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Hola

Here's me and Pete Jenson's dissection of last Thursday's Clasico Copa del Rey semi-final at the Bernabeu, which finished 1-0 to Barcelona.

We also talk Casemiro and reflect on players who have crossed the Clasico divide, include Luis Enrique Martinez, Figo, Michael Laudrup and Robert Prosinecki.

Enjoy

G

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

A referee scandal. Contract disputes around two of his teenage sensations. Impending player sales that must fill a 200m black hole in the club accounts. And the prospect of moving his team to an inferior playing surface, and playing in front of smaller crowds. The pressures on Xavi are serious – and that’s before a Clasico on Thursday.

Here, for ESPN, is how I think it all fits together. 

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Today’s story comes from Ledley King, who describes learning his stuff as a kid in Bow along with a few other future kings of London.

Listen to the original full episodes:

Ledley King: Terry, Cole and the Greatest School Team You've Never Heard Of - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast

Ledley King: Davids, Defoe & Derbies at The Lane - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast

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

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Carlo Ancelotti has pledged to promote him to the first team full-time next season.

Raúl accelerated his development after watching one goal.

Spain and Uruguay are set to duel it out for his international future.

His debut drew comparisons with Messi.

And so, for ESPNFC, here’s an audio version of my column about Álvaro, the 18-year-old who may well become the tip of the spear for a new generation of winners in white.

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

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Today’s story comes from John McGinn, who recalls winning with Hibernian at Hampden in 2016 in a dramatic match against Rangers, to claim the club’s first Scottish Cup in over a century.

Listen to the full original episodes:

https://shows.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter/episodes/johnmcginn-thefireinside

https://shows.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter/episodes/johnmcginn-herooftheholteend

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

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

In part two of my intense, fascinating Big Interview with Martin O’Neill, we hear about how this keen student of human nature has an obsession with true crime. Martin speaks about captaining a Northern Ireland side which transcended the sectarian divide and defeated hosts Spain in the 1982 World Cup. Oh, and there’s glory days with Nottingham Forest – who says lifting the European Cup was just for the likes of Puskas, Di Stefano and Best?

Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel

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

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Today’s story comes from John Hartson, who informs us that coming up against Roberto Ayala was his toughest physical test – despite the former Celtic striker being nicknamed ‘Big Bad John’ and the ex-Valencia centre-half being nicknamed ‘The Mouse’.

Listen to the full original episodes:

https://shows.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter/episodes/johnhartson-knock-emover-pick-embackup

https://shows.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter/episodes/johnhartson-howisilencedthekop

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

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

As one of the most charming and thoughtful men to have graced football, Martin O’Neill didn’t require a ghost writer for his recent autobiography On Days Like These.

When we spoke, Martin reflected on the human tragedy of the Troubles, and, as an Irishman living in England at the time, the impact on his own life. There’s also great content about how as a manager, winning changes everything – even your family Saturday nights.

Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel

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

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Today’s story comes from Kevin Campbell, who reflects on his time at Trabzonspor, which although brief, brought affection and admiration from the fans that still endures.

Listen to the full original episode:

https://shows.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter/episodes/kevincampbell-myhat-trickinhell

https://shows.acast.com/thebiginterviewwithgrahamhunter/episodes/kevincampbell-gloryatgoodison

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

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola

This is my weekly column for ESPN FC and covers Carlo Ancelotti's obsession with Liverpool - stretching back decades and culminating in last night's incredible 5-2 win for his Real Madrid team at Anfield.

Enjoy

G

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

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com