In short
Podcast Summary: The Rest Is Football - "Stagnant Real Madrid Bailed Out By Mbappe Again"
Episode Overview In this episode of *The Rest Is Football*, hosts Gary Lineker and Alex Algeo dive into the latest happenings in La Liga, particularly focusing on Real Madrid's struggle against Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona's victory over Elche. They also touch upon Atletico Madrid's disappointing performance, the atmosphere at the Bernabeu, and the implications for the teams moving forward in both domestic and European competitions.
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Key Discussion Points
Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano
- Match Outcome: Real Madrid narrowly defeated Rayo Vallecano, needing a penalty from Kylian Mbappe in the 100th minute to secure a win.
- Controversial Atmosphere:
- Vinicius Jr. was booed despite scoring a spectacular goal.
- Jude Bellingham left the pitch in tears due to a hamstring injury, which was met with booing from some fans, highlighting the fractious environment at the Bernabeu.
- Performance Analysis:
- Hosts criticized Real Madrid's overall performance, suggesting they have deep-rooted issues and are not playing to their potential.
- Bellingham's injury is a significant concern, particularly with international commitments ahead.
Barcelona's Dominance
- Match Outcome: Barcelona secured a 3-1 victory against Elche, maintaining their lead at the top of La Liga.
- Player Highlights:
- Goals scored by Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Marcus Rashford.
- Barcelona's attacking prowess is acknowledged, but there are concerns about their defensive setup, particularly against top-tier teams.
- Squad Comparison:
- Current discussions compare Barcelona's squad favorably against Real Madrid's, with particular emphasis on their midfield strength when Pedri is fit.
Atletico Madrid's Struggles
- Performance Overview: Atletico Madrid played to a 0-0 draw against Levante, raising questions about manager Diego Simeone's future as frustration mounts among fans.
- Fan Sentiment: A poll indicated that 76% of fans favor a managerial change, reflecting dissatisfaction with the team's current trajectory.
- Squad and Management Issues:
- Discussion of new signings and the need for reinforcements, with players possibly losing motivation under long-term management.
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Analysis and Insights
Real Madrid's Current Struggles
- Crisis of Confidence: The booing of key players like Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham signifies growing discontent among fans, which may affect player morale and performance.
- Need for Change: There's a consensus among hosts that Real Madrid might need to make significant changes, either in squad composition or management, to overcome their current stagnation.
Barcelona's Positive Trajectory
- Attacking Versatility: Barcelona continues to show strength in attack, creating numerous scoring opportunities, though they need to refine their finishing.
- Title Contenders: With their current form, hosts believe Barcelona has a strong chance of not only winning La Liga but also making a deep run in the Champions League.
Atletico Madrid's Transition
- Potential for Change: With growing dissatisfaction among fans and recent lackluster performances, a transition period may be on the horizon for Atletico Madrid.
- Long-term Strategy: The need for a strategic review of player management and recruitment to return to competitive form is emphasized.
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Conclusion The episode encapsulates the current landscape of La Liga, highlighting the contrasting fortunes of Spain's top teams. While Barcelona appears to be on an upward trajectory, Real Madrid’s alarming performances and Atletico Madrid’s stagnation present challenges that could shape the remainder of the season in both domestic and European competitions. The discussions reveal the complex dynamics at play in football, where fan sentiment and player performance are closely intertwined.
For more insights and discussions, listeners are encouraged to join *The Players Lounge*, the official fantasy football club associated with *The Rest Is Football*.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOReal Madrid's Recent Performance
0:30 to 0:50
Discussion on Real Madrid's challenges and performances, including key games.
“And the person who drives it, well, that's a Chevy person.”
Real Madrid's Recent Performance
1:39 to 4:06
Discussion on Real Madrid's challenges and performances, including key games.
“Well, it's as you were really at the top of La Liga with both Barcelona and Real Madrid getting three points apiece.”
Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham's Injuries
4:06 to 7:07
Analysis of injuries to key players and their impact on the team.
“Let's see how they manage to retain their position in the table.”
Mbappe's Impact and Criticism
7:07 to 10:50
Exploration of Mbappe's contributions and the surrounding criticism.
“I think there are a lot of issues, a lot of issues at the club right now.”
Real Madrid's Future Challenges
10:50 to 14:02
Discussion on the upcoming challenges for Real Madrid in the league and Champions League.
“Speaking of Mbappe, he went around the keeper and then managed to hit the bar.”
Trubin's Impact and Real Madrid's Struggles
14:02 to 14:36
Discussion about Trubin's performance and Real Madrid's current issues.
“It was quite an evening that, wasn't it?”
