The Partido a Partido Podcast

History has been written at the Metropolitano! In this packed episode of Partido a Partido, we break down a week that Atlético Madrid fans will be talking about for decades.Emmanuel (@laligalavo) and Kelvin (@kelvynbrown19) are joined by a very special guest, Rahul (@laligalondon), co-host of the Tiki Tapas podcast, to dissect how Diego Simeone’s men have officially returned to the European and domestic elite.In this episode:Champions League Magic: We dive into the midweek masterclass against Barcelona. How did Atleti break the 9-year drought to reach the UCL Semi-Finals?Player Spotlight: Who were the heroes? We pick out the individual performances that silenced the critics and dominated the pitch.The Magic of the Copa: A deep dive into the Copa del Rey. We discuss why this competition has been so special this season and analyze the journey to Atleti’s first final in 13 years.The Finalists: A tactical look at both teams heading into the grand finale. What are the keys to lifting the trophy?ThePaPPodQuiz: Stick around for the finish! as Kelvyn put Rahul and Emmanuel to the test in our signature quiz. Follow the crew on X:Emmanuel: @laligalavoKelvin: @kelvynbrown19Rahul: @laligalondon

On the premiere episode of our summer series, we travel back to the most pivotal moment in modern Atlético Madrid history: the 2013 Copa del Rey run. After 14 years of heartbreak, Diego Pablo Simeone led a group of rebels into the Santiago Bernabéu to reclaim the soul of the club.Joining us is Ashwin Ballal, author of Made in Argentina, Mastered in Madrid, for a deep-dive into the tactical and emotional architecture of that triumph.Tactical Blueprint: How the narrow 4-4-2 mid-block strangled Mourinho’s Real Madrid.The "Costa" Catalyst: Analyzing how Diego Costa’s 8 goals in the tournament changed the profile of the Atleti striker.Mastering the Set-Piece: The Burgos-Simeone dead-ball philosophy that delivered the Miranda winner.As Atleti prepares for another Cup final, we look back at the victory that made everything else possible.Love the tactical insights in today’s show? Dive deeper into the Cholo revolution and get your copy of Ashwin's book here:👉 Made in Argentina, Mastered in Madrid on Amazon

Emmanuel (@laligalavo) and Kelvyn Brown (@kelvynbrown19) break down the 1-2 league defeat at the Metropolitano and what it means for the massive UCL 1st Leg at the Camp Nou.In this episode, we conduct a tactical breakdown of the league loss to Barça, identifying exactly how the team exploited Barca weaknesses and where the team struggled.We discuss the specific elements from that performance that will carry over into the Champions League, focusing on the tactical keys needed to handle Barça’s intense pressure and maintain midfield compactness away from home.Finally, we debate whether Atleti’s tendency to drop deep is a tactical choice by Simeone or a mental block within the squad. We outline the blueprint for how Atletico should approach the game.

Atlético Madrid produced a statement 5–2 win over Tottenham, and we break down everything from the game.Emmanuel (@LaLigaLavo) is joined by Kelvyn Brown (@kelvynbrown19) to analyze the key tactical moments from the match, how Atlético managed the tie, and the performances that made the difference.We also discuss the club’s majority share takeover and what it could realistically mean for Atlético both on and off the pitch, before looking ahead to what the next stage for the club might be as they continue to evolve under Diego Simeone.

Atlético Madrid take on Tottenham Hotspur in a crucial Round of 16 clash, and Emmanuel (@LaLigaLavo) & Nathan Clark (@NathanAClark) break down everything you need to know before the first leg:• Spurs’ season compared to last: why their Premier League form has struggled while they thrive in Europe• The managerial shift from Thomas Frank to Igor Tudor and its tactical consequences• How injuries and squad depth shape Tottenham’s approach in knockout games• Football’s current tactical meta and the differences between Spain and England• What to expect from the first leg at the Metropolitano and how Atleti can exploit Spurs’ weaknesses and more...

Atleti are back in a Copa del Rey final for the first time in 13 years, but it wasn't easy. We dive into the "Saber Sufrir" (The Art of Suffering) philosophy following the heart-stopping 4-3 aggregate win over Barcelona.Key Talking Points:The "Happiest Defeat": How Atleti survived a 3-0 siege at the Camp Nou to protect their first-leg lead.The Griezmann Glue: Why Antoine is indispensable, not just for goals, but for holding the team together in possession.MLS vs. Glory: Discussing the reports that Griezmann is pausing his Orlando City move to chase one last trophy in Seville.

