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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Early snapshot from each team's first four games (minus Elche + Getafe on three). Barcelona and Real Madrid on a different planet of chance creation. Barcelona on a different planet to Real Madrid...

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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 · 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 · 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 · 14/06/2025

Average position maps for both Real Oviedo and Mirandés in their semi-final second legs. Oviedo a little more defensive in the second leg (naturally), but both teams are engineered get their full/wing backs in high positions and even finishing zones (as we've seen).

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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 · 28/03/2025

Since the start of February, Betis have two players in the top five in LaLiga for attacking sequence involvements (Antony and Isco). Nice - and not unsurprising - to see Javi Guerra amongst it too. Improving form under Corberán and contributing in different ways from midfield.

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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

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 · 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

19 high turnovers... the most by a team in a single game in LaLiga this season (and two leading to goals). Athletic have just completely extinguished Girona. Frightening team on days like this.

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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 · 02/02/2025

Updated numbers on García's shot-stopping performance since the start of last season. Based on the quality of shots on target faced, he's conceded almost 10 fewer goals than expected.

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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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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

Goals per game scored in LaLiga this season (excluding penalties). It's uncomfortable and frankly not enjoyable to doubt Real Sociedad and Alguacil, but it's not unfair to have concerns at the moment. Severely rowing against the tide with their current attacking production.

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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 · 25/01/2025

Instead launches one on the spot to Femenía (RB) on the far side, who has an easy pass into Pino down the wing (taking seven Atlético players out of the game, and ending with a quality opening at the other end). Punishing passer, anywhere on the pitch.

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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

At least enjoyed Diego Martínez going with the 3-4-2 as the response to going down to 10 men. Good to see a manager opt against the usual attacker off/re-establish the back four as the default response. The configuration that finished the game was delightfully maverick...

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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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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 · 17/01/2025

Graphic from within the article, looking at the centre back situation for each team in LaLiga this season. Interesting to see Atlético this high up on the list - with Le Normand now back and healthy, more stability at CB could give them even more room for improvement.

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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 12/01/2025

Raphinha has been directly involved in five goals against Real Madrid in 2024-25; the most by any player in a single season since Luis Suárez in 2018-19. Raphinha: 3 goals, 2 assists (169 mins) Suárez: 5 goals (348 mins)

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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 12/01/2025

Can never be sure of a manager's thinking and the limitations he's working with, but Sevilla's performance last night just so predictably poor from the starting XI. FBs who don't contribute going forward, a totally null left side in attack, a midfield of legs and no creativity.

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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 10/01/2025

At a venue that can turn midfielders into shells of themselves on the ball and expose them in individual duels, Ilaix resisted both very well there. 7 fouls won, 8 possession recoveries, 4/6 take-ons... Not many can handle themselves in midfield areas at Vallecas like that.

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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 23/12/2024

Álex Baena's 2024 in LaLiga: 🥇 Assists (14) 🥇 Chances created (102) 🥇 xA (12.2) The first player to create 100+ chances in a year in LaLiga since Lionel Messi in 2017.

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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

xG: 2.49 - 0.02 Shots: 23 - 1 Possession: 71% - 29% Touches in opp. box: 54 - 4

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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

Interesting to see Raphinha's comments on #FCB fatigue in this ESPN article: global.espn.com/football/sto... A clear core of nine who've played a lot of minutes so far (Iñigo, Koundé, Raphinha, Cubarsí, Lewa, Pedri, Yamal, Casadó, Balde). How that compares to other LL sides:

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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 19/12/2024

While he's always been happy to play a riskier passing game, De Paul has been looking to thread the needle more than anyone in LaLiga this season (a lot more). In fact, not since the days of Messi have we seen someone hunting through balls at his current rate:

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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

Dário Essugo's defensive work against Real Sociedad was a sight to behold... (18/26 duels won, 9 tackles) Away at one of the most physical places to play in LaLiga too, and considering he's still only 19. Brais Méndez will be happy he doesn't have to see him again for a while.

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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

Atlético defending a Getafe throw-in with all 10 outfielders. Symbolic of the collective sacrifice of this team. No questions asked from any individual, everyone bringing a defensive mentality when it's time to defend... their winning streak is only going to reinforce it too.

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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

Balde's role in the lead up to Leganés' goal will have Flick tearing his hair out. From the moment of Dmitrovic's long clearance, Balde doesn't take his eyes off the ball for a second. Doesn't register Munir at all, nor was he in a position to even claim playing offside.

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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

Barça had 2.4 xG from open play vs. Leganés - the most without scoring by any team in Europe's big five leagues this season. The post-game analysis can be a million things, but would be very sheepish to frame the game as Barça/Flick being 'figured out' on the attacking end.

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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

García Pimienta: "The changes from Atléti... they came on with so much energy and freshness. It seemed like those who came on were better than those going off, because they practically have two incredible squads."

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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 05/12/2024

Fun fact: Dani Vivian has been the top-ranked CB for possession recoveries per 90 in every LaLiga season of his career (500+ mins played). 🥇 21-22 - 7.3 🥇 22-23 - 8.1 🥇 23-24 - 6.7 🥇 24-25 - 6.2

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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 04/12/2024

Post-Mallorca Raphinha update.

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La Pausa @lapausa.bsky.social · 02/12/2024

A graphic from the piece you may find interesting. The other big two, especially Barcelona, have been driving a lot of minutes through their core players. Meanwhile, Atlético are at the other end of the spectrum, managing minutes carefully (while sustaining results... for now).

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