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La Pausa

@lapausa.bsky.social
1.2K followers 185 following 150 posts

An analytical look at La Liga and all things Spanish football, by @robbiejdunne.bsky.social & @jamiemkemp.bsky.social. 📝 Subscribe to our Substack: lapausapodcast.substack.com

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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 19h
New post looking at a few players who have caught our eye in September. 🪄 Nizar El Jmili – Villarreal B 🚀 Romeo Hueso – Atlético Madrileño 🤔 Lacine Koné – Mérida lapausapodcast.substack.com/p/notes-from...
lapausapodcast.substack.com
Notes From Spain: September Edition
A closer look at three young players making their mark in Spain including Nizar El Jmili at Villarreal B, Romeo Hueso at Atlético Madrileño and Lacine Koné at Mérida.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
The five highest xG game totals in LaLiga 26-27 (excl. pens): 🔴 4.23 - Barça v Athletic Club 🔴 4.08 - Barça v Valencia 🔴 3.59 - Barça v Elche ⚪️ 3.18 - Real Madrid v Real Sociedad 🔴 3.05 - Barça v Rayo Vallecano
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Iñigo Vicente took a circuitous route to LaLiga but now that he's here, he has looked every bit the part of an exciting Racing Santander side. lapausapodcast.substack.com/p/what-to-do...
lapausapodcast.substack.com
What to do with Iñigo Vicente?
The assist king of Segunda arrives in LaLiga, presenting his typical conundrums.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Pervading end-of-weekend thought: Athletic's opener was nothing short of a nightmare (result-wise), and you still leave fascinated by Peio Canales. We need to beg the football gods for no injuries, because there are very few obstacles to stop him becoming an elite player.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
We wrote this when Edin Terzić was announced as Athletic Club's new manager. A lot has changed since then but Peio Canales and Beñat Gerenabarrena is the stuff we hoped we would see from the German. A brand new era starts today. lapausapodcast.substack.com/p/a-peak-int...
lapausapodcast.substack.com
A peak into Athletic Club's future: team solutions, youth promotions & Edin Terzic
Change is coming in Bilbao, where the club are aiming for a swift return to the top table of Spanish football.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Chema Aragón said it felt like Racing Santander had won the lottery when they signed him for €3.5 million. With a €20 million release clause, it still feels like a bargain. Our latest on a player who lit up the World Cup with his midfield play: lapausapodcast.substack.com/p/gustavo-pu...
lapausapodcast.substack.com
Gustavo Puerta is built for midfield’s age of chaos
A todocampista in the truest sense, Puerta has used the World Cup to prove he is ready for the game’s highest level.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Very impressive display from Bil Nsongo last night in his top flight debut. When he went off after an hour, Elche really could settle more in possession and became more dominant. Did some seriously hard running out of possession to hurt Elche's build-up.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Chema Aragón said it felt like Racing Santander had won the lottery when they signed him for €3.5 million. With a €20 million release clause, it still feels like a bargain. Our latest on a player who lit up the World Cup with his midfield play: lapausapodcast.substack.com/p/gustavo-pu...
lapausapodcast.substack.com
Gustavo Puerta is built for midfield’s age of chaos
A todocampista in the truest sense, Puerta has used the World Cup to prove he is ready for the game’s highest level.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 30/08/2025
Great win for Elche over Levante - and another game in which they showed a pretty extreme level of conditioning their opponents & the type of game they sustain. Averaged 94% (!) possession in the opening 20 minutes, with 121-6 for passes in opposition half.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
Nice impact from Javi Rueda in Celta's (much improved) second half v Betis last night. Already their best off-ball mover from FB/WB, which is especially valuable when Aspas is on the pitch. One of our pre-season picks for a breakout year: www.lapausa.digital/p/12-laliga-...
