El Partido

Welcome to La Crónica, a newly weekly installment from the team at El Partido where we bring things up to the present and talk about the biggest stories in Spanish football from this week. In this episode, we look into the details of the latest updates to the La Liga Salary Cap and discuss whether it is a good thing or a bad thing for Spanish football, the sacking of Coberan and Goulay at Valencia and what would break the cycle at Mestalla as well as looking at whether it is a matter of when and not if, Castellon are promoted back to La Liga! Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and over on our YouTube Channel. Also make sure to check out the new El Partido Store, for plenty of podcast merchandise as well as unique designs for fans of Spanish Football. https://elpartido.myshopify.com/ Follow us on Social Media too by searching for @El_Partido.es on X, Instagram and TikTok. If you want even more content from El Partido, then head over to our Substack to read more articles and join our Patreon for even more extra bonus content! https://www.patreon.com/c/El_Partido_es?view_as=patron&vanity=El_Partido_es https://substack.com/@elpartido Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We think it's time to cheer up fans of Valencia so we're bringing back our FIRST ever episode - The Crushing Machine! Rafa Benitez is often a manager that can split opinion but go back 25 years and he was on the cusp of completing the extraordinary. Join Nick and Paul for a brand new podcast, taking a nostalgic view of Spanish football. This week, it's all about Rafa Benitez and his Valencia side that went on to complete a Title and European cup double when Rafa's methods were seen as some of the most innovating in world football. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and over on our YouTube Channel. Also make sure to check out the new El Partido Store, for plenty of podcast merchandise as well as unique designs for fans of Spanish Football. https://elpartido.myshopify.com/ Follow us on Social Media too by searching for @El_Partido.es on X, Instagram and TikTok. If you want even more content from El Partido, then head over to our Substack to read more articles and join our Patreon for even more extra bonus content! https://www.patreon.com/c/El_Partido_es?view_as=patron&vanity=El_Partido_es https://substack.com/@elpartido Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to La Crónica, a newly weekly installment from the team at El Partido where we bring things up to the present and talk about the biggest stories in Spanish football from this week. In this episode, we look into the recent rise of police clampdowns at football games on fans bringing the Estelada to games after two incidents in the space of a month, can Troy Parrott become the next Irish Superstar after his heroics against Real Madrid and is Inigo Perez struggling to get the best from Villarreal because there's still too much of the Marcelino blueprint in the team? Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and over on our YouTube Channel. Also make sure to check out the new El Partido Store, for plenty of podcast merchandise as well as unique designs for fans of Spanish Football. https://elpartido.myshopify.com/ Follow us on Social Media too by searching for @El_Partido.es on X, Instagram and TikTok. If you want even more content from El Partido, then head over to our Substack to read more articles and join our Patreon for even more extra bonus content! https://www.patreon.com/c/El_Partido_es?view_as=patron&vanity=El_Partido_es https://substack.com/@elpartido Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

13 years ago, a Welshman became the World's most experience footballer. Gareth Bale had emerged at Tottenham as one of the best wingers in modern football, showcasing power and pace along with an incredible eye for goal. It was this transformation that caught the eye of Florentino Perez and made him determined to make Bale his next Galactico. Whilst the excitement around Bale was high on his arrival, by the time he left 9 years later, he was booed and jeered out of the door... So what happened? How did a player of Gareth Bale's exceptional talent, a winner of 19 trophies including 5 Champions Leagues leave under such a cloud? In this episode we look back at Gareth Bale and his time with Los Blancos and ask the question, should he be considered a Real Madrid legend? Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and over on our YouTube Channel. Also make sure to check out the new El Partido Store, for plenty of podcast merchandise as well as unique designs for fans of Spanish Football. https://elpartido.myshopify.com/ Follow us on Social Media too by searching for @El_Partido.es on X, Instagram and TikTok. If you want even more content from El Partido, then head over to our Substack to read more articles and join our Patreon for even more extra bonus content! https://www.patreon.com/c/El_Partido_es?view_as=patron&vanity=El_Partido_es https://substack.com/@elpartido Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to La Crónica, a newly weekly installment from the team at El Partido where we bring things up to the present and talk about the biggest stories in Spanish football from this week. In this episode, we take an explore of the homecoming phenomena in Spanish football as Alvaro Morata becomes the latest star player to return home, the current antics around Cadiz CF and why the off-field finances have come under scrutiny from the fans and finally, will Nick have to eat some humble pie over the form of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang? Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and over on our YouTube Channel. Also make sure to check out the new El Partido Store, for plenty of podcast merchandise as well as unique designs for fans of Spanish Football. https://elpartido.myshopify.com/ Follow us on Social Media too by searching for @El_Partido.es on X, Instagram and TikTok. If you want even more content from El Partido, then head over to our Substack to read more articles and join our Patreon for even more extra bonus content! https://www.patreon.com/c/El_Partido_es?view_as=patron&vanity=El_Partido_es https://substack.com/@elpartido Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is one ambition that many followers of Spanish football from overseas share - the ability to get to grips with the language! Whether it's to understand the press conferences, listen to the commentary or the most desired of all, speak to your fellow fans in their native tongue. That's why the concept of Multilingual Matchdays is such a brilliant idea - learning Spanish whilst watching La Liga! In this episode we speak with George Turner, the man behind Multilingual Matchdays to find out more about this brilliant idea, where we can join and most importantly, why learning Spanish through your passion for Spanish football will help make it easier to develop your language skills. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and over on our YouTube Channel. Also make sure to check out the new El Partido Store, for plenty of podcast merchandise as well as unique designs for fans of Spanish Football. https://elpartido.myshopify.com/ Follow us on Social Media too by searching for @El_Partido.es on X, Instagram and TikTok. If you want even more content from El Partido, then head over to our Substack to read more articles and join our Patreon for even more extra bonus content! https://www.patreon.com/c/El_Partido_es?view_as=patron&vanity=El_Partido_es https://substack.com/@elpartido Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to La Crónica, a newly weekly installment from the team at El Partido where we bring things up to the present and talk about the biggest stories in Spanish football from this week. In this episode, Paul returns from holiday to join Nick to discuss the Julian Alvarez Saga as the Metripolitano makes its feelings clear on the wantaway man, how Presa continues to bring La Liga into disrepute with his treatment of Rayo Vallecano and it's fans plus we discuss AD Ceuta and their campaign to make sure the authorities don't abandon their city during the current humanitarian crisis in the exclave. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and over on our YouTube Channel. Also make sure to check out the new El Partido Store, for plenty of podcast merchandise as well as unique designs for fans of Spanish Football. https://elpartido.myshopify.com/ Follow us on Social Media too by searching for @El_Partido.es on X, Instagram and TikTok. If you want even more content from El Partido, then head over to our Substack to read more articles and join our Patreon for even more extra bonus content! https://www.patreon.com/c/El_Partido_es?view_as=patron&vanity=El_Partido_es https://substack.com/@elpartido Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

8 years ago, Málaga dropped out of La Liga and it looked as if the Spanish top flight was about to lose one of their biggest clubs forever. Following that relegation, the club from the Costa del Sol have been on a troubled journey that saw them even get relegated to Spain's dread El Pozo, the third tier of Spanish football where some clubs never return. Fast forward 4 years later, in a turn of events built on the never say die attitude of Malaguistas, the club lined up this Wednesday against the might of Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid in a return to La Liga that nobody expected. To celebrate this monumental yet against all odds achievement, join Matt Harrison (host of the Lost Boyos Podcast) as he takes us with him to the Metripolitano as the homegrown built Málaga CF return to Primera to take on Atleti! Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and over on our YouTube Channel. Also make sure to check out the new El Partido Store, for plenty of podcast merchandise as well as unique designs for fans of Spanish Football. https://elpartido.myshopify.com/ Follow us on Social Media too by searching for @El_Partido.es on X, Instagram and TikTok. If you want even more content from El Partido, then head over to our Substack to read more articles and join our Patreon for even more extra bonus content! https://www.patreon.com/c/El_Partido_es?view_as=patron&vanity=El_Partido_es https://substack.com/@elpartido Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to La Crónica, a newly weekly installment from the team at El Partido where we bring things up to the present and talk about the biggest stories in Spanish football from this week. In this episode, we are joined by the brilliant Paco Pollit to discuss the news making the headlines this week. Whilst recording, a Ballon D'Or winner landed in Barcelona to complete his move, we discussed the Supercopa being moved where East meets West as well as the worries around Mestalla as Corberán leads Valencia into their final season at their iconic home. