Inside Spain is a weekly installment brought to you by Football España, giving you an insight into all the top stories coming out of the rich and intense climates of La Liga and beyond.
El Clássico shouldn’t be sold much, but it could hardly be better prepared on Saturday night as Kylian Mbappé’s Real Madrid welcome an in-form Barcelona to the Santiago Bernabéu. With the Whites three points behind, the hosts need the result more, but Barcelona believe they can deliver an important blow in the title race.
The feel-good thing in Barcelona couldn’t be more fervent after the 4-1 win at Bayern Munich unleashed some European ghosts, with Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha flying. However, Hansi Flick is the flavor of the month, with the German recognized for turning around a depressed Barcelona.
Throughout their early success, comparisons to Xavi Hernandez have been present, but the pair brushed aside any expressions of animosity last week when they posted a picture together at the Catalan’s home. However, this week it was revealed that Flick tricked Xavi when the former Barcelona coach was in the process of being dismissed.
#FCBayernThomas Mueller has never been particularly popular in the Catalan capital, but the feeling is not mutual. #FCBarcelona #UCL pic.twitter.com/xo0mjBmVtP
— Football Spain (@footballespana_) October 24, 2024
Real Madrid pulled off one of their magical comebacks against Borussia Dortmund, but their underwhelming start to the season has cast a host of doubts over the side, and if they lose the Clasico, Carlo Ancelotti will face a tough start on Monday morning.
Off the pitch, they are still chasing Trent Alexander-Arnold and, surprisingly, Alphonso Davies. After agreeing terms with Real Madrid in March, it was assumed he would join them next summer. However, Barcelona, now managed by Davies favorite Flick, are considering a move for him after signing him indicates that it is not a done deal from the Canadian’s agent. News that will also interest Manchester United and Manchester City.
I repeat, Lamine Yamal is still a 17 year old boy, WTF!!!! pic.twitter.com/B0rAIOUrlh
— RJ145 (@LM10G04T) October 24, 2024
Atletico Madrid have had a terrible week, losing at home to Lille in the Champions League, compounding the concerns that surfaced after the 4-0 home defeat. It seems that after a great summer, sporting director Andrea Berta can’t rest on her laurels, and they have become the first selection to bet on. Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid are targeting Baye Coulibaly.
Girona achieved a historic first European victory against Slovan Bratislava (2-0), Real Sociedad achieved a first victory in the Europa League against Maccabi Tel-Aviv and Athletic also achieved their first victory ( 1-0) against Slavia Prague. Real Betis fans were less impressed, seeing their team draw 1-1 at home to Copenhagen. Crosstown rivals Sevilla aren’t even in Europe this season but have been linked with January loanee Archie Gray from Tottenham Hotspur in a bid to remedy that.
But no one is more miserable than Valencia. Police charged a fan protest after Valencia lost 3-1 to Las Palmas on Monday night, inspired by new manager Diego Martinez and Oli McBurnie. Owner Peter Lim is already public enemy number one, and he marked his decade anniversary at the club by sinking to the bottom of the table. Ruben Baraja’s job is still safe, but it’s a sad situation.
