BBC Learning English Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Rik, Sam and Toni discuss Barcelona's 2-1 win at Atletico Madrid on Sunday that took them three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. Fermin's brace, a game of two halves, and finally winning in a big match this season, on the table among other topics. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni talk through Barcelona's 6-1 romp against Alaves in La Liga after back-to-back defeats left the Catalans licking their wounds. A big week, with Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid coming up. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni discuss Barcelona's 2-1 home defeat by Real Madrid at Camp Nou. What went wrong? A fairly free-form approach to today's pod, with Barca's big game struggles in the spotlight. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni discuss Barca's 5-2 win over Real Betis this weekend that keeps Hansi Flick's side perfect rolling into next weekend's Clasico. Up first though, is the small matter of PSG. Lamine shines in Seville and that's one of the topics on this week's Monday pod. Join us on Patreon for analysis of the PSG game later in the week... and yes, this time probably some Shark talk. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collectio...

Send us Fan Mail Sam and Rik look at Barca's 3-0 win over Getafe in La Liga to continue the perfect start to the season. Anthony Gordon scored his first goal for the club, with Gabriel Jesus and Jules Kounde also on target. Rodri the Rolls Royce and more discussed on today's episode, with Galatasaray round the corner in the Champions League. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Bar...

Send us Fan Mail Raphinha delivered a second hat-trick of the week to keep his remarkable form as a striker going. The Brazilian's goals helped Barcelona beat Sevilla 3-1 to continue their perfect start to the season: eight games, eight wins. Sam, Rik and Toni discuss Barça's latest victory, analyse Raphinha's improvement in front of goal and weigh in on Real Madrid's latest defeat -- and more referee moans -- as Hansi Flick's side go five points clear at the top of LaLiga. Bad timing for an ...

Send us Fan Mail Barcelona are celebrating the continuation of their perfect start to the season with a 4-2 win over Levante... and Toni is celebrating the birth of his daughter (congrats, Toni!), so you'll have to put up with Sam and Rik this week. Barça won 4-2 at Levante on Sunday to make it five wins from five in LaLiga. Lamine Yamal scored two more, Xavi Espart netted his first goal for the club and Karim Adeyemi produced a stunning individual effort to seal the win. But Hansi Flick was ...

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni talk about Barca's 5-0 whipping of Valencia which took them clear at the top of La Liga. A brace for Lamine, Fermin at his best, Rodri's first start and a potential role change for Pedri. Toni still has a bee in his bonnet about 'no-goal' Gordon, who added another assist to his stat-book. It expands into a wider discussion about 'clutch players' and their costs. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections ...

Send us Fan Mail Rik and Toni get stuck into Barca's 5-2 rout of Rayo Vallecano with braces for Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, and two goals created by Anthony Gordon, who is fast becoming a fan favourite at Camp Nou. Plus Gabriel Jesus on the way, defensive mistakes, and more. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail The Monday pod is back! Barcelona's title defence began in the best possible way, with a 5-0 win at Elche on Sunday. Are they not so desperate for a No.9 after all? There was also news in defence, with Alejandro Balde omitted from the squad amid doubts over his future. SP! Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail Adrian Bialkowski, authour of the Barcelona Football Guide, joins Sam to discuss his book, Poles in Barcelona and the season ahead. SP! Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni decide who the player of the season was, among awards in other categories from Barca's triumphant La Liga campaign. Feel free to share your thoughts below! Player of the season Young player of the season Most improved player Most disappointing player Best and worst moments Game of the season Goal of the season and any unpopular opinions... Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to ...

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni talk about Robert Lewandowski's Camp Nou farewell in the 3-1 win over Real Betis on Sunday. The Polish striker has won three La Liga titles in four seasons with the Catalan giants. How big is his Blagurana legend? Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-0 at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday to seal the LaLiga title with three games to spare. Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres got the goals in what was a seventh Clásico success (out of eight!) for Hansi Flick's Barça in the last two seasons. Sam, Rik and Toni reflect on the what another championship means for Barça, why this Clásico victory was never in doubt and the factors behind what could still be a record breaking season. SP! Support the show For bo...

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni talk about Barca's 2-1 win over Osasuna which leaves them just needing a point in the Clasico next Sunday to be proclaimed champions once more. We talk about the game a little, but it's a pretty wide spread of topics on this pod. The Madrid game, squad contributions, Rashford's future, Roony's too, Raphinha, Sam tries to stir regarding the Shark, Barca's XI 'tipo', and.... (from 41:25) Barca women reach a sixth consecutive Champions League final. Support the...

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni discuss the 2-0 Barca win at Getafe on Saturday which left them 11 points clear of Real Madrid. Fermín López and Marcus Rashford got the goals as Hansi Flick's side moved to the brink (or did they?) of another league triumph. Kounde, Balde, 100 points and more discussed. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.co...

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni are here to talk about Barca's 4-1 win over Espanyol that gave them a commanding lead at the top of La Liga. Was the line-up right, considering the Champions League showdown in Madrid against Atletico on Tuesday? A spiky Shark ends his goal drought with Lamine and Rashford also on target. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our P...