Transition to Barcelona Discussion
14:37 to 14:49
Segway into Barcelona's performance in La Liga.
“Welcome back to the Restys Football La Liga with Alex Algeo and me, Gary Lenica.”
Barcelona vs Elche Match Recap
16:26 to 17:44
Overview of Barcelona's match against Elche and key moments.
“Elche have not beaten Barcelona since December 1974.”
Barcelona's High Line and Defensive Concerns
17:45 to 19:27
Analysis of Barcelona's defensive strategy and its potential risks.
“The goal was very typical of many that they've conceded the crazy high line.”
Comparing Barcelona and Real Madrid's Squads
19:28 to 21:44
Discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of both teams' rosters.
“But they were wasteful in front of goal.”
Show all 16 chapters
Champions League Predictions
21:45 to 22:44
Predictions on which team is more likely to win the Champions League.
“who's going through issues in terms of the love from the fans and also his form, albeit he scored that brilliant goal we saw in the first half.”
Atletico Madrid's Current State
22:45 to 23:38
Discussion on Atletico Madrid's struggles and fan sentiment towards Simeone.
“and they'll play either PSG, Monaco, Newcastle or Carabaug.”
Long-Term Management and Player Dynamics
23:39 to 28:00
Exploration of the impact of long-serving managers on player performance and club culture.
“So it just depends what happens later in the season and the big games they have and what happens with Real Madrid.”
Analyzing Atletico Madrid's Current Form
28:00 to 30:22
Discussing Atletico Madrid's struggles and player performances.
“It's not like they're halfway on the table and having an absolute stink of the season.”
Weekend Match Results Recap
30:22 to 31:28
Reviewing the key results from the weekend's football matches.
“Before we go, do you want to round things up for us, Alex?”
Discussion on Rioja and Personal Anecdotes
31:28 to 32:29
A light-hearted conversation about Rioja wine and personal stories.
“separating 10th to 18th, it could yet prove a valuable result.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Kylian Mbappe:This podcast is brought to you by Carvana. Car shopping shouldn't feel like preparing for a marathon of paperwork. That's why Carvana makes buying and financing your car easy. From start to finish, search thousands of vehicles with great prices. All online, all on your time. And when you're ready, your new car shows up right at your door. It doesn't get better than that. Buy your car the easy way on Carvana. Delivery fees may apply. somewhere out there is a Chevy truck and the person who drives it well as a Chevy person you probably know one your buddy your sister ones who always show up they're the first to rise the last to leave they always have that little extra something and maybe you've got it too Chevrolet together let's drive visit chevy.com slash trucks to explore the lineup
0:58Alex Scott:Vinny Jr. was being jeered before he went and scored that golasso. Oh, that's brilliant from Vinicius Jr. Jude Bellingham picks up that injury. Yes. He was visibly distraught, in tears coming off, and he was booed, which is just awful, isn't it? I think there are deep-rooted issues.
1:15Jude Bellingham:I can't quite work out how it looks like the keeper's going to get it, and suddenly he's out and he's got it round him.
1:22Alex Scott:La mean magic. How would you compare Barca's squad with Real Madrid's right now at this moment?
1:34Vinicius Jr:Hello and welcome to the Rest is Football La Liga episode with Alex Algeo and me, Gary Lineker. Well, it's as you were really at the top of La Liga with both Barcelona and Real Madrid getting three points apiece. a little bit trickier for Real Madrid, but they managed it in the end. We'll come to those very shortly. But firstly, Alex, how are you?
1:57Alex Scott:Yep. All good, thank you. I've seen two great games at the weekend. I was at Chelsea West Ham, not working, just watching and enjoyed that one. And then I was at the Spurs City game yesterday.
2:10Jude Bellingham:And you interviewed Rodri, which we can see I'm trying to find a Spanish angle on that. Exactly.
2:16Alex Scott:Exactly, interviewed a rather cross, Rodri.
2:20Vinicius Jr:Yes, I spoke to you just before we started recording and said, did you see Rodri having a real whine about the goal?
2:26Jude Bellingham:It's a little bit, oh, nobody likes us anymore. Which is unlike Rodri. It is. I mean, I get they've given away a two-goal lead and he's a bit upset. You know, it might well have been a foul, but it wasn't clear and obvious howler.
