Valverde's Late Winner Keeps Madrid In The Title Race

8:55Alan Shearer:Well I think Jurgen would fit any club to be honest because he's obviously exceptional and 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 etc.

9:19Gary Lineker:He looks so well, doesn't he? He looks like a different man.

9:22Alan Shearer: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 drug almost for when you're that good at it. I totally get it.

9:34Gary Lineker:Have you seen the photos of Alvaro Abelor when he started? He looked really healthy, suntan, like happy.

9:41Alan Shearer:It was like one month later, he's gone, drained, like bags, pale.

9:48Gary Lineker:that's what managing does to you especially managing Real Madrid

9:51Alan Shearer:funny enough 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 Barcelona or Real Madrid and he said it is a thousand times more difficult in Spain and Madrid I don't think people realise that here we have a media that are more interested in your private life for 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 Barcelona. You've got Esport and Mundo Deportivo in Barcelona.

10:36Alan Shearer:Then you've got Marca. There's another one. Is it As?

10:39Gary Lineker:Yeah, As.

10:40Alan Shearer:You love As. I'm glad you said that and not me. but these are like i don't know 40 50 pages and it's pretty much all on the football club isn't it either around madrid or barcelona people can't quite comprehend that here imagine having a daily newspaper yeah just on arsenal manchester united or i know it's crazy maybe that's the reason why he's stuck around at man city for so long i did actually i interviewed him a couple of weeks ago

11:11Gary Lineker:and I asked him that. I said, I think it was like three years at Bayern, four at Barca, why 10 at City? 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 different, isn't it? It is different. Alvaro Abolo can't be enjoying himself too much right now.

11:35Alan Shearer:Thankfully for him and Real Madrid, they did get a winner in that game. Barcelona did what they had to do. They responded light-wise. It wasn't probably their most free-flowing performance, but he did rest a few players, presumably with Newcastle in mind. And Lamin-Jumal stepped up with another exquisite finish. The only goal of the game. A rare clean sheet as well for Barca.

12:00Ian Wright:It's Lamin-Jumal! Inch perfect, as it so often is.

12:06Gary Lineker:Lamin magic. They were outstanding midweek in that Copa del Rey second leg, winning 3-0, dominated Atletico Madrid. And then there were quite a few changes in this game against Athletic Club. Pedri Rafinha rested and Rashford started. But yeah, it wasn't a great performance. But I think Pedri came on at half-time and he makes such a difference. Such a difference. What a player. and yeah, the Lamine goal, outstanding and ultimately the difference. Lamine, I'm not, didn't have a great game, but then that one moment of magic, that's all you need, isn't it?

12:42Alan Shearer:Which is exactly what Hansi Flick said. He said, when we play our style, we sometimes concede a lot of chances. It 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 beautiful the way he finished. And it's not like a one-off. You see that kind of goal from him frequently.

13:12Gary Lineker:It's 19 goals in all competitions this season, which everyone's like, oh, it's his best scoring season so far. Yeah, but he's got 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.

13:31Alan Shearer: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're born with that it just shows you can't teach that sort of thing. It's almost intuitive in the way he does things. But it's like when I watch someone like Messi, for example, who 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 must be pure pure natural talent I mean it's extraordinary

14:11Gary Lineker:it is extraordinary and we just have to enjoy it that's what we were saying the other day weren't we just have to 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. He was so chill, so relaxed. He just looks like a child. I looked at him and I'm like, you look so, well, 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. He just looked like a little kid, like walking to St. James' bar.

14:44Alan Shearer: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, Messi and Ronaldo, they're 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 on the field, they just produce it. And you mean, Lomali's different again.

15:22Alan Shearer:He's got kind of like a, I'm totally chilled, 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 a bit of Ronaldinho.

15:40Gary Lineker:Yeah.

15:41Alan Shearer:You know, he loves to dance. He doesn't mind. He's got all the skills and all that sort of stuff. Different, but.

15:46Gary Lineker:Yeah. I thought Athletic Club were really good, by the way. I think that I deserve a mention. They played very well. And then Barcelona came straight here from Bilbao. They normally would go back and then come the night before, but they've spent extra time here. I don't know why they chose to do that.

16:03Alan Shearer:It's quite nice, isn't it? They probably went, you know, popped out somewhere.

16:06Gary Lineker:They're staying in a beautiful place, Mafton Hall. It's down, 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 there. And yeah, how do you think that one will go?

16:25Alan Shearer:Well, they've already met obviously this season. Marcus Rashford scoring twice. Yeah, so Rashford played at the weekend. So I would imagine Rafinha will come in his place. But I think Marcus might be, generally does quite well against Newcastle. So I would say Newcastle have to be strong favourites, but then they're not going to be phased by the atmosphere of Marston. They've already shown that this season. and Pedri's playing and playing you know he's obviously only had half a game at the weekend

16:54Gary Lineker:Yeah but he set up the mean for that goal didn't he made the difference Yeah

16:57Alan Shearer: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 favourites over two legs in fact I see them as one of one of the possible winners of the competition I think

17:11Gary Lineker:Yeah they've got a more favourable draw don't they as well the way it's worn out They do

17:15Alan Shearer:very much so I mean I think for me it's Arsenal, Manchester City, Barcelona or 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 favourites. 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.