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
📈 The second edition of Charting LaLiga is out - and here's what we've got for you: Sergi Altimira's rise, Jon Gorrotxategi's LaLiga debut (cameo), Enzo Boyomo love... plus some early thoughts on Alonso's Real Madrid & #FCB's correction at Levante. www.lapausa.digital/p/charting-l...
lapausa.digital
Charting LaLiga #2: Ascendant Altimira, Barça's revival, Real Madrid remain unscathed (& more)
With matchday two in the books, we're back with another drop of insights from around the Spanish top-flight.
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Jamie Kemp @jamiemkemp.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
And from earlier in the season, another analysis on Jon Gorrotxategi - one of the stars of 2024-25 in Segunda and a player who might well figure in Real Sociedad's succession plan for Martín Zubimendi. www.lapausa.digital/p/real-socie...
lapausa.digital
Real Sociedad's post-Zubimendi plan begins to spin
Whether Martín Zubimendi stays or goes, La Real's preparation for the worst case scenario will pass through their academy.
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Jamie Kemp @jamiemkemp.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
Analysis of Joaquín Panichelli, the 20-goal Argentinean on loan from Alavés who's already attracting plenty of attention from across Europen football (& already has FOUR assists in the play-offs). www.lapausa.digital/p/joaquin-pa...
lapausa.digital
Joaquín Panichelli puts unlikely Mirandés on his back
The 22-year-old already holds the Mirandés scoring record in a second tier campaign, and could yet propel an historic promotion for los Rojillos.
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Jamie Kemp @jamiemkemp.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
The wing back flyers who could decide LaLiga's final spot - looking at the influence of Oviedo pair Nacho Vidal & Rahim Alhassane and Hugo Rincón & Iker Benito of Mirandés. www.lapausa.digital/p/the-wing-b...
lapausa.digital
The wing back flyers who could decide LaLiga’s final spot
Real Oviedo and Mirandés have plenty to thank their full backs and wing backs for in their respective runs to the play-off final.
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Jamie Kemp @jamiemkemp.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
🧵 For anyone still following 2024-25 league football... written some stuff on the Spanish 2nd tier play-off final between Real Oviedo and Mirandés (6pm tomorrow) that may help to set the scene. Links below (check out @lapausa.bsky.social):
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
Just over 24 hours until Segunda play-off final time… 📝 In what will likely be our final piece of the 2024-25 season, @jamiemkemp.bsky.social analyses the influential wing backs on show and how they might just define the final. www.lapausa.digital/p/the-wing-b...
lapausa.digital
The wing back flyers who could decide LaLiga’s final spot
Real Oviedo and Mirandés have plenty to thank their full backs and wing backs for in their respective runs to the play-off final.
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Jamie Kemp @jamiemkemp.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
Piece on Joaqúin Panichelli, the 20-goal man who could lead (massive underdogs) Mirandés to the gates of LaLiga tonight. Suddenly one of the better young Argentinean CFs around. Already had a €15M bid from Strasbourg this summer, and potentially more to come... www.lapausa.digital/p/joaquin-pa...
lapausa.digital
Joaquín Panichelli puts unlikely Mirandés on his back
The 22-year-old already holds the Mirandés scoring record in a second tier campaign, and could yet propel an historic promotion for los Rojillos.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
Goal and xG difference in LaLiga in 2025. Concerning for Girona. Results, goals, and xG all say they've been the third-worst team in the division since the start of the year. And even in better performances (like yesterday at El Sadar), they're missing the key moments in games.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
Oihan Sancet v Rayo Vallecano this season: at Vallecas: 2 goals in 34 mins at San Mames: 2 goals in 45 mins The only player this century to score 2+ home and away against an opponent in a LaLiga season, with both coming in sub appearances.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Real Madrid made 36 high-intensity pressures in the final 1/3 against Arsenal. The fewest by any team in a #UCL KO stage game this season (ranked 72nd out of 72).
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
After last night, Oli McBurnie now has six assists from open play in La Liga this season (1,179 mins played). The only players with more are Lamine Yamal (11) and Iñaki Williams (7).