2:39Alex Scott:I could tell before we started the interview, he looked fuming, fuming. He wasn't speaking. and normally you have a little bit of chat before you start the interview he was just going like shaking his hair just like furious so he'd obviously just seen the images yeah when he
2:54Vinicius Jr:went back yeah exactly because he said that in the interview he said you know you don't see it
2:58Alex Scott:when you're on the pitch but you go back in uh so my first question was something like wow roger i can see you're really frustrated it's like you know tell me and uh he spoke for like his first
3:08Jude Bellingham:answer was about two minutes i think he's struggling a bit as well to get his full fitness and hopefully by the end of the season it'll be important, very important for Spain that he's fit. I know they've got someone like Zubimendi that can play in that position as well but I think Rodri adds anything to it. A fit and kind of informed Rodri adds a lot to any side.
3:27Alex Scott:Which is not what we saw yesterday.
3:29Jude Bellingham:Not yet. He could have been sent off for the second time because he could have been sent off in midweek as well.
3:34Alex Scott:What about you?
3:35Vinicius Jr:I went to watch QPR versus Coventry. Ah, okay. Friends on Saturday They had a nice pub lunch before we went to the game. It was very civilized, a lot of fun. That was good. And overall, watched a lot of football, as always, most weekends. Been some great games, including a very exciting game in La Liga with Real Madrid just, what was it, the 98th minute?
4:02Alex Scott:100th, I think.
4:03Vinicius Jr:The 100th minute, which is quite something. Penalty decision, Mbappe popped it away. Let's see how they managed to retain their position in the table.
4:38Jude Bellingham:just enough space to curl one into the top corner. Good bow. Garcia. Oh, Jorge de Frutos has squeezed one in. Valakana level. And de Frutos has a ninth of the season.
5:01Jude Bellingham:Cisse. It's a slightly heavy touch from him. And it meant that he barreled into a challenge on Dani Ceballos. and Rayo Valicano are down to ten.
5:17Jude Bellingham:Mbappe has worked it around the corner for Brahim Diaz. It's a little bit scrappy and there, referee points to the penalty spot. I think the challenge is Nobel Mendy on Brahim Diaz. And once again, Kylian Mbappe will have the chance from the penalty spot. the Penenka last week what will he choose today the right option and the right result for Real Madrid Kylian Mbappe wins it right at the death
5:52Jude Bellingham:Real just looking to tick down the clock that's not too smart from Chavarria it's a shove on Rodrigo and a second yellow card and Real Valicano are going to finish with nine
6:09Jude Bellingham:it is six straight league wins for Real supplied by the most familiar source
6:17Vinicius Jr:well they left it late Alex your team yes yes they did leave it late and I think the atmosphere
6:24Alex Scott:at the Bernabeu was not great again apparently not as bad as the Levante game but a lot of boos a lot of whistles. Vinny Jr. was being jeered before he went and scored that golasso. And I thought he reacted well, actually, because after he scored that brilliant goal, the opener, he was sort of kissing the badge, trying to get the fans on his side, which, you know, he'd been booed earlier in the game. So I think it was good that he did that. But an underwhelming performance from Real Madrid yet again, obviously off the back of that game midweek, that defeat to Benfica, which cost them a top eight place now in the playoffs.
7:03Alex Scott:Playing Benfica again, of course, in the playoffs. But no, it hasn't been a great week for Real Madrid. It's not looking good. I think there are a lot of issues, a lot of issues at the club right now.
7:12Vinicius Jr:What is their critique of him? What are they unsatisfied with? Is it his work ethic?
7:18Alex Scott:Well, I think those issues with the work ethic, they started last season, didn't they, under Carlo Ancelotti. They were criticised a lot, Vinny Jr. and Kylian Mbappe, for not working hard enough, for not running. Vinny Jr. hadn't scored in La Liga since October. So, I don't think that goes down too well with the Real Madrid fan base. You know, they want him scoring week in, week out. But I think they've always had a bit of a… Actually, that's not true. I think at the beginning, they did not. All the Madridistas adored Vinny Jr.
7:46Vinicius Jr:Yeah, exactly.
7:49Alex Scott:It's something that we've seen recently. And I think it's hard to get the Madridistas back on your side once they've turned against you.
7:58Vinicius Jr:It's not something you really see happen over here.
8:02Jude Bellingham:There might be a bit of grumbling if a player wants to leave, like we saw with Trent. And there might be a few boos at the end of the game. And I've witnessed it myself. I witnessed it with Mark Hughes when I played for Barcelona, went there. Mark was very young. He was only 21 when we went and it was probably a bit early for him. I was 25 and I got a couple of early goals in my first game and Mark struggled and also Mark's game was about backing in and every time he did that in those days the referees gave a free kick against him and they turned on Sparky in a similar way Sparky's who was then known yeah yeah yeah I know I know you know you weren't born then you see yeah yeah but dad but dad spoke about him a lot
8:46Alex Scott:and he always called him Sparky my grandad I'm like yeah
8:50Vinicius Jr:And it was really, really hard for him because no player, no player doesn't want to be successful and want to do well. So, I mean, well, although I did get booed on my first ever appearance for Everton. Why were you booed? By some people in the crowd when they read the team show you had first home game.