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and over on our YouTube Channel. Also make sure to check out the new El Partido Store, for plenty of podcast merchandise as well as unique designs for fans of Spanish Football. https://elpartido.myshopify.com/ Follow us on Social Media too by searching for @El_Partido.es on X, Instagram and TikTok. If you want even more content from El Partido, then head over to our Substack to read more articles and join our Patreon for even more extra bonus content! https://www.patreon.com/c/El_Partido_es?view_as=patron&vanity=El_Partido_es https://substack.com/@elpartido Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are back and so is La Liga football in Spain! After a long summer of World Cup football, we return to normality and launch Series 3 of El Partido, yet another Spanish football podcast. In this episode, to celebrate the return of La Liga this weekend, Nick and Paul look over the greatest opening games and debuts in years gone by with some shocking results and unique first starts for some legendary players. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and over on our YouTube Channel. Also make sure to check out the new El Partido Store, for plenty of podcast merchandise as well as unique designs for fans of Spanish Football. https://elpartido.myshopify.com/ Follow us on Social Media too by searching for @El_Partido.es on X, Instagram and TikTok. If you want even more content from El Partido, then head over to our Substack to read more articles and join our Patreon for even more extra bonus content! https://www.patreon.com/c/El_Partido_es?view_as=patron&vanity=El_Partido_es https://substack.com/@elpartido Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to La Crónica, a newly weekly installment from the team at El Partido where we bring things up to the present and talk about the biggest stories in Spanish football from this week. In this episode, we discuss whether Real Madrid's gamble of re-signing Jose Mourinho and going on another Galactico spending spree will work or whether it is a sign of desperation from Florentino Perez. We also discuss the fallout of Gianni Infantino's plans to sell off the World Cup and what that might mean for Spain's World Cup in 2030 as well as waxing lyrical about the return of 3 Sleeping Giants to La Liga and how we think they will fair this season. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and over on our YouTube Channel. Also make sure to check out the new El Partido Store, for plenty of podcast merchandise as well as unique designs for fans of Spanish Football. https://elpartido.myshopify.com/ Follow us on Social Media too by searching for @El_Partido.es on X, Instagram and TikTok. If you want even more content from El Partido, then head over to our Substack to read more articles and join our Patreon for even more extra bonus content! https://www.patreon.com/c/El_Partido_es?view_as=patron&vanity=El_Partido_es https://substack.com/@elpartido Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During the 1920's, a small nation from South America reshaped the global game and became the world's first global footballing superpower! In this episode Nick is joined by Martin da Cruz, author of Uruguay: Football's First Global Power, to talk about how this football obsessed country took centre stage in decisive era in world football and how they pioneered football innovations to become the dominant force of the decade, culminating in winning the first ever World Cup on home soil! Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the death of General Franco in 1975, Spain was emerging into the world as a blossoming democracy. 1982 was presented as another 'Dictators World Cup' but following the end of the Franco regime, Spain was presented with an opportunity to showcase themselves to the world. The World Cup in 1982 was the one of the first true global contests, with teams from all four corners of the planet taking part in an expanded competition. It was truly a Spanish World Cup too, with 17 host stadiums across 14 cities as they welcomed the world's best players. It was also one of the most controversial World Cup competitions with several rule changes and attitudes changed after the contest. Join Nick and Paul for the final episode of Series 2 as we look back over the events of the España 82 and how Spain welcomed the world in the Post-Franco Era. Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Much like Homer's journey back to Ithaca, the travails of the modern day groundhopper are not easy to navigate. Whether you're heading to experience some Sunshine on Leith or planning a pilgrimage to a grail ground such as La Bombanera, it always helps to get some hints and tips on how to make the best of your experience - then do we have the book for you! In this episode Nick & Paul are joined by Rob Potts, author of A Football Odyssey to discuss his brand new book, focussing on the must make journeys for football groundhoppers when heading over to Spain. Rob offers you the chance to learn more about these brilliant destinations by exploring the historys, stories and cultures of the clubs and communities whilst also recommending the best ways to enjoy them whilst you're there! Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have been treated to one of the most incredible relegation battles ever seen in the Spanish top tier. One of the sides who were fighting for their Primera survival were Elche, who are no stranger to yo-yoing between the top two tiers. However, unlike this season where relegation will be based on sporting merit, Elche are the only club to ever have been administratively relegated from the top flight - just over 10 years ago. In this week's episode, Nick and Paul discuss how despite finishing 13th, Los Franjiverdes were sent down for not adhering to the newly introduced financial reforms of Javier Tebas. We talk about the aftermath effect to Elche and also how the reforms of Tebas have made the financial situation of Spanish football better, but it's not perfect. Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After leading Lorca Deportivo to the Spanish Segunda, Unai Emery was emerging from his first managerial role with success and admiring glances were beginning to be made. It was Almeria that would manage to secure his services and thus began Unai Emery's first step towards glory that would see him dominate Europe and become one of the best managers in Europe. Join Paul as he talks us through his time with Almeria and why it was the club that would set him up for glory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You may know the story of Pablo Escobar, but did you know his influence and ownership of his hometown club helped shape a Golden Generation in Colombian football? The story of Narcoball tells us about how Colombian football was shaped by the cartels during the cocaine boom of the 1980s and 90s and the parallels between the rise of Escobar and the rise of Colombia as a footballing force for the first time. Nick is joined by the author of Narcoball David Arrowsmith to talk all about his book, Pablo and Colombian football whilst also discussing his new upcoming book, Killing Maradona on how cocaine, the Camorra, cartels and crime corrupted football's greatest talent. Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we wanted to bring you a new kind of episode we wanted to trial - but don't worry, the nostalgia will return! In this episode, Nick and Paul talk about a chaotic week at Real Madrid and THAT press conference from Florentino Perez as well as the impending return of Mourinho and that means for the club. They also discuss Monchi's new gig with Espanyol and the future of Sevilla under a possible Sergio Ramos ownership. Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was bound to be a night not to forget in Vallecas, with Rayo Vallecano competing in a European semi-final first leg! Such was the excitement, some huge football accounts in the world of social media needed to remind us that not only are the Madrid ran unconventionally, with a dilapidated stadium and a place where you still have to queue for a ticket, butit was Rayo's debut season in a European competition... apparently. In this episode, Nick and Paul take the fight to the click bait generation to remind them that this is NOT Rayo's first foray into European football as we look back over the incredible 2001 UEFA Cup that saw Spain's UEFA Fair Play ambassadors reach the quarter finals of the UEFA Cup in emphatic fashion. Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Real Madrid are argubaly the most celebrated and supported club in the world. A global footballing superpower with a history to rival any other club but what do we really know about that history? This week, Nick and Paul are once again joined by the brilliant Miguel Pereira to talk about his new book 'The Greatest - Real Madrid's Never Ending Story'. In this, we explore the myths and misconceptions many people have about Los Blancos, from their humble beginnings to global stardom and the often claimed stance that they were "Franco's Club". Miguel's book challenges the interpreted narrative of a club whose history is sometimes fact and is sometimes fable, which is what makes Real Madrid such a fascinating story. Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've had a few days to take in the massive success that we saw at the weekend and that's not just Vedat Muriqi becoming Mallorca's all-time La Liga top goalscorer! The celebration of retro we saw this weekend was incredible and undoubtedly a huge success. Join Paul as he shares his thoughts on the La Liga Retro Weekend, why it needs to happen again and why we love nostalgia - especially the kits! Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Rafa Benitez left Valencia to join Liverpool, he became the first Spanish manager to move to UK shores. This was a journey not many Spanish players had made either but the appointment of Rafa at one of Europe's most famous clubs set the trend that has seen almost every Premier League team look towards Spain for their player and manager needs. In this episode, Nick is joined by Sergio Andres Media, author of Spanish Liverpool, to talk all about Rafa Benitez, the Spanish revolution he undertook at the club and the lasting legacy he will have on the Premier League as an innovator in the modern game. Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've just had the Easter Weekend (or Semana Santa if you're from or heading to Spain) and it got us thinking - is La Liga the greatest league for career ressurections? This week, join Nick & Paul as they look through their Top 5 La Liga Ressurections. From career ending injuries to being back from the brink of irrelevancy to winning European finals! Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the news that Antoine Griezmann is to end his almost 20 year tenure in La Liga, we look back at his time in Spain as the final bastion of the 'nostalgia era'. Join Nick & Paul as we discuss Griezmann's career, why Simeone trusted him so much, the troubles in Barca and of course, whether or not he signed Mbappe for his Newcastle Champ Manager side. Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's early and ad-free episode, we are taking our love of Spanish football nostaliga international by heading to Argentina. Nick is joined by Will Dalton, author of the brilliant Oh San Lorenzo, as we explore what makes Argentine football a hotbed where football meets religion, we discuss his beloved San Lorenzo along with their history, Pope Francis and of course, the crossovers with Spanish football including the legendary Iker Muniain. Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You would think that a capital city based club playing European football would be a powerhouse? Not always. Rayo Vallecano are one of the most interesting stories you will find in Spanish football. Whether it's the confusing decisions to relay their pitch in winter, failing to invest in the stadium or even having to queue for 2 hours to buy a ticket in 2026 - Rayo just don't things in a normal way. A lot of that is down to their president, who seems to thrive in noteriety. Presa continously goads fans, restricts the clubs ambitions and undervalues Rayo as a club - but the faithful fans still continue to push the club forward in spite of their owner, proving that football can still belong to the people. In this episode Nick is joined by Spanish football journalist and Rayo fan, Paul Reidy, as they look at the story behind this fascinating club and how the club manages to succeed beyond expectation despite issues off the pitch. Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With confirmation of a 'La Liga - Retro Weekend', we've been abuzz with how the weekend will look, as our passion for Spanish football nostalgia reached peak levels. It has been confirmed that all 42 clubs in Primera and Segunda will spend one weekend playing in retro kits from the 90s along with stadium branding, 80s style balls, old school nets, proper scoreboards and so much more. Join Nick and Paul as they truly reminisce and talk about which kits they'd like to see but also, why does nostaliga sell?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spanish football is known for its football rivalries - so based on competition, some regional rivalries and some are rivals who are bound by a joint cause. But even the most ardent fans of El Clásico will admit, there is one derby game in Spain that is unmatched for the heat of its rivalry - El Gran Derbí! The games between Sevilla and Real Betis are some of the most hotly contested matches on the Iberian Peninsula and they are born out of so much more than just football. The city divides along the fault lines of class and politics of course but nothing matches the football rivalry. Join Nick and Paul as they explore El Gran Derbí and how it is the most anticipated game in any Sevilliano or Betico diary. Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Not too many people would have heard of the town of Cambados. A quaint fishing town nestled into the jagged coastline of Galicia, just west of Pontevedra. But for a brief period, the nation began to hear more about this unassuming corner of Spain due to meteoric rise of it's football club - Xuventude de Cambados. They were taking the leagues by storm, rising to the third tier and signing players of high quality and experience. How could a club in a town of just 10,000 people be doing this? Like many whirldwind clubs, it all stems from a wealthy backer - in this case a man called Sito Miñanco. Whilst popular in the town, as a local lad done good in the eyes of some, to others he was a centre figure to the trafficking operations of South American cartels as Galicia, with it's jagged coastline of estuaries and caverns, became a gateway to Europe during the cocaine explosion of the 80's. In this El Partido story, we look at how one club suddenly found itself at the crossroads of football glory and the international drug trade and how Xuventude de Cambados fell just as fast as they rose upon the arrest of their criminal President. Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all know Xabi Alonso - Champions League talisman, Galactico and more recently elite football manager. Alonso played at the very pinnacle at football, not redefining the role but becoming the undisputed master of deep-lying playmaker. In this episode, Nick and Paul look over how a small stint in the Basque town of Eibar instilled a belief into Xabi and matured a teenage prospect into an elite world footballer that would go onto win every trophy available to him. Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a season where Diego Simeone is finding himself questioned in his hunt for silverware, we take you back to the season where it all started for El Cholo and his Atleti side that would break the two-team dominance of Spanish football. Join Nick and Paul as we look back over the 2013 Copa del Rey winning side that thrived with El Cholismo at it's heart and how that cup winning game at the Santiago Bernabeu, breaking a 14 year hoodoo over their city rivals, was the catalyst for Atleti and Simeone to establish Los Colchoneros as the third dominating force in Spanish football. Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Classic Shirt boom in the UK and Ireland began around 10 years ago and shows no signs of slowing down, as the demand for the most stunning and often nichest shirts gets larger year on year. That same boom is now happening in Spain and we were delighted to be joined by Luke, owner and founder of Kit Launch - a brilliant football shirt store in Barcelona. Hailing originally from Cork, Luke joins Nick and Paul to tell us about his story and why he decided to open up a classic shirts store in Spain, that is now becoming a corner stone of an evergrowing community and culture in Barcelona. We also talk about Raul, Guinness Sponsors, Spanish Non-League and everything else in between - this isn't one to miss! Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During the lates 90s, David Beckham was becoming a star - a Premier League and Champions League winner, an Adidas athlete and even married to a Spice Girl. Everything he touched, turned to gold - hence the nickname. Then, in 2003, the unthinkable - Manchester United transfer list David Beckham... There was only one place for Beckham and that was heading to join the Galacticos of Real Madrid! In this episode, Nick is joined by Luke Chambers to look back over Beckham's move to Real Madrid and how his stint in the Spanish capital propelled him to a global stardom not even he could imagine, whilst still being a player who truly had to earn his Galactico status! Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The final of the African Cup of Nations was this weekend and it did not fail to live up to the drama and chaos we expect from one of the most underrated footballing competitions on the planet! With Paul back from El Partido Paternity, we thought we'd celebrate our rekindled love of African football by celebrating the stars of the continent who played in La Liga - with our Favourite African XI! Available now wherever you get your podcasts, on our Patreon page and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For Part Two of this epic Futbol Weekender in Barcelona, Tom takes us to two brilliant games in the Spanish lower leagues. Starting with a pilgramage we should all make at least one in our lifetime, a trip to the Campo Municipal Narcis Sala to watch the ever popular UE Sant Andreu before then heading slightly out of the city to watch surprise Primera RFEF league leaders Sabadell destroy an ailing Marbella side to remain out in front for promotion! Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Football in Barcelona is world famous and not just for the Blaugrana. Below the headlines of La Liga, the non-league scene in Catalan capital is one of the fastest growing and best support in Spain and probably in Europe. Friend of the podcast spent the weekend in the city and took in 3 games which we are delighted to bring you on EP en Directo. First up, La Liga founders CE Europa had to say goodbye to Nou Sardenya at the weekend as league rules have forced them to find a temporary home with a grass pitch. They welcomed Alcorcon as Europa looked to leave Grazia on a high. Join Tom to find out more! Available now wherever you get your podcasts, on Patreon and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Paul on El Partido Paternity Leave, Nick brings you a solo-cast and another installment of El Partido Stories. This week, we take a look at Fernando Morientes, the Forgotten #9. As Real Madrid started their first galacticos era, traditional strikers like Morientes soon found themselves replaced by the idea of striker who brings as much off the pitch than on it - that wasn't how Morientes was built. In this episode, we explore what made Morientes the perfect centre forward and how the role of a striker has evolved so far away from what made #9's the focal point of every team. Available now wherever you get your podcasts, on our Patreon and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Asturias is a hotbed of football with some of the most loyal fanbases in Spain - none more so than the fans of Real Sporting de Gijón. As one of the oldest clubs in Spain, you will struggle to find a club with a richer history and more passionate fanbase than the Asturian club on the coast. From the magic of El Molinón to the legends that have passed through their famed academy, Nick is just by Matt Harrison to talk about this 'Sleeping Giant' in the North of Spain! Available now wherever you get your podcasts, on our Patreon and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's 2026 and we are back with another installment of En Directo with Matt Harrison - this time from the stunning city of Gijon! Malaga have transformed from potential relegation candiates to play off dark horses under Juan Funes, so obviously Matt had to travel across Spain to the colder climes of Asturias to witness them in one of his favourite Estadios! Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We welcome back Matt Harrison to the podcast as we look to assemble our next 'Favourite XI' and this time, we've flipped it on its head - we're doing our favourite Spanish players who've played in the Premier League! So join Nick, Paul and Matt as we talk about some the greatest but most importantly, our favourite Spaniards to appear in the English top flight! Available now wherever you get your podcasts, on our Patreon and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Matt Harrison as he vacates the warmer climes of the Costa del Sol and braves the elements in the northern Spanish city of Vallodolid. Malaga were looking for a second win in a row under Funes but the former La Liga side have made the Jose Zorilla a difficult place to visit. Available now wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are delighted to share this week, our first El Partido en Directo from a Copa del Rey game! Torrent CF of the Segunda Federacion had drawn a plum tie against Manuel Pellegrini's Real Betis and for the occasion, got the opportunity to play at the impressive Ciuadad Valencia. Russ Pearce (Seagulls Over Spain) was lucky enough to be there and sent us his report straight from Valencia! If you