Atlético led 2–0 in Belgium and still walked away with a 3–3 draw.In this episode, Emmanuel (@LaLigaLavo) & Kelvyn (@kelvynbrown19) break down a chaotic night that perfectly summed up Atlético’s season away from home.We analyse the rollercoaster performance: the strong, aggressive high press early on, and why it completely unraveled once it was beaten. Why does the team start proactive, only to retreat into a deep block so quickly? Is Atlético too reactive when protecting leads?The discussion dives into:• Why the press struggled structurally• The risks of dropping deep in winning game states• How Giuliano drifting centrally in buildup and progression could offer solutions• The mentality issue that continues to define Atleti’s away performancesFinally, there’s a full preview of the Espanyol clash, what to expect tactically and mentally, plus Manolo’s record against Atlético and why it matters.

A 5–0 demolition of Betis away in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. A 4–0 statement win over Barcelona in the semifinal first leg. And yet, sandwiched between them, two league defeats: 1–0 at home to Betis and 3–0 away to Rayo.Emmanuel (@LaLigaLavo) & Kelvyn (@kelvynbrown19) break down whether Atlético have effectively conceded the LaLiga title race and shifted their focus to the Copa del Rey and Champions League. Were the squad selections in those league losses rotation out of necessity or a clear prioritisation of silverware?We analysed Ademola Lookman’s impact since arriving, what he adds to Simeone’s system, and how Álex Baena could fit into the tactical structure moving forward. They also discuss reports linking José María Giménez with a possible summer exit and what that would mean defensively.Finally, they preview Atlético’s Champions League clash with Club Brugge , what’s at stake, tactical matchups, and whether this team can carry its cup intensity into Europe.A month of extremes. Now comes the defining stretch.

Atlético’s season hits a critical transfer crossroads. After a damaging 0–0 draw and fading LaLiga momentum, we focus fully on the winter window: what’s broken, what needs fixing, and which profiles actually move the needle.We break down how the current squad construction is limiting Simeone, assess potential arrivals like Lookman, Obade-Vargas, and Mendoza, and debate whether these targets solve Atleti’s issues in chance creation, transitions, and game control. We also examine recent departures, remaining gaps, and how recruitment decisions could define the title race and top-three push.Finally, we look ahead to the Copa del Rey clash vs Betis and why it matters tactically, psychologically, and politically in the context of January planning.Transfers first. Results follow.

Atlético edged past Alavés 1–0, but the performance once again highlighted familiar issues. Emmanuel (@LaLigaLavo) and Kelvyn (@kelvynbrown19) break down the win with a focus on player performances, squad balance, and what it says about Atlético at this stage of the season.We assess the impact of Gallagher and Raspadori’s departures, particularly how Raspadori’s exit could reshape minutes and responsibilities in the attacking line, and whether this opens the door for Almada to play a bigger role. There’s a detailed look at the Alavés match: Atlético’s continued struggle to kill games despite creating chances, the lack of control after taking the lead, and Julián Álvarez’s ongoing difficulties within Simeone’s current setup.The episode closes with a Champions League preview against Galatasaray, focusing on what the result means for Atlético’s chances of securing a top-8 finish, the margin for error in the league phase.

Atlético reach the halfway point of the 2025/26 season on 38 points, six fewer than last year and already double digits behind Barcelona. In this episode, Emmanuel (@LaLigaLavo) and Kelvyn (@kelvynbrown19) cut through the table optics to assess what this Atleti side really is: a team evolving tactically, or one regressing despite heavy investment.We break down the league and UCL numbers, Simeone’s shift toward a higher press and greater possession, why execution hasn’t matched ambition, and how Julián Álvarez’s role encapsulates the problem. We also assess January departures, unmet squad needs, and what must change in the second half of the season if Atleti are to avoid a top-four dogfight.A clear-eyed midseason audit of Simeone’s most expensive squad yet.

Emmanuel Lavogez (@LaLigaLavo) and Kelvyn Brown (@kelvynbrown19) break down Barcelona 3–1 Atlético with a full tactical deep dive:what Atleti did well earlyhow the match flipped after key injurieswhy Barça’s technical players took over once Simeone’s side retreated.We analyze the roles of Pedri, Olmo, Raphinha and Lamine, dissect where Atleti lost structure, and highlight how Gallagher and Almada changed the rhythm after coming on.We also dig into individual performances:Molina’s progressionGriezmann’s strugglesSorloth’s not doing great as an outletAlvarez’s adjustment issuesThe bigger pattern of Atleti losing control after scoring first.We then preview Atleti's trip to San Mamés and provide a sharp, detailed breakdown ofwhat is happening to Athletic Club and their poor form,how Valverde's side can hurt Atleti, and what Cholo must fix to improve Atleti's away record.

