La Pausa
@lapausa.bsky.social
An analytical look at La Liga and all things Spanish football, by @robbiejdunne.bsky.social & @jamiemkemp.bsky.social.
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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.
Averaged 94% (!) possession in the opening 20 minutes, with 121-6 for passes in opposition half.
August 30, 2025 at 7:30 AM
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.
Averaged 94% (!) possession in the opening 20 minutes, with 121-6 for passes in opposition half.
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-...
One of our pre-season picks for a breakout year: www.lapausa.digital/p/12-laliga-...
August 28, 2025 at 8:21 AM
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-...
One of our pre-season picks for a breakout year: www.lapausa.digital/p/12-laliga-...
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).
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).
June 14, 2025 at 5:56 PM
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).
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).
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.
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.
April 14, 2025 at 9:38 AM
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.
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.
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.
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.
April 14, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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.
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.
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).
The fewest by any team in a #UCL KO stage game this season (ranked 72nd out of 72).
April 10, 2025 at 12:27 PM
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).
The fewest by any team in a #UCL KO stage game this season (ranked 72nd out of 72).
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).
The only players with more are Lamine Yamal (11) and Iñaki Williams (7).
April 1, 2025 at 8:23 AM
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).
The only players with more are Lamine Yamal (11) and Iñaki Williams (7).
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.
Nice - and not unsurprising - to see Javi Guerra amongst it too. Improving form under Corberán and contributing in different ways from midfield.
March 28, 2025 at 5:56 PM
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.
Nice - and not unsurprising - to see Javi Guerra amongst it too. Improving form under Corberán and contributing in different ways from midfield.
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).
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).
March 28, 2025 at 12:23 PM
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).
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).
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.
When you consider how many strong opponents Yamal has had to play against so far, his record in international ⚽️ is sensational.
March 25, 2025 at 1:16 PM
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.
When you consider how many strong opponents Yamal has had to play against so far, his record in international ⚽️ is sensational.
(Come join us, amigos.)
March 16, 2025 at 11:10 AM
(Come join us, amigos.)
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...
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...
March 16, 2025 at 11:10 AM
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...
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...
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.
February 19, 2025 at 10:41 PM
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.
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...
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...
February 11, 2025 at 1:59 PM
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...
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...
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.
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.
February 11, 2025 at 1:37 PM
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.
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.
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.
And just look at his defensive contribution, especially after #FCB went down to 10 men. Monster season.
February 9, 2025 at 10:02 PM
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.
And just look at his defensive contribution, especially after #FCB went down to 10 men. Monster season.
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.
Athletic have just completely extinguished Girona. Frightening team on days like this.
February 8, 2025 at 5:30 PM
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.
Athletic have just completely extinguished Girona. Frightening team on days like this.
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.
The previous youngest player with 10+ was Lionel Messi in February 2007 (19y 239d v Valencia)... two years older than Yamal is now.
February 2, 2025 at 3:10 PM
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.
The previous youngest player with 10+ was Lionel Messi in February 2007 (19y 239d v Valencia)... two years older than Yamal is now.
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).
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).
February 2, 2025 at 1:31 PM
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).
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).
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.
Based on the quality of shots on target faced, he's conceded almost 10 fewer goals than expected.
February 2, 2025 at 10:48 AM
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.
Based on the quality of shots on target faced, he's conceded almost 10 fewer goals than expected.
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.
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.
January 30, 2025 at 5:51 PM
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.
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.
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.
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.
January 29, 2025 at 5:17 PM
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.
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.
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.
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.
January 27, 2025 at 9:31 AM
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.
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.
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.
Punishing passer, anywhere on the pitch.
January 25, 2025 at 5:49 PM
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.
Punishing passer, anywhere on the pitch.
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...
Could make the safe, 10-yard pass to Logan Costa...
January 25, 2025 at 5:49 PM
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...
Could make the safe, 10-yard pass to Logan Costa...