Send us Fan Mail Rik and Toni are here to chat about the 2-1 victory at the Metropolitano stadium on Saturday in La Liga as Barca triumph in the first of a trilogy against Diego Simeone's Rojiblancos. Without our usual equipment because of the Easter holidays (among other things) apologies if this is a dirtier edit than usual or there are any sound difficulties - but thanks to some free internet editing tools, at least it exists. Expect a 5-10% improvement for the Champions league pod, just l...

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni chat about Barcelona's narrow win over Rayo Vallecano that keeps them four points clear going into the international break. The importance of contundencia in both boxes, and more. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail An action-packed Sunday at Spotify Camp Nou saw Barcelona beat Sevilla on the pitch and Joan Laporta smash Victor Font in the polling booths. Sam and Rik discuss both events from the stadium, with Toni back on Patreon post-Newcastle and for this week's Q&A. In the first part of Monday's podcast, hear how Raphinha struck a hat-trick as Hansi Flick's side won 5-2 against Sevilla to remain four points clear at the top of LaLiga. It was the perfect warm up for Wed...

Send us Fan Mail It's all going on at the moment. Barcelona beat Athletic Club to maintain their lead at the top of LaLiga and now turn their attention to Tuesdaty's Champions League game against Newcastle United. Meanwhile, Xavi Hernández has called Joan Laporta a liar as the election campaign takes off. On Sunday, Barça socis will vote between Laporta and Victor Font, who held their first debate on Monday. Sam, Toni (and later Rik) discuss another Lamine Yamal golazo, a much-needed no-fuss ...

Send us Fan Mail Lamine Yamal struck the first hat-trick of his senior career as Barcelona beat Villarreal 4-1 on Saturday to keep their LaLiga title bid on track. Sam, Rik and Toni reflect on an improved, fresher performance from Barça as they made it 10 wins from 10 at Spotify Camp Nou since returning in November. They also talk Pedri's impression off the bench, a renewed Jules Koundé and Barça's chances of turning around a four goal defecit in Tueday's Copa del Rey semifinal second leg aga...

Send us Fan Mail Sam and Rik speak after the 3-0 win over Levante on Sunday in La Liga as Barcelona overtook Real Madrid at the top of the table. Was this a reaction from Barca? Bernal and Cancelo impress, no goals for the strikers, ratings and more. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni talk about the 2-1 loss at Montilivi Barcelona suffered on Monday night. What went wrong? The refereeing decision that led to the second goal, strikers out of form and more. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni talk about Barca's 3-0 victory over Mallorca in La Liga on Saturday. Jules Kounde struggled (again) against Jan Virgili, Rashford was bright and Lamine kept up his scoring streak. Marc Bernal netted his first goal for the club too, leaving a few talking points, even though the game itself was not spectacular. We get into it. And is Santi Cazorla right? Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discor...

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni talk about Barca's 3-1 win at Elche which kept them clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. Toni comes out swinging in defence of his favourite cartilaginous fish. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni discuss Barcelona's 3-0 win over bottom-of-the-table Real Oviedo on Sunday. It was a poor performance, particularly in the first half, as Hansi Flick admitted, but Dani Olmo, Raphinha and a Lamine Yamal wondergoal got the job done. One point clear of Madrid and we head into the Champions League group stage (or "league phase") finale. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join th...

Send us Fan Mail Barcelona came a cropper at Anoeta once again as Real Socieded secured 2-1 win which ended Hansi Flick's side's 11-game winning run in all competitions. As a result, Real Madrid are now just one point behind Barça at the top of LaLiga. Sam, Rik and Toni discuss a defeat which could quite easily have been a win, Frenkie de Jong's criticism of referee Jesús Gil Manzano and Dani Olmo's role on the left and his missed chances. The pod finished with news of Dro Fernández's imminen...

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni chat about Barcelona's 3-2 Clasico victory over rivals Real Madrid in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as Hansi Flick's side claimed their first piece of silverware this season. Good Barca or bad Madrid, or a bit of both? Raphinha's brace, Lewandowski starting over Ferran, ratings and more. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: pa...

Send us Fan Mail Happy New Year! The podcast returns after another Barcelona win, this time in the derby against Espanyol, with Joan García excelling on his return to the club he left in a controversial transfer last summer for €25 million. Sam, Rik and Toni discuss the goalkeeper's performance, where he stands in the list of current Spanish stoppers and his importance to this Barça side. Other than García's display, it was not Barça's best performance of the season, with the quality off the ...

Send us Fan Mail Raphinha and Lamine Yamal were on target as Barcelona won 2-0 away at Villarreal on Sunday to keep their four-point lead at the top of LaLiga as the Spanish top flight breaks until January. Rik and Toni discuss the win at the Cerámica, as Barça snapped Villarreal's six-game winning steak in LaLiga by taking theirs to eight matches. There is of course some customary Ferran talk, but also Flick's Raphinha rant, the need for defensive reinforcements after Christensen's injury an...