17:47Gary Lineker:Yeah. That's what Joanne Garcia said in his interview with me. I said, where are they dangerous? He said, the forward player is so fast, we can't give them any space at all.

17:56Alan Shearer:Alanga, 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 Harvey Barnes has been in great form and he's pretty quick as well. So 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 when you've got Pedri bossing it in midfield? And I think over two legs, I'd be shocked if Newcastle went through.

18:30Gary Lineker:Yeah, they'll need a what? Don't tell Alan Atol.

18:32Alan Shearer:Don't tell Alan Atol.

18:34Gary Lineker:I think he's quietly confident, but he says they need at least a one or two goal lead going into the Nou Camp to have any chance.

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20:57Alan Shearer:Welcome back to The Rest is Football La Liga with Alex Algeo and me, Garilinica and it's Atletico time and what a good game that was against Real Sotide and some belting goals in this one to talk about amazing

21:12Gary Lineker:what was your favourite I think mine was Oriathabals yeah

21:16Alan Shearer:yes I mean sweet as a knot in the top corner I mean what a strike that was but there was I even quite liked Solos the opening goal yeah which was nice finish

21:27Gary Lineker: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 Atletico Madrid. Ever since Eric started criticising 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. Alex Aldro, what's your views on this and would Eric approve? That was the tweet. And Eric said, he said, he's called Henry Baker, the guy that said this. He said, Davis and Spain are linking Klopp to both Real Madrid and Atletico.

22:04Gary Lineker:Henry Baker, where do I need to sign? And he said, but Eric's worried because he says results are moving dangerously towards another contract for Simeone.

22:15Alan Shearer:I don't, oh, come on. I know, you can't win,

22:18Gary Lineker:can you? Current one is up in 2027 and he wrote Scheisse, which we know what that means in German. So, yeah, so he's, I think he's happy, but Simeone, it's harsh, isn't it? It's really harsh when you think about what he's done for the club.

22:32Alan Shearer:It really is. And it just shows you how difficult and hard to please it is being a coach. I mean, thank heavens I never went into that world. I mean, obviously it's well paid, et cetera, and stuff. But as you talked about, Arbelov, I mean, nothing seems to affect Simeone. I mean, 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 the football's a bit dour and defensive and counter-attacking. But this season, I think they've been pretty entertaining for a lot of the games anyway, not all of them.

23:10Gary Lineker:Yeah, no, I'd agree with it.

23:11Alan Shearer:What was Eric's view on this particular match?

23:14Gary Lineker:He said, got to enjoy a rather entertaining dress rehearsal for the Copa 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. He is being nice about Simeone here. He said his craft and strategic planning caught Barcelona completely off guard as they only managed to win 3-0. Those were the longest 90 minutes of my life.

23:40Alan Shearer:They've got, 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 season I think Atletico might have proved too strong

24:09Gary Lineker: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 They do have a good squad Atletico Madrid they do

24:22Alan Shearer:It's a club with money, isn't it? They've done pretty well.

24:26Gary Lineker: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 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.

24:43Alan Shearer:I mean, he's still contributing, mainly off the bench this season, but he's still contributing in terms of goals. and it is football and intelligence as well. Roundup o 'clock.

24:54Gary Lineker:Here we go. 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 Espy headed the host in front five minutes into the second half with John Olazegasti seeing red for the visitors. Osasuna fought back from two goals down against Mallorca in a chaotic game that saw two red cards. Vedat Marucci scored twice for Mallorca before Quique Barja and Ante Budimir levelled for the host. Villarreal moved up to fourth after goals from Tejan Buchanan and Santiago Mourinho secured a 2-1 win against Elche.

25:36Gary Lineker:Chico Femenia and Martin Satriano scored either side of half-time to give Getafe a comfortable 2-0 win against Real Betis. David Sorria made several key saves to preserve the clean sheet against a toothless Betis. Sevilla drew one-all with Rayo Vallecano. Ako 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 Ere Comet's 90th-minute leveller and Hugo Duro's stoppage-time penalty completed the turnaround.

26:16Gary Lineker:Alberto Reyna gave Oviedo an early lead against Espanyol before Quique Garcia equalised before half-time. Aaron Iskandal made several crucial saves to earn a point for the visitors who remain bottom of the table.

26:30Alan Shearer:Well done, Alex. There's Mourinho in there. There's no relation, is it?

26:35Gary Lineker:No, because it's not spelt the same.

26:36Alan Shearer:Is it spelt differently?

26:38Gary Lineker:Yeah. I just heard you say Mourinho. Yeah, Mourinho. Santiago Mourinho. Yeah, no, it's no relation. No relation to our friend Jose.

26:47Alan Shearer:No. Oh, well. Okay, let's call it a day, Alex, and enjoy the game at St. James'. I think it might be jumping in that stadium tonight.

26:55Gary Lineker:Thank you. Thank you. Looking forward to it.

26:58Alan Shearer:Yeah. Goodbye from me.

26:59Gary Lineker:Goodbye from me.

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