, you're born with, that it just shows you can't teach that sort of thing. It's. It's almost intuitive in the way he does things. But it's like when I watch someone like Messi, for example, who's it on? You know, takes it even further. You think, how can he know how to move there? And that particularly when he's so young and inexperienced. But it just is pure, pure natural talent. I mean, it's extraordinary.

[Alex Alger]

It is extraordinary. And we just have to enjoy it. That's what we were saying the other day, weren't we that enjoy it less criticizing him. I. When, even when he walked in yesterday, I was stood in the tunnel when the players arrived and he was the last to arrive. I was so chill, so relaxed. He just looks like a child. I looked him, I'm like, you look so. He is so young. But I think you just think of him as. It was different to where like Cristiano or Messi, you'd see them and they're these bit. He just looked like a little kid, like walking to St. James's Bar.

[Gary Lineker]

Do you know why? Because he is a little kid. He is basically a little kid. I mean, I really like him. I think he gives off a really good energy. And I know he's confident, but you would be confident with that sort of ability. And he just seems so laid back. It's funny how you get different kinds of people. I mean. I mean, Messi and Ronaldo, they combined complete opposite of each other, aren't they? In terms of personality, obviously Ronaldo is kind of outgoing, super confident. Messi's a little bit withdrawn, quiet, probably doesn't speak very much, but let's. And on the field they just produce it. And you mean Lamar is different again? He's got kind of like a. I'm totally chill. Doesn't seem to let anything bother him whatsoever. Very relaxed. But on the pitch, obviously I quite like his personality, his character. He's got almost. Almost a bit of Ronaldinho. Yeah. You know, he loves to dance. It doesn't mind. He's got all the skills and loves all that sort of stuff. Different.

[Alex Alger]

But yeah, I thought Athletic Club were really good, by the way. I think that they deserve a mention. They played very well and then Barcelona came straight here from Bilbao.

[Gary Lineker]

They.

[Alex Alger]

They. Normally I would go back and then come hit the night before, but they've spent extra time here. I don't. I don't know why they chose to

[Gary Lineker]

do that, but it's quite nice, isn't it? They probably went, you know, popped out somewhere.

[Alex Alger]

They're staying in a beautiful place, Mafton Hall. It's down. It's like. Well, it's like half an hour down the road and the players arriving. I think Gabby was like, ah, it's Hogwarts. It's Hogwarts. It's beautiful. Anyway, so, yeah, they're staying. They're staying there and. Yeah, how do you think that one will go?

[Gary Lineker]

Well, they've already met obviously this season.

[Alex Alger]

Twice.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Also Rashford played at the weekend, so I would imagine Rafinho coming in his place. But I think Marcus might feed us. Generally does quite well against Newcastle. So I would say Newcastle have to be strong favorites, but. And they're not going to be phased by the atmosphere of Marcelo. They've already shown that this season. And Pedri's playing and playing. You know, these obviously only had half a game at the weekend.

[Alex Alger]

Yeah, but he set up the means that goal didn't he made the difference.

[Gary Lineker]

They haven't got the injury problems that Real Madrid have got. I think it's only fair to Say that. So I think they'll go into this tie very strong favorites over two legs. In fact, I see them as one of. One of the possible winners of the competition. I think.

[Alex Alger]

Yeah, they've got a more favorable draw as well the way it's.

[Gary Lineker]

They do. Very much so. I mean it's. I think for me it's Arsenal, Manchester City, Barcelona, Bayern. I can't really see Real Madrid at the moment going all the way, but you never know. But I think Barcelona have to be one of the favorites. Interestingly though, I think tactically tonight Newcastle are the sort of team that could cause them problems if they play the way Chelsea did, which I suspect Eddie Howe might do in fact play the three quick lads up front.

[Alex Alger]

Yeah. So that's what Joanne Garcia said in his interview with me. I said where are they dangerous? He said the forward players so fast we can't give them any space at all.

[Gary Lineker]

Elanga Gordon I think could cause them a lot of problems. Get behind them because they've got serious pace even if Jacob Murphy came in as well. So I think that, you know, Harvey Barnes has been in great form and he's pretty quick as well. So they have got. They have got the ammunition that could hurt Barcelona. It's just at the other end. And also can Newcastle get enough of the ball? Yeah, when you've got Pedri Boss in it in midfield and I think over two legs, I'd be. I'd be shocked if. If Newcastle went through.

[Alex Alger]

Yeah, they'll need a.

[Gary Lineker]

What? At least don't tell Alan at all. Don't tell.

[Alex Alger]

Yeah, well, he's. He's. I think he's quietly confident but he says I need at least a one or two goal leads going into the new camp to have any. Any chance.

[Gary Lineker]

Sounds like bluster to me on that. Now let's take a little break and then we'll discuss other things. La Liga when we come back.

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[Alex Alger]

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[Gary Lineker]

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[Alex Alger]

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[Alex Alger]

I was. Oh, sorry. Namaste.

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[Alex Alger]

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[Gary Lineker]

welcome back to the rest is football La Liga with Alex Alger, me, Gary Lineker and it's Atletico time. And what a good game that was against Rail Sotide. And some belting goals in this one to talk about.

[Alex Alger]

Amazing. What was your favorite? I think mine was. Or Yathabal's.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Yes. I mean, sweet as a knot in the top corner. I mean what, what a strike that was. But there was. I even quite like saw us the opening goal.