9:10Alex Scott:Well, they weren't having it.
9:11Vinicius Jr:Because I'd replaced Andy Gray and they loved Andy Gray. Gotcha. But I thought that was a bit harsh.
9:16Alex Scott:A little bit harsh.
9:17Jude Bellingham:It was before I kicked a ball.
Read the full transcript
9:19Alex Scott:I'll tell you what was really harsh and actually really just like horrible to listen to was when Jude Bellingham picked up that injury, which we hope isn't overly serious. He was seen just before the game started sort of holding onto his left hamstring. And then it was that hamstring that he then injured during the game. And he was visibly distraught in tears coming off. And he was booed by some of the fan base, which is just awful, isn't it? you know, a player like Dupin down injured and then he's getting booed. But I think that sums up the situation at the Bernabeu right now because it doesn't get much worse than that.
9:55Vinicius Jr:No, when the crowd's against you, it makes life difficult.
9:58Jude Bellingham:You can see that in the performances. They look like they're playing a little bit under pressure. Having said that, we go back, you mentioned the golazo.
10:04Alex Scott:Golazo. I mean, it really was
10:06Jude Bellingham:an absolute beauty, wasn't it?
10:07Alex Scott:I love the sound when it went in. It's so good.
10:11Vinicius Jr:There is no better sound.
10:13Alex Scott:No, no.
10:13Vinicius Jr:Than the thud of the ball hitting the back of the net.
10:16Alex Scott:Yeah, it was a brilliant, brilliant goal. But Fruity George, Jorge de Frutos. Yes, Jorge de Frutos. Our mate, Fruity George equalised in the 49th minute. But then they went down to nine men, didn't they, by the end of the game, Rayo? But they played well. They played pretty well. But then Brahim Diaz brought down in the box and Kylian Mbappe took the pen.
10:38Vinicius Jr:I thought he might let Diaz take it after what happened in the AFCON.
10:41Alex Scott:Good point, good point. But he didn't. his 22nd La Liga goal of the season and a really important win for Real Madrid. But I just think it's papering over the cracks.
10:51Vinicius Jr:Yeah. Speaking of Mbappe, he went around the keeper and then managed to hit the bar. That was quite literally an open goal,
10:59Jude Bellingham:that one actually, because there wasn't even a goalkeeper in there. So that was a bad miss, but he can handle the pressure, that fella.
11:06Alex Scott:Yeah. What is it? 37 goals in 30 games. But he scored a lot of goals last season as well and was still criticized for the Real Madrid to be fair he didn't actually have a good game he didn't play well but he scored the important pen and yeah three points and now one point in it once again but I think the next few games are going to be not decisive Champions League yes decisive not in the league but I think it's just a really important time what did Arbeloa say after the game I was never a fan of Lord of the Rings so I didn't actually know what it meant so I had to look it up
11:39Jude Bellingham:Jerry's alongside me he's an absolute fan of the Lord of the Rings.
11:42Alex Scott:I've never seen it, which is crazy. But he said, I'm not Gandalf the White. Harry, is he a wizard?
11:50Vinicius Jr:Gandalf the White? He's a wizard. He's a wizard. Yeah.
11:54Alex Scott:He's the wizard. The wizard.
11:56Vinicius Jr:The wizard.
11:57Alex Scott:The wizard. So I think that's, thanks Harry. I think that's Arbeloa basically saying, look, I can't.
12:04Jude Bellingham:I've got no magic wand, basically. There we go. I've got no magic wand.
12:07Alex Scott:I can't change things here overnight because there's, I think there are deep rooted issues and they might need to offload a few players in the summer and maybe start again and I think a lot of players sort of look like they're not playing in their best positions obviously they've got
12:22Vinicius Jr:one or two injuries as well yep Bellingham injury little hamstring he'll be out for a month I mean I suppose from an England perspective you go oh he gets a nice little rest now not bad for good news for the World Cup but that's only if it comes back and doesn't get injured again
12:40Alex Scott:and he's probably not thinking that because obviously they've got the March International break and he's not fit for that
12:45Jude Bellingham:and he's already had a spell out obviously with his shoulder so I think I mean it's quite harsh that he's getting booed and stuff because he always definitely gives everything on the pitch but I think that's going back to the Xabi Alonso situation isn't he where he's perceived as being one of the troublemakers which I mean we've not seen any evidence of this so yeah and so hopefully you get fit how close is
13:09Vinicius Jr:Trent
13:09Alex Scott:I was going to say Trent is back in full training.
