Are Real Madrid about to leave Barcelona behind, both on and off the pitch?
After losing Saturday’s El Clasico and then seeing Lionel Messi collect a record-extending 8th Ballon d’Or, you can bet there were a few people at Barcelona, hankering for the old days..
Add to that, Jude Bellingham’s goals, and last night’s Kopa Trophy win — the award for the best under-21 player - it's clear Real Madrid are looking towards the future.
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Barcelona writer Pol Ballus, Spanish football editor Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero & tactics writer Michael Cox…

Produced by Adonis Pratsides
Additional production: Jay Beale
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

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Are Real Madrid leaving Barcelona behind?

The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater will take you inside the biggest stories from the world of football, told by the best journalists in the business. Cutting through the noise to tell you what’s really happening and why it matters.

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After a three month search, Bayern Munich have finally secured a new head coach having appointed former Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.
So why have Bayern chosen Kompany? How influential were his links to Pep Guardiola in their decision and how will the Belgian adapt to life in Bavaria after Burnley?
Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Seb Stafford-Bloor and Andy Jones to analyse how the move came about and whether the Belgian will be a success in Munich.
Host: Adam Leventhal
With: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Andy Jones
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producer: Guy Clarke
Related articles:
Bayern Munich, Vincent Kompany and the summer’s strangest managerial appointment - The Athletic
Why do Bayern Munich want Vincent Kompany? - The Athletic
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Why Bayern chose Kompany

On Tuesday, Mauricio Pochettino left his position as Chelsea head coach by mutual consent after less than 11 months in the job.
After a poor start he led his side to a sixth place finish in the Premier League, but the upturn in form wasn’t enough.
So, why did the Pochettino project fail, and who will Chelsea turn to next?
Host: Adam Leventhal
With: Simon Johnson, Jack Pitt-Brooke
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producers: Mike Stavrou & Jay Beale
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Inside Pochettino’s Chelsea exit

Manchester City have created English football history by winning a fourth consecutive top flight title.
But do Pep Guardiola’s side get the recognition their achievements deserve?
Does future dominance depend on how long the manager stays and is the whole debate overshadowed by the 115 charges they face for alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations?
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Man City writer Sam Lee, senior football writer Oli Kay and Manchester football writer Mark Critchley to discuss.
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Sam Lee, Oli Kay and Mark Critchley
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producer: Guy Clarke
Related articles:
Inside Manchester City’s history-making fourth Premier League title in a row - The Athletic
Manchester City’s wonderful team and the 115 charges – can the two be separated? - The Athletic
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Can Man City's dominance be separated from their 115 charges?

It’s matchday 38 in the Premier League and the title race is down to the final day with Man City taking on West Ham and Arsenal up against Everton.

The race for Europe involves the following matches: Sheffield United vs Spurs, Chelsea vs Bournemouth, Brentford vs Newcastle and Brighton vs Manchester United.

Host: Adam Leventhal
With: Tim Spiers and Jon Mackenzie
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
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Premier League last day and race for Europe

Ange Postecoglou was clearly furious after Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.
But what made him so upset after what was one of Spurs’ better performances in recent months?
And was he right to be so angry?
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Tottenham writers Charlie Eccleshare & Jack Pitt-Brooke who are also on our Spurs pod View From The Lane..
Producer Guy Clarke
Executive Producer Adey Moorhead
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Are Real Madrid leaving Barcelona behind?

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