Send us Fan Mail Barcelona made it seven wins in a row in LaLiga as a Raphinha double downed Osasuna at Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday. Sam, Rik and Toni discuss Raphinha's role as a No.10, the brilliance of Pedri and, of course, there had to be some Ferran Torres talk, even if we're trying to lay off the Shark chat. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: ...

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni talk about Barca's 5-3 win at Betis, in which Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick. That's the main talking point, but we also get into Roony's game, Lamine Yamal at the No 10 position and the goals conceded. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail Barcelona beat Alavés 3-1 at Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday to move to the top of LaLiga -- and they stayed there after Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw at Girona the following day. Sam, Rik and Toni discuss Barça's performance against Alavés, Hansi Flick's moment of solitude on the bench and look ahead to Tuesday's huge clash with Atlético Madrid as the top of the Spanish league squeezes together. Just three points now separate Barça, Madrid, Villarreal and Atlético a...

Send us Fan Mail Barcelona made their long awaited return to Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, beating Athletic Club 4-0 to move within one point of LaLiga leaders Real Madrid. Sam, Rik and Toni discuss the significance of Barça returning home, give their first impressions on the stadium (which is still being finished) and discuss a thumping win which brought another impressive Eric García performance, returns for Raphinha and Joan García, goals from Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres (2) and Ferm...

Send us Fan Mail Sam and Rik discuss Barca's 4-2 victory over Celta Vigo at Balaidos which helped them reel in Real Madrid to three points. Motivation, an improved second half, less carelessness, time up for Tek? and other discussion points as Flick's side take a step forward. Plus: Messi at Camp Nou! Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/si...

Send us Fan Mail Sam and Rik discuss Barca's 3-1 win over Elche on Sunday at the Olympic Stadium as they trudge down the hill. Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford score the goals as Flick's side move five points behind Real Madrid once more. Update on Lamine's groin issue, was this a step forward for the team? Does the performance matter right now? Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discus...

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni discuss Barcelona's 2-1 Bernabeu defeat on Sunday. Lamine Yamal's poor performance, Barca's mistakes, player ratings, the furore around the game... we get into it. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail Sam and Toni discuss Barcelona's last ditch win against Girona, with Ronald Araújo coming off the bench cast as a striker to score the winner in stoppage time. Join Patreon for post-Olympiacos and clásico preview content later this week as Barça prepare for a couple of big games. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/s...

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni analyse the 4-1 humbling by Sevilla on Sunday as Barcelona fell to a second consecutive defeat. What went wrong? Looking at the defence, the pressing, the penalties and several more factors... Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail Barcelona warmed up for Wednesday's visit from Paris Saint-Germain with a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad which took them top of LaLiga. Sam and Rik discuss a debut for Dro, the return of Lamine Yamal, the ever-improving Pedri-De Jong duo & Real Madrid's derby defeat to Atlético Madrid. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/s...

Send us Fan Mail Ferran Torres netted twice as Barca got a kicking but downed Getafe 3-0 to stay two points behind Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. Sam, Rik and Toni discuss the action at the Johan Cruyff stadium. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail Sam and Toni discuss Barcelona's 6-0 victory over Valencia, with braces for Fermín López, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski. There was also a return to action for Marc Bernal, but no Lamine Yamal with Hansi Flick furious at Spain's handling of the 18-year-old. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni discuss Barca's 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano as the champions drop points for the first time in La Liga. On Flick's complaints about 'ego', the VAR shambles, Joan Garcia's fine display and more. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail There's nothing like the first comeback of a new season. Sam and Toni analyse Barcelona's 3-2 win at Levante, Marcus Rashford's full debut, handballs and familiar feelings. The pod also looks at what else is going on in LaLiga -- with Real Madrid winning again, Atlético winless and Girona ragged -- before discussing the final week of the transfer window. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back, LaLiga! Rik & Sam discuss Barcelona's opening day 3-0 win at Mallorca as Lamine Yamal starts the new season how he finished the last. But coach Hansi Flick wanted more goals after seeing Barça tale their foot off the gas after two Mallorca red cards. Not registered: Toni. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.c...

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni discuss a little about Barca's 3-0 win at Athletic with a brace from Lewandowski, have some season review chat, and then later on Sam and Rik talk Lisbon and Barca's UWCL final defeat by Arsenal. Apologies for the murkier-than-usual audio in the first half, we had to use the Zoom recording because for some reason Toni's audio did not work properly. Back to the usual level for the second part! Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts,...

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni talk a little about Barca's 3-2 defeat by Villarreal on Sunday and more about the celebrations, the season as a whole, Lamine, Gavi and more. (Photo attachment as supporting evidence, started looking through the pods but was too inefficient) Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni discuss the thrilling 4-3 Clasico win over Los Blancos on Sunday, as Hansi Flick's daring young Barca made yet another comeback and secured a fourth Clasico victory from four. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod

Send us Fan Mail Sam, Rik and Toni discuss the comeback victory to beat Valladolid on Saturday and then look ahead to Tuesday's night monster UCL semi at the San Siro. Gerard Martin MVP. Support the show For bonus content, including additional podcasts, Q&As, special collections and Discord access to join the discussion with other Barça fans, join our Patreon: patreon.com/siemprepod