13:13Vinicius Jr:Yeah.
13:14Alex Scott:So I reckon any day now he'll be back in a matchday squad. And Trent is the type of player that can make the difference for Real Madrid.
13:22Vinicius Jr:Oh, absolutely. So creative.
13:24Alex Scott:And we saw that when he came back from his injury. He played so well in that game against Athletic Club. And it was that game that he then got injured in. He got an assist in that game. So, yeah, fingers crossed. Fingers crossed for Trent.
13:35Jude Bellingham:I suppose a lot of the whining with the Real Madrid fans and the fact that it happened early in the game was because of the performance in midweek as well against Benfica where they slipped out of that top eight position.
13:46Alex Scott:Which is not good, obviously, because now they've got two more games to play, which they needn't have had to play those games. And they might not beat Benfica. You know, Benfica will be full of confidence knowing that they've done it.
13:58Vinicius Jr:Well, Jose's always tricky, isn't he?
14:00Alex Scott:Anything's possible.
14:01Jude Bellingham:Yeah, we've seen him do things before. It was quite an evening, that, wasn't it?
14:05Alex Scott:Trubin to the rescue.
14:06Jude Bellingham:Trubin, yeah. I remember Trubin from the Club World Cup.
14:10Alex Scott:I actually had sent a message to my dad during the Club World Cup saying Chelsea should sign Trubin. Because when Chelsea were looking to get a keeper in. I remember watching him out there thinking he was absolutely brilliant. And then coming up and scoring that goal. It's just so good.
14:25Vinicius Jr:Did you think he was brilliant because you thought this guy's going to score some goals? Yeah, exactly. Yes, I knew it. I knew it. I knew it.
14:32Alex Scott:Anyway, so we'll see what happens with Real Madrid. But not great at the moment. It's not great.
14:36Vinicius Jr:Let's take a break here and when we come back, we'll talk Barcelona.
14:43Vinicius Jr:Welcome back to the Restis Football La Liga with Alex Algeo and me, Gary Lenica. We discussed Real Madrid in the first half. We've definitely got to discuss Barcelona in the second. But before we do, let's see how they saw off Elche. This episode is brought to you by Whoop. In the modern game, of course, there are a lot more games and that feeling of being slightly off by Monday. And that's how it shows up. Not as an injury, it's just fatigue creeping in. Off the pitch, everyday life stacks up too. Work, travel, late nights, early starts. WHOOP helps you see how sleep, recovery and stress are impacting your overall health over time.
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16:56Jude Bellingham:Elche have not beaten Barcelona since December 1974. Tonight they seek to end that sequence and Barca's own relentless run of 14 wins in their last 15 matches. Dani Olmo. Off goes Lamin-Yemal, out comes Iñaki Peña, he goes round the young goalkeeper and you know the rest. they took a while to get going against Copenhagen on Wednesday night but this time Barca ahead after just six minutes
17:30Jude Bellingham:Valera looking for Alvaro Rodriguez who has breached the Barcelona high line it's Rodriguez to equalize for Elche well the run was perfectly timed and then came the composure to steer his finish in Jamal Torres De Jong Peña again comes out De Jong with Elche bodies tumbling Instead he has the composure Rolled into the path of Ferran Torres Who re-establishes Barcelona's lead
18:12Well again
18:13Jude Bellingham:Elche have got the wrong side Of the Barcelona high line And Jules Koundé is racing to get back in. And this time, the offside flag goes up.
18:25Jude Bellingham:Lamao does really well to keep that in play. It's Laminya Malle. For Marcus Rashford. Who has two in a week. It was a fraction of fortune as to how it arrived at Marcus Rashford's feet. But when it did, he slammed it in.
18:50Jude Bellingham:It is a familiar theme. Barcelona beat Elche. Barcelona win again.
19:00Jude Bellingham:Well, Alex, fairly comfortable in the end. As usual with Barcelona, they create a lot and they give one or two chances away.
19:08Alex Scott:Yeah.
19:08Jude Bellingham:The goal was very typical of many that they've conceded the crazy high line. Is it an issue?
19:16Alex Scott:Is it an issue?
19:16Jude Bellingham:Well, I think it's an issue if they play against the very best. And that's what we'll find out. I think against the majority of the sides, they'll outscore them. But as we saw when they played Chelsea, not necessarily one of the best teams in Europe at the moment, no offence, Alex, they found a way of beating that offside trap and causing all sorts of problems. But he's adamant that's the way you want to play. And I would like to say, actually, it's great to watch. It's great to watch. It makes for fun football. It almost guarantees goals in the game. So keep doing your stuff and keep entertaining us because ultimately football is entertainment for paying supporters.