Emmanuel (@LaLigaLavo) & Domagoj Kostanjšak (@DKostanjsak) break down how Barcelona have evolved from last season to this one, what the underlying metrics reveal, and the tactical blueprint Xavi will bring into this clash. We dissect where Barça remain elite, where they’re vulnerable, and how Atlético can realistically exploit those gaps.We explored:• Barça’s possession structure, rotations, high press & how it’s changed year-to-year• Simeone’s clearest routes to hurt Barcelona: high-line exploitation, second balls, hybrid pressing, transitions• How Barcelona can damage Atleti through half-space attacks, wide overloads & Lewandowski’s link-ups• Key matchups & micro-battles that could decide the rhythm of the game• In-game scenarios, adjustments & live tactical prompts for our guests episode clicks.

Emmanuel (@LaLigaLavo) and Kelvyn (@kelvynbrown19) break down Atlético’s six-game winning streak and what’s truly driving this surge in form. From gritty late winners to renewed defensive discipline, the guys walk through every detail of the run and what still needs sharpening ahead of the next test against Real Oviedo.We recap recent wins over Betis, Sevilla, Getafe and Inter, examine the tactical tweaks behind the improvement, and highlight the players stepping up including Giménez’s leadership and Pubill’s emergence. There’s a full tactical review of what went wrong and then right after key substitutions vs Getafe, plus a deep look at the UCL win vs Inter, Cholo’s first-half gamble, and how Atleti capitalized on Inter’s late-game struggles.We also dig into the numbers: chance creation, set-piece reliability, attacking predictability and whether this run is sustainable or simply a resilience-driven purple patch.Finally, we preview Atlético vs Real Oviedo, the likely game script, how Simeone might rotate and the key details Atleti must control to carry this momentum into winter.

This week, Emmanuel (@LaLigaLavo) and Kelvyn (@kelvynbrown19) dive deep into Atlético Madrid’s international-break reset and look ahead to a tricky away trip at Getafe.We break down how Simeone used the break to sharpen structure, spacing, and set-piece organisation and which players stand to benefit most. From Atleti’s ongoing away-form issues to the team’s remarkable historical dominance over Getafe, the episode covers the tactical, mental, and statistical storylines surrounding this matchup.Topics include:• How the international break became a reset window for transitions, set-plays, and wide-area automations• Why Atleti continue to struggle away from home• Simeone’s absurd unbeaten record vs Getafe• Key battles: controlling Luis Milla, winning second balls, avoiding chaos• The set-piece crisis at both ends — 90 corners without a goal• Almada, Baena, Griezmann and the creative blueprint for breaking compact blocks• What this match could reveal about Atleti’s title credentialsPlus: stats corner, hero & villain of the week, and the bigger picture heading into the post-break run.

Emmanuel (@LaLigaLavo) and Kelvyn (@Kelvynbrown) talked about:A huge off-pitch story: Apollo Sports Capital about to become Atlético’s new majority shareholder, what this means for the club’s structure, and how it could shape the next era of Atleti under Simeone. Atlético’s 3–1 win over Levante this week, breaking down how the game shifted once Griezmann came off the bench and why the attack struggled for rhythm early on.We got into Baena drifting inside from the left, the congestion it created with Julián Álvarez, Sørloth’s predictable movement, and Atleti’s continuing issues defending and attacking set pieces.We also look at the key numbers from the match: 21 corners with no goals, Griezmann passing Messi for goals scored under a single coach, and Atleti leading LaLiga in goals from substitutes.

This week, @LaLigaLavo and @kelvynbrown19 chat about a massive response from Simeone’s men: bouncing back from the Arsenal defeat with a 3–1 win in Europe and a 3–0 clean sheet against Sevilla at home.We get into what’s changed, how Simeone’s simplified things, and which players are stepping up, from Giménez’s leadership to Baena’s versatility and Giuliano’s confidence in front of goal.Plus, we look ahead to Levante, talk rotation vs rhythm, and ask the big question

Atlético Madrid bounced back from their 4–0 defeat in London with a composed 2–0 win away at Betis, their first away victory of the season.In this episode, @LaLigaLavo and @kelvynbrown19 break down what changed, focusing on the players’ performances within Simeone’s tactical setup: why some are doing well, and why others are still struggling to find form.

Atlético Madrid swith two key games on the horizon, Osasuna in LaLiga and Arsenal in the Champions League. We break down how Simeone’s side is shaping up, which players stood out (or rested) over the break, what to expect from both upcoming clashes, and how the outcomes of these games could shape Atleti’s momentum for the weeks ahead.

In this episode of The Partido a Partido Podcast, Emmanuel (@LaLigaLavo) and Yash (@odriozolite) break down Atlético de Madrid Femenino’s start to the 2025/26 season: from their emphatic 6–0 win over St. Pölten in the UEFA Women’s Champions League to the team’s evolution under Víctor Martín.We discuss how new signings like Julia Bartel, Amaiur Sarriegi, and Macarena Portales have added depth and quality, the tactical progress from last season, and how Atleti are shaping up ahead of their Liga F showdown with Barcelona.Finally, we ask: how close are Atlético Femenino to bridging the gap with Barça and what will define their season both in Europe and at home?

