The Rest Is Football

La Liga: Barcelona’s Stunning Comeback, Mbappé Firing For Real Madrid & Five Star Villarreal Go Top

Aug 26, 2025
In this lively discussion, Sid Lowe, a seasoned journalist specializing in Spanish football, and Alex Aljoe, a sharp sports analyst, dive into Barcelona's thrilling comeback against Levante after a strategic shift. They ponder whether Kylian Mbappé has faced unfair scrutiny during his time at Real Madrid. The duo also examines Villarreal’s rise to the top of La Liga following a stellar 5-0 victory. Plus, they take a closer look at Atletico Madrid's struggles and the tactical challenges managers face in La Liga's high-pressure environment.
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INSIGHT

Barcelona Embrace High-Risk High-Reward Play

  • Barcelona's high defensive line is high-risk but Flick accepts the trade-off for attacking rewards.
  • They believe outscoring opponents justifies occasional breakdowns in defensive moments.
INSIGHT

Handball Law Has Become Inconsistent

  • Handball rules feel inconsistently applied and create confusion for players and fans.
  • Sid argues we've talked ourselves into a circle and standards vary between referees.
INSIGHT

Pedri's Deeper Role Boosts Influence

  • Pedri has shifted deeper under Flick and now operates as a pivot with greater influence.
  • That positional change increases his involvement and invites opponents to press him.
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