20:02Jude Bellingham:So I think that's really important, especially at a time where, you know, we get teams going right one side and they pass it back and then they go back to the goalkeeper and then it comes out again. So actually it's to be applauded, not overly criticised, even though ultimately it may cost Barcelona when it comes to actually winning the big trophies. But we shall see. But it's working in La Liga and they've kept their lead at the top and nice finish from Lamin-Yumal. I've watched the replays quite a few times and I can't quite work out how it looks like the keeper's going to get it and suddenly he's out and he's got it round him.
20:41Jude Bellingham:Lamin-Magic. But it was a clever finish.
20:42Alex Scott:Lamin-Magic. it was a good finish it was a good finish he's another wizard but they were wasteful in front of goal Barcelona were really wasteful in front of goal and Hansi Flick came out and spoke about it after the game and he said look the good thing is we created a lot of chances the bad thing is we missed them yeah that was a really comical moment Torres in particular I was about to say it was actually quite comical two sitters yes absolute sitters pleased with Marcus Rashford that he came on and scored but Rafinha came off with a little injury but I don't think it's anything serious which is good because obviously they need Rafinha still no Pedri
21:20Jude Bellingham:they do miss Pedri I thought Frankie the young for Torres' goal was excellent brilliant bit of play impatient didn't rush it picked out his man and he knocked it in
21:29Alex Scott:not great defending from Alce
21:31Jude Bellingham:no but they're hard to defend against Barcelona I mean they've got some talent at the top and you know they can rotate
21:38Alex Scott:how would you compare Barca's squad with Real Madrid's right now at this moment?
21:43Vinicius Jr:I would compare it favourably at the moment.
21:46Jude Bellingham:If Madrid are at their very best, they can be very difficult. And they have, I think in four positions, they've got good players. I mean, obviously Mbappe is one of the very best, but I think Barca, you know, they've got immense talent up there. I mean, Lamin-Yumal, you know, if you compare two players, Lamin-Yumal and Mbappe, they're different, but you'd say they're both absolutely, at the very top in world football. I think at the moment you would put Rafinha quite comfortably ahead of Vinicius Junior who's going through issues in terms of the love from the fans and also his form, albeit he scored that brilliant goal we saw in the first half.
22:27Jude Bellingham:Elsewhere, then you've got people, you know, like Torres and Rashford, which I would put marginally ahead overall, I think in four positions around Madrid. I think in midfield, Barcelona are stronger, particularly when Pedri's fit with Pedri and De Jong so good in people like Danny Olmo around there as well and then there's Ferdinand Lopez as well who's a fabulous player so I think they've got the edge there I think defensively both sides are not particularly strong and I think that is where they're both a little bit weak at the moment
22:59Alex Scott:and they'll be tested against the top sides as you were saying earlier
23:03Jude Bellingham:overall though if you know if you're looking at the Champions League and you had to say one of the teams would win it I'd say it more likely be Barcelona than Real Madrid yeah they beat
23:14Alex Scott:what Copenhagen 4-1 midweek top 8 and they'll play either PSG Monaco Newcastle or Carabag yes hopefully for Alan it'll be Newcastle not Carabag
23:27Jude Bellingham:he's been calling them
23:28Alex Scott:Carabag to me
23:29Jude Bellingham:well yeah it's easy to do that isn't it but I think Newcastle should win that and then obviously PSG will be the one they'll want to avoid because they'll be a threat although they're not quite what they were last season but they weren't quite what they were last season at this stage last season if you understand what I'm saying
23:46Alex Scott:yes that is true that is true
23:48Jude Bellingham:I mean what Barcelona were only a point ahead so it's all to play for
23:54Vinicius Jr:but looking at the overall squads and the way I think the mental state of both sides are at present you would have to fancy Barcelona to go on and win the league wouldn't you?
24:05Alex Scott:I think yeah I think so
24:06Vinicius Jr:Much as it pains you to say.
24:08Alex Scott:It pains me to say, and I know that obviously Champions League is their priority, isn't it?
24:11Vinicius Jr:Yeah.
24:12Alex Scott:So it just depends what happens later in the season and the big games they have and what happens with Real Madrid.
24:19Jude Bellingham:Yeah.
24:20Alex Scott:You know, as we always say, things change very quickly in football.
24:22Jude Bellingham:They do, and they've changed quite quickly against Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.
24:28Alex Scott:10 points now off the top.