want to be featured on El Partido en Directo, then don't hesitate getting in touch and sending us your recordings from whatever game of Spanish football you might be at this weekend! Available now wherever you get your podcasts, on Patreon and YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10 years ago this week, Peter Lim shocked the footballing world by announcing a former Manchester United right back as manager of Valencia - that man was Gary Neville! As he took his first steps into management, Neville found out that charm and charisma isn't enough when your aim is to impress the crowds at Mestalla. Join Nick & Paul as they recollect the 118 days of his tenure in Valencia and look at the aftermath in Valencia of the Lim custodianship. Available now wherever you get your podcasts, on Patreon and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona has always been fierce. Whether the undercurrents of political viewpoints, nationalism or class, El Clásico had it's intensity unrivalled elswhere in the world. However, at the turn of the Millenium, that rivalry reached new heights of hostility - when Luis Figo, darling and star of Barcelona, crossed the divide by signing directly for Real Madrid... It would be a transfer that would take El Clásico to new levels of rivalry that completely changed the face of Spanish football and is defined by the scenes we saw in the Nou Camp when emotions reached boiling point and even a pigs head was thrown onto the pitch. This week, Nick & Paul explore the motives of the move, how the dynamics of El Clásico shifted and the aftermath of one of the most controversial transfers in football history. Available now wherever you get your podcasts, on our Patreon page and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 'Journeyman' in the UK is a mythical beast. You see him rock up at a league rival, knowing that he could potentially pulling on your colours the following season, adding you to the list of badges he's represented. That sentiment isn't as common in Spain - some may even say it's normal for a player to have several clubs across his career in Spanish football due the nature of short term contracts and other varying factors - but we say this stops now! We need Spain to embrace the Journeyman (or Viajero Futbolero) so this week, Nick and Paul have picked out their favourite 5 players from Spanish football who you could label the Spanish Football Journeyman! Available now wherever you get your podcast, over on our Patreon page and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2004, a man with the nickname “El Ingeniero” would accept a job in the small town of Villarreal. An ambitious move to appoint the Chilean would be the foundation of Villarreal establishing themselves as a domestic and European force but also sent La Liga on a long term love affair with this man. That man is one Manuel Pellegrini! In this episode, Nick & Paul are joined by Rahul (@laligalondon) to talk about Pellegrini across his 4 stints as a manager in Spain and what the impact and lasting legacy of one of the most interesting, respected and successful managers in La Liga history will be. Available now wherever you get your podcasts, over on our Patreon page on on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some things just go together. Salt and Pepper, Roasts and Gravy and of course, Liam and Yeclano Deportivo. We are delighted for this week's El Partido en Directo that Liam once again heads to the Murcia region as Yeclano Deportivo host the Abuelo, Recreativo de Huelva in a top end of the table Segunda Federacion clash - with both sides having aspirations of an immediate return to the Primera RFEF! Liam also takes us on a Tecera Federacion side quest of a visit to El Palmar as well as brings us some chats with our friends in Yecla. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back in 2007, Real Racing Club were a solid side treading water in La Liga - Enter Marcelino! The former Recre de Huelva manager came to Cantabria and ripped up the rulebook, turning Racing Santander into a challenger at the top of the La Liga table and would eventually bring European football to El Sardinero for the first time in the clubs history. Nick and Paul dig deep into how he managed to transform this side and the players that would go onto to become legends in Santander! Available wherever you get your podcasts, on Patreon and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our first Halloween special, we bring you a collection of spooky Spanish football stories including haunting howlers, terrifying shockers and scary screamers! We also look at the 'Haunting of Getafe' where a routine Barcelona win in Getafe on Halloween turned into a nightmare that would question the integrity and image of the club in the Spanish media! Available now wherever you get your podcasts, on our Patreon and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There was once a player from El Salvador that Diego Maradona once described as 'a better player than Maradona and Pele'. The man he was referring to never went on to reach the accolades of those two players but his skills and love of the game would make an entire city in Spain fall in love with him. Of course, we are talking about Mágico González and Cadiz Club de Futbol! We are joined by Mark from the Living Lacita Loca podcast to talk all about their love for Mágico González and subsequently, his love for Cadiz. Available now wherever you get your podcasts, on our Patreon page and on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices