Athletic

AS editor Alfredo Relaño analyses the latest round of fixtures in the Copa del Rey, with Atlético Madrid out to GIrona, and Real Madrid through despite defeat to Leganés.

'Athletic, Athletic, club de limpia tradición...' That was the first anthem I knew of the old and beloved Athletic Club, 'world football's unique case', as L'Équipe once wrote.

Although many see him as an aloof individual with a short fuse, in this instance Luis Rubiales has shown that he has a smooth touch, one that former Italian PM Mario Andreotti claimed was perennially lacking in Spanish politics.

AS editor Alfred Relaño reflects on Sevilla's warm, yet simple homage to club legend Pablo Blanco, and urges that other clubs should do the same.

We are already eight matchdays into LaLiga, a total of 79 games, and it seems like a good time to reflect on the impact of VAR's introduction.