They are actually doing this is one