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
Really not many CFs who've been as consistently good as Fábio Silva in LaLiga this season, factoring in his context. With the handicaps of playing in a weak team/lacking quality service, it's pretty surprising how well rounded he's looked. Regularly makes a lot out of little.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
Lamine Yamal in LaLiga this season: 4.8 completed dribbles per 90 2.2 chances created per 90 (open play) Since Yamal was born, the only other player who's replicated/bettered both averages in a LaLiga season is Lionel Messi (11-12, 13-14, 17-18 & 19-20).
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
LaLiga returns this week, and brings with it a Betis v Sevilla treat. In our latest post, @jamiemkemp.bsky.social takes a look at a Betis team on a five-game win streak, and why Antony — while playing an important role — isn’t the only factor in their turnaround: www.lapausa.digital/p/pellegrini...
lapausa.digital
Pellegrini's Betis find their groove
Antony's arrival has helped to mark a before and after Real Betis, but he's not the only one putting the wind in their sails.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Most goals/assists per 90 for European nations since September 2023 (Yamal's Spain debut), including a few other attacking categories. When you consider how many strong opponents Yamal has had to play against so far, his record in international ⚽️ is sensational.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 16/03/2025
Joan García's shot-stopping performance since becoming Espanyol's starter (+11 goals prevented, based on quality of SOT faced - 42 apps). You'd have put your house on Mamardashvili being the most impactful GK in this season's relegation battle, and it's been a no contest...
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
Rodrygo is the first player to create 3+ chances, win 3+ fouls and complete 100% of his passes (31/31) in a #UCL knockout stage match since Arjen Robben in 2009 v Liverpool.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Hansi Flick's #FCB are averaging 3.1 goals per game this season. The last manager/team combo from Europe's big five leagues with as good an average as that was... Hansi Flick's Bayern Munich in 2019-20 (3.2). This guy might know a thing or two about attacking football...
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
Liking what Vicente Moreno is doing with Osasuna at the moment, and a very deserved equaliser last night. Four becoming three in the defensive line, allowing Areso to play higher. Him and Zaragoza as your two sources of width is really powerful for where Osasuna are at.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
One other thing from the #FCB game - up until Fermín's red, Barça were averaging 74% possession (at 3-1 up). Crazy for a game away at Sevilla, with that atmosphere, and against a coach you know isn't comfortable with having little of the ball. Just walked right over them.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 09/02/2025
We're just starting February, and Raphinha already has more goals & assists (37) than any LaLiga player managed in the whole of last season across all competitions. And just look at his defensive contribution, especially after #FCB went down to 10 men. Monster season.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
What a first half by Athletic - and a game they've set up perfectly with their work out of possession (after some initial difficulties w/ Girona). Relentless pressure, players doing multiple jobs, adapting on the fly to stop the free man being found... very few do it this well.
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Jamie Kemp @jamiemkemp.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
Took the Real half of this @optaanalyst.optajoe.com Madrid derby preview, with @robbiejdunne.bsky.social on Atlético duty. Real Madrid's starting XI decisions, tackling Atlético's rejuvenated defensive solidity, the first Mbappé v Simeone meeting + plenty more... theanalyst.com/2025/02/real...
theanalyst.com
Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid: Breaking Down a Season-Defining Derby at the Santiago Bernabéu | Opta Analyst
It's Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid in La Liga this weekend. We analyse where the Madrid derby will be won and lost.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
One for #CFC fans — our article on Dário Essugo from earlier in the season. www.lapausa.digital/p/opening-da...
lapausa.digital
Opening Dário Essugo's box of tricks
The Portuguese midfielder was an under the radar signing in August, but has had an impact to rival those of a much higher profile.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
Liked quite a lot about Real Sociedad, despite yesterday’s defeat - less predictable, more movement on last line, Zubimendi joining attacks ahead of the ball… Unfortunately another fine-margins game they’ve come out the wrong side of — when they used to be so good in them.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 02/02/2025
Lamine Yamal completed 11 dribbles against Alavés; the most by a teenager in a LaLiga match on record. The previous youngest player with 10+ was Lionel Messi in February 2007 (19y 239d v Valencia)... two years older than Yamal is now.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 02/02/2025
Lamine Yamal just completed three dribbles in the opening four minutes vs. Alavés... Quickest an #FCB player has completed 3+ dribbles in a LaLiga match since Lionel Messi in 2019 (also 3/3 after four minutes, versus Mallorca).
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
Another night that tells you where Joan García is heading. Our article from October: www.lapausa.digital/p/the-elite-...
lapausa.digital
The elite awaits Joan García
In his first season as a starter at the top level, the 23-year-old continues to perform way beyond his current level of experience.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
The top 20 centre backs for line-breaking passes in the #UCL this season. Pairing the numbers with what we're watching, it's pretty clear that Pau Cubarsí is already one of the best CB distributors in world football - and he turned 18 last week.
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Jamie Kemp @jamiemkemp.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
Real Sociedad lost 3-0 at home to a desperate Getafe side at the weekend, but it’s not their defence that should worry them. Wrote about their recent struggles here, and why the numbers game has started to fail them: www.lapausa.digital/p/real-socie...
lapausa.digital
Real Sociedad are struggling with their own equation
Imanol Alguacil's side have thrived on the margins for a long time, but now find themselves on the wrong side of them.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
Real Sociedad have lost three in a row, and suddenly look detached from LaLiga’s top four. In our latest post, @jamiemkemp.bsky.social takes a look at some of their issues, and why their usual formula seems to be losing its effect. www.lapausa.digital/p/real-socie...
lapausa.digital
Real Sociedad are struggling with their own equation
Imanol Alguacil's side have thrived on the margins for a long time, but now find themselves on the wrong side of them.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
Quickest to 100 goals in a season by LaLiga sides this century (games): 2011-12 Barcelona (31) 2024-25 Barcelona (32) 🚀 2011-12 Real Madrid (32) Flick's only responsibility isn't to get this #FCB team to score (of course), but the extent to which he has is remarkable.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
Barcelona just put up 3.2 xG from open play against Valencia... in the first half. Most by a team in the opening half of a match in Europe's big five leagues this season.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 25/01/2025
Álex Baena's solution, while being hounded by Julián Álvarez deep in his own half at the Metropolitano. Could make the safe, 10-yard pass to Logan Costa...
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 25/01/2025
So just to recap Las Palmas 1-1 Osasuna last night: ⌚️ 103:25 minutes played ⏱️ 48:21 ball-in-play 🟨 14 cards (including a red) ❌ 31 fouls The beautiful game...
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Jamie Kemp @jamiemkemp.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Top 10 midfielders for line-breaking passes in the #UCL this season (per 90). Strange to see no Toni Kroos immovably sat at the top of this list.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Julián Álvarez made 108 high-intensity pressures against Bayer Leverkusen; the most by a player in a #UCL match in 24-25 (via Opta). Along with scoring twice (+ 90th winner) for an Atlético team playing with 10 men for 70 minutes. Simeone really hit the jackpot with this guy.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 18/01/2025
Pedri gets to do his 👓 celebration forever.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 18/01/2025
Kike García hat-trick at the Villamarín... superb. Glad he'll get the plaudits for a night like this, as his performances have been very good of late. Quality of his CF performances (with/without the rewards) are keeping more talented attackers on the bench every week.
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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 18/01/2025
Julio Enciso on loan to Valencia would be all kinds of exciting. A huge shot in the arm for attacking output/creativity from the second line, depending on how quickly he could get up to speed and back in rhythm. www.relevo.com/futbol/merca...
relevo.com
El Valencia acelera para cerrar la cesión de Julio Enciso, del Brighton | Relevo
El club inglés ya ha dado el 'ok' a su salida y podría hacerse la próxima semana dado que es sub-23 y podría llegar con ficha filial. Elif Elmas, el plan B.
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