On Wednesday night Atletico Madrid found a new way to suffer Champions League heartbreak at the hands of Real Madrid.

Diego Simeone's side were knocked out courtesy of penalties after Julian Alvarez had his effort rule out for a 'two-touch' kick.

From VAR, to penalty shootouts, to near misses, Atleti have once again failed to find a way past their neighbours.

So why is there always something stopping Simeone’s and his team from getting over the line in this competition? 

Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Phil Hay to reflect on a chaotic night at the Metropolitano, discuss Atleti's 'El Pupas' curse and analyse how Simeone lifts his side for the La Liga title run-in.

Host: Adam Leventhal

With: Phil Hay and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Guy Clarke

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Tuesday, Manchester United announced that they intend to build a 100,000-capacity new stadium rather than redevelop their existing Old Trafford home.

The news came shortly after Sir Jim Ratcliffe stated the club could run out of money by Christmas without cost-cutting.

So, with concerns around Manchester United’s finances, how would this development be paid for, and how will it affect their on pitch ambitions?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Matt Slater and Mark Critchley

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Jay Beale

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s clear that Nottingham Forest are the real deal this season..

So can they hold on and qualify for the Champions League next season?

And is their success down to the system or their raft of standout players?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Paul Taylor, Nick Miller, Ahmed Walid

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not for the first time Manchester United have proven they still have glimpses of class in the team - as shown by Bruno Fernandes in their 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

Despite sitting 14th in the Premier League, the Europa League still offers a backdoor into next season’s Champions League.

So how crucial is European qualification to Ruben Amorim’s plans for an Old Trafford overhaul?

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Manchester United writer Laurie Whitwell and Phil Hay to discuss the Ruben Amorim 'project' at Old Trafford to date while Mark Critchley also drops in to explain the financial need to secure European qualification to help finance a summer overhaul of the playing squad.

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Laurie Whitwell, Phil Hay and Mark Critchley

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Guy Clarke

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Online searches for fake football shirts have gone up by over 500% since 2021, with the Premier league counterfeit market worth over £180m.

But what damage could they be causing you and others?

Adam Leventhal has spent the last nine months investigating the illicit trade of counterfeits, and uncovered some shocking details along the way.

Host: Adam Leventhal

Mixing: Jay Beale

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Featuring footage from: Sky News, Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa, sdpeasyy, Culture Force

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal face Manchester United on Sunday, looking to win consecutive away games at Old Trafford for the first time since 1979. 

This week, Mikel Arteta’s side thumped PSV 7-1 in the Champions League, meaning there will be no distractions as they look to build on an impressive attacking display. 

After a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad, Ruben Amorim will not be afforded that luxury. Manchester United’s hopes of silverware and Champions League qualification rest on their Europa League campaign, will the United boss have one eye on Thursday’s second leg? 

Arsenal writer Art de Roché and Manchester writer Mark Critchley join Adam Leventhal to preview Sunday’s tie. 

Plus we check in with the club podcasts across The Athletic FC, setting you up for the big fixtures elsewhere.

Host: Adam Leventhal

With: Art de Roché, Mark Critchley

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Jay Beale

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexander Isak is one of Europe’s most prolific strikers having scored 17 goals in his last 17 games since the start of December.

The Swede has helped fire Newcastle United to Wembley and has also put them in the mix for Champions League qualification.

But the question is can they deliver the success needed to keep him at St James’ Park?

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Chris Waugh and Jacob Whitehead to explore what it is that makes Isak the player he is as well as the cult hero he's become on Tyneside before exploring how difficult, or not, it may be to keep hold of him this summer.

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Chris Waugh and Jacob Whitehead

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Guy Clarke

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s a new wonderkid on the block, and his name is Florian Wirtz. 

He has established himself as the man to carry the creative responsibility for Bayer Leverkusen.

But how does he measure up against the world’s best in his position?  

And is there a danger in becoming over-reliant on one player to make things happen?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Phil Hay & Mark Carey

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Mike Stavrou

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No matter where he’s managing, Jose Mourinho simply cannot stay out of the headlines.

His time managing in the Turkish Super Lig has seen more of the same.

So is this ‘typical Jose’? Or is he a victim of the chaos that surrounds him?

Host: Adam Leventhal

With: Rory Smith & Andy Mitten

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Mike Stavrou & Nick Thomson

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week, David Ornstein reported that Arsenal are looking to conclude their search for a new Sporting Director by the end of March.

So, with the search set to conclude this month, who is the ideal candidate for the role and could this appointment be the missing link to help Arsenal finally end their wait for a Premier League title?

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s football correspondent David Ornstein and lead writer for The Athletic FC newsletter Phil Hay to analyse what the Gunners are looking for and who could be the man to replace Edu in trying to help Mikel Arteta bring silverware to the Emirates Stadium.

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: David Ornstein and Phil Hay

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Guy Clarke

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.