In this episode of Partido a Partido, Emmanuel (@LaLigaLavo) and Kelvyn (@kelvynbrown19) breaks down Atlético de Madrid’s 1–1 draw away to Celta Vigo. We discuss the red card to Lenglet, Simeone’s e to earn a point with ten men.We also touch on the players called up to the Spanish national team, the key takeaways from the draw.We talk about Mateu Alemany joining Atleti to take care of the club's transfer market activitiesFinally, we ask: Do fans sometimes over-isolate mistakes in a team sport?

In this episode of Partido a Partido, Emmanuel (@LaLigaLavo) and Kelvyn (@kelvynbrown1) review Atlético de Madrid’s emphatic 5–1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. We break down Simeone’s tactical tweaks, standout performances, and what this statement win means for Atleti in Europe.We then shift to LaLiga, previewing the trip to Vigo to face Celta, their underwhelming start under Claudio Giraldez, the key tactical battles ahead, and what Atleti must do to keep momentum rolling in the league.

In this episode of Partido a Partido, host Emmanuel (@LaLigaLavo) is joined by Vishal (@janufooty) to break down Atlético de Madrid’s stunning 5–2 derby win over Real Madrid. We analyze Simeone’s tactical masterclass, how Atleti exposed Madrid’s pressing flaws, defensive frailties, and lack of fluidity in possession. We also discuss Madrid’s collapse at the back, refereeing controversies, and what this result means for both clubs in LaLiga and Europe.

In this episode of Partido a Partido, we break down a rollercoaster week for Atlético de Madrid. We begin with the 3–2 win over Rayo Vallecano, where Atleti’s attacking spark finally showed despite lingering defensive flaws. We then shift to the 1–1 draw away at Mallorca, analyzing wasted chances, Simeone’s rotations, and what’s behind the lack of consistency. Finally, we look ahead to the Madrid Derby, discussing the key tactical battles, squad depth, and what Atleti must do to challenge Real Madrid at the Bernabéu.

In this episode of Partido a Partido, we break down a dramatic week for Atlético de Madrid. We start with the 3-2 Champions League defeat at Anfield, where Atleti showed resilience by coming back from two goals down before heartbreak at the death. We then shift to LaLiga, looking at the team’s first home win of the season against Villarreal with Pablo Barrios and debutant Nicolás González on the scoresheet. Finally, we look ahead to the weekend clash with Mallorca, discussing what Simeone’s side needs to keep building momentum.🔴⚪ Compact defense, high press, and the fight for consistency, all on the table this week.

In this episode, we preview Atlético Madrid vs Villarreal (Matchday 4) with a full tactical breakdown and season context. Early season form – Villarreal flying with 7 points and the league’s best attack vs Atlético struggling for consistency and clean sheets.Transfer window takeaways – how both clubs spent big and reshaped their squads.Villarreal focus – Pepe’s attacking threat, midfield power from Pape Gueye & Comesaña, and their new-look defense.Tactical battles – Simeone’s defense vs Pepe, midfield duels, andChampions League angle – what’s at stake for both teams with Europe around the corner.Predictions – expected lineups, scorelines, and how the season might unfold for both clubs.

on this episode of The PaPPod, Emmanuel and Kelvin break down the Champions League draw for Atlético Madrid and other LaLiga clubs, analyzed Atlético’s 1–1 draw with Elche, discussing midfield struggles, key substitutions, and major takeaways from the match. Plus, a preview of the upcoming clash against Alavés; current form, standout players, and what Atleti needs to fix to get back on track.

Atlético Madrid opened the season with a shock 2–1 defeat against Espanyol, ending Simeone’s long unbeaten start streaks. We break down the key moments: Simeone’s substitutions, the midfield collapse, and Atleti’s struggles in attack and defense.We also discuss the latest on Sørloth’s future, Baena’s injury setback, and preview Matchday 2 against Elche, including tactical battles, line-up expectations, and what Atlético must fixWas the defeat against Espanyol just an opening-day stumble, or an early warning sign for Atleti’s season

How Atlético’s summer signings could reshape Simeone’s tactical approach.The impact of losing key players and the challenge of replacing dribbling threat on the wings.Expected tactical shifts between 4-4-2 and 3-5-2 in the new season, and what that means for the team’s structure in and out of possession.The battle for starting spots in midfield and attack, with focus on Barrios’s role, Gallagher’s fit, and Sørloth’s potential as a consistent starter.Defensive dynamics: Giménez’s injury concerns, David Hancko and Simeone’s experiment with Pubill as a centre-back.Squad depth and rotation challenges across competitions, and whether Simeone can balance stability with evolution in style.Predictions for Atlético’s 2025/26 campaign.