24:30Jude Bellingham:10 points off the top, a kind of awful nil-nil with barely any chances for either side. I mean, Oblak and Matt Ryan both made a save each, but that aside, and it's brought back once again a little discontent with Mr. Simeone, and no doubt, no doubt, Eric has had something to say on the matter.
24:52Alex Scott:He has. He definitely has. He was listening to the pod last week, So he was listening to our chat about filth and tea and all that.
25:01Jude Bellingham:So he was like,
25:02Alex Scott:I definitely won't be using sick or filth to describe this latest Atletico Madrid performance, but I would like to use a word beginning with tea. And then he's written turd. Oh,
25:13Vinicius Jr:turd.
25:17Vinicius Jr:Lovely.
25:19Alex Scott:Yeah. And then he was just saying, he went on about Julian Alvarez he said he's lost his mojo still chases every ball and presses but has definitely lost his mojo pressure mounting on Simeone so they did a poll that said should they change the manager and the project at the club and sin duda without a doubt
25:42Vinicius Jr:without a doubt
25:43Alex Scott:76 % and then no Simeone 100 % was 24 % obviously poll after the game on the channel that showed the match live is pretty accurate. So Eric thinks that, yeah, 76 % wants Simeone out.
25:59Vinicius Jr:So three supporters in every four, basically, basically three quarters off. Three quarters of the fans. Good maths.
26:04Alex Scott:But they've been busy in the market, transfer market as well. They might sign some more players today, the day of recording, which obviously we don't know yet. But they've signed, remember Adam Ola Lickman?
26:14Jude Bellingham:Of course. Played for Leicester.
26:16Alex Scott:I know, I know. Played for Leicester.
26:18Jude Bellingham:Atalanta scored a hat-trick in the final, obviously, against Bayern Leverkusen, which was probably the day of his life. Yeah, little winger. He could cause, he could do damage in La Liga, I think.
26:29Alex Scott:Yeah, he said his favourite position is where Baina, Nico Gonzalez and Almada prefer to play unless Cholo wants to use him at left back.
26:39Jude Bellingham:I don't think he's a full back. I don't think he is either. I sense a bit of sarcasm.
26:44Alex Scott:yeah, exactly. Anyway, so yeah, really, really poor from Atletico Madrid and defeat in the Champions League midweek against Bodo Glynn as well.
26:54Jude Bellingham:I know. It's a bit like Real Madrid, isn't it? Part of the complaints here are because of what happened last week in the Champions League.
27:04Alex Scott:Yeah. So, yeah, 10 points. 10 points off top. Now, definitely no title race for Atletico Madrid this season. But when a manager has been at the club so long, do you think inevitably there comes a time when it is time to move on? Enough's enough?
27:22Vinicius Jr:Well, I wonder with, I mean, there are not many long, long, long serving managers.
27:29Jude Bellingham:I mean, there's Simeone and Pep, the two that I can think of at present in major football clubs. I mean, nobody ever stays that long at somewhere like Real Madrid or even Barcelona or certainly not Chelsea.
27:46Vinicius Jr:So it's, but he's very much part of that football club. and, you know, sometimes be careful what you wish for
27:55Jude Bellingham:because they have been incredibly consistent for a long time. You know, sometimes fans, and I get it, I get it that Eric might not like, and maybe three quarters of their fans don't like, probably their style of play. I think they'll always be grateful what he's given them, so much success over that time. But, you know, if you think back to what they were before Simeone was there, they had way more success subsequently. But I wonder if players get tired of hearing the same voice constantly,
28:25Vinicius Jr:whether, you know, there comes a point where you switch off slightly. I think only subconsciously because players always want to do well for
28:35Jude Bellingham:themselves, their family, their club, their fans. So, but I don't know. It's not like they're halfway in the table and having an absolute stinker in the season.
28:46Alex Scott:But they won't be winning any trophies. as well. They might, they might, they might, but might not as well. Unlikely. Unlikely. Unlikely. I think that's where the frustration is. I was also watching Conor Gallagher yesterday at Spurs.
28:57Jude Bellingham:Did really well. Great energy.
28:58Alex Scott:I was, I was just, I know he's always been that player, hasn't he? They put him like 110 % on the pitch. You can just like, you just see it. And I was just, I was watching yesterday just thinking like, I wonder why he was surplus to requirements there and didn't really get his chance at Atletico Madrid.