[Alex Alger]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Which was nice finish.

[Alex Alger]

He's been playing so well, hasn't he? Six goals in three against Real Sociedad as well for Soloth where he used to play. But yeah, he's been absolutely brilliant for. For Athletico Madrid. Ever since Eric started criticizing him. Ever since he heard it on the podcast, he's like, I'm not having this. Yeah, it's quite funny because someone on X messaged me about Atletico Madrid and Jurgen Klopp. Alexandra, what's your views on this and would Eric approve? That was the tweet. And. And Eric said, he said he's called Henry Baker the guy that said this. He said papers in Spain are linking Klopp to both Real Madrid and Atletico. Henry Baker, where do I need to sign? And said Eric's worried because he says results are moving dangerously towards another contract for Simeone.

[Gary Lineker]

I don't. I'll come.

[Alex Alger]

When can you. Current one is up in 2027 and he wrote sha, which we know what that means in German. So yeah, so he's. I think he's happy. But Simeon is harsh, isn't it? It's really harsh when you think about what he's done for the club.

[Gary Lineker]

It really is and it just shows you how to difficult and hard to please. It is being a coach I mean, thank heavens I never went into that. That world. I mean, obviously it's well paid etc and stuff, but as you talked about Arbola, but I mean, nothing seems to affect Simeone. I mean, he's. They're even, you know, every week now. They're kind of high scoring games as well. Always the criticism, wasn't it? Yes, he's brought his success, but you know, the football's a bit dour and defensive and counter attacking. But, you know, this season I think they've been pretty entertain for a lot of. Yeah, for a lot of the games anyway. Not all of them.

[Alex Alger]

Yeah, no, I'd agree with it.

[Gary Lineker]

What was Eric's view on this particular match?

[Alex Alger]

He said got to enjoy a rather entertaining dress rehearsal for the Cof Del Rey final. Both teams through to the final. Both managers rested several first team players until the final half an hour. He spoke about the semis as well. And he is being nice about Simeone here, he said. And strategic planning caught Barcelona completely off guard as he only managed to win three Nils. Those were the longest 90 minutes of my life they've got.

[Gary Lineker]

Obviously this is another kind of Spanish English tie in the Champions League with Spurs. Now this is one that I suspect the La Liga side of things will probably come out and top them because spurs are in a mess. Having said that, they're in a similar mess, league form wise last season, even though they. They were close to the drop, but they weren't, if you know what I mean. And they did win a European trophy. I don't think. I don't think the same will happen this, this season. I think Atletico too strong.

[Alex Alger]

Another player who was really good in that Atletico game at the weekend was Nico Gonzalez, who doesn't play that much, but came on and turned the game around, scored twice. Yeah, they do have a good squad, Atletico Madrid. They do.

[Gary Lineker]

It's a club with money, isn't it? They've done pretty well.

[Alex Alger]

Antoine Griezmann future is being spoken about quite a lot now because there was fears that he was going to go off to the mls. But now what's it, what Simeone saying? I love him very much. He will decide when he has something to say. And then when pressed on it, he said, I'm Diego Simeone, I'm not Antoine Griezmann.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, he's still contributing mainly off the bench this season, but he's still contributing in terms of goals and he's footballing intelligence as well. Round up a clock, here we go.

[Alex Alger]

Right, let's have a roundup of the other results from La Liga the weekend. Girona snatched a late point at Levante through Joel Rocker's 90th minute strike awarded after a VAR review. Carlos headed the host in front five minutes into the second half with John Olasegasti seeing red for the visitors. Osasuna fought back from two goals down against Mallorca in a chaotic game that saw two red cards. Vedat Marici scored twice for Mallorca before Kique Barja and Ante Budimir levelled for the host. Villarreal moved up to fourth after goals from Tajin Buchanan and Santiago Mourinho secured a 21 win against Elche. Kiko Firmenia and Martin Satriano scored either side of half time to give getafe a comfortable 20 win against Real. Betis. David Soria made several key saves to preserve the clean sheet against a toothless Betis. Sevilla drew one all with Rayo Vallecano. Akor Adams headed Sevilla in front before Pacha Espino equalised with a stunning second half strike. Neither side could find a winner with Sevilla remaining 11th and Rayo 14th. Valencia produced a remarkable comeback against Alaves. Lucas Boye scored twice for Alaves, But Eri Komet's 90th minute leveler and Ugo Duro's stoppage time penalty completed the turnaround. Alberto Reina gave Oviedo an early lead against Espanyol before Quique Garcia equalized before halftime. Aaron Iscandel made several crucial saves to earn a point for the visitors who remain bottom of the table.

[Gary Lineker]

Well done, Alex. There's a. There's Mourinho in there. There's no relation, is it?

[Alex Alger]

No. Because it's not spelled the same.

[Gary Lineker]

Is it spelled differently? Yeah, I just heard you say Mourinho.

[Alex Alger]

Yeah. Mourinho. Santiago Mourinho. Yeah. No, it's no. No relation.

[Gary Lineker]

No.

[Alex Alger]

You relate to our friend Jose?

[Gary Lineker]

No. Well, okay. Let's call it a day, Alex. And enjoy the game at St. James's I think it might be jumping in that stadium tonight.

[Alex Alger]

Thanks you. Thank you. Looking forward to it.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Goodbye for me.

[Alex Alger]

Goodbye from me.