29:14Jude Bellingham:He did early on When he went there Didn't he He had a sustained run And he was doing really well And then He's obviously Yeah he loved him At the beginning Went out of favour Went out of favour That happens With coaches What was it
29:26Alex Scott:Simeone turns good players Average and average players good Well
29:30Jude Bellingham:Not my words
29:32Alex Scott:Not yours either
29:34Jude Bellingham:Was Conor a good player
29:35Alex Scott:He turned average maybe
29:37Jude Bellingham:Well I think I don't know Because it's If you don't play It's hard to know But I think I mean Conor Gallagher you know what you're getting incredible energy really presses a lot he's not probably the most technically gifted footballer in the world but he gives you something he makes up for it with his work ethic I mean he's technically sufficient that's of course but yeah so I think that's what Spurs have brought and you can see the energy that he brought into the team where he didn't see in the first half they were bloody awful but in the second half it was much better but and yeah Atletico Madrid they're a little
30:13Vinicius Jr:a bit stagnant. Is that a way perhaps to describe them?
30:16Alex Scott:I think stagnant and Alvarez's form stagnant as well. Yeah, and players do have a dip.
30:24Jude Bellingham:Players do have a dip and he'll come back because he's class.
30:28Alex Scott:Yes, yes, he had a good opportunity that Matty Ryan tipped his header over the bar and then Simeone came out really positive about the first half performance. He said we dominated from start to finish and controlled the game and so he obviously he's saying we're a group we're united and the first half was really good so he's obviously trying
30:48Jude Bellingham:That group doesn't include three quarters of his supporters but never mind It's true
30:52Vinicius Jr:Such is football I know Before we go do you want to round things up for us Alex? Yes
30:58Alex Scott:I will I will Right So let's have a look at the other results from the weekend It's no wins in five for Espanyol as they lost 2-1 at home to relegation threatened Aloes Goals from Antonio Blanco and Lucas Boye gave the visitors the points and saw them move up to 10th, while Espanyol dropped one place to 6th. Bottom club Real Oviedo picked up a rare win, as an Ilias Chiara goal was enough to give them a 1-0 victory over Girona. A brace from Gerard Moreno wasn't enough to get Villarreal three points at Osasuna, as first-half goals from Victor Munoz and Ante Budomir saw the points shared. Real Betis clinched a big three points on Sunday, coming from behind to beat Valencia 2-1.
31:40Alex Scott:Luis Rioja gave the visitors the lead in the 20th minute, but Chimi Avila levelled soon after and Pablo Fornaus forced home the winner in the 88th minute. Getafe extended their winless run in La Liga to eight games with a goalless draw at home to Celta Vigo. Although with just four points separating 10th to 18th, it could yet prove a valuable result. The points were shared in the Basque derby between Athletic Club and Real Sociedad at San Mames. Gonzalo Guedes gave the away side the lead in the 37th minute. A red card brought Real Sociedad Brecht Mendes allowed Athletic Club back into the game and Inigo Ruiz de Gallereta fired home the equaliser in the 88th minute.
32:23Vinicius Jr:Name of the week? Rioja. Gotta be Luis Rioja.
32:27Alex Scott:I love that. It's so good. It's so good. He'll probably get better
32:31Vinicius Jr:as he gets older.
32:32Alex Scott:Yeah. Sorry. I really like Rose from Rioja. which is oh stop it no i do i genuinely do you should try it it's like it's better than all i don't like it's super pale it's nicer than like provence yeah honestly i i really like
32:47Vinicius Jr:rioja rosa rioja rosa okay i'll give you that i'll give you that but it's a summer drink
32:53Jude Bellingham:on the beach somewhere a bit of paella a bit of paella oh by the way your paella the other week looked incredible my mom actually sent it to me my mom really yeah she's she screenshot
33:04Alex Scott:shot it and I sent it like this looks unbelievable.
33:07Vinicius Jr:Good stuff. All right, Alex, let's call it a day there. Goodbye from me.
33:12Alex Scott:Goodbye from me.
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From the publisher
Real Madrid kept up their pursuit of league leaders Barcelona but only just, needing a 100th minute penalty from Kylian Mbappe to spare their blushes at home to Rayo Vallecano, in a match which saw Vinicius Jr booed despite scoring a worldie and Jude Bellingham leaving the pitch in tears clutching his hamstring. Gary and Alex look at why the atmosphere continues to be so fractious at the Bernabeu.
Barcelona kept themselves ahead of the rest with a 3-1 away at Elche in a game in which they spurned plenty of chances to make the scoreline even greater, goals from Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford were enough for the three points. With the league being so tight and the knock-out stages of the Champions League upon us who do Gary and Alex think has the squad capable of winning it all this season?
There’s also been more grumbling at Atletico Madrid as they struggled to a 0-0 draw at Levante, leaving Diego Simeone calling for reinforcements in the transfer window, but after fifteen years in charge have the fans decided it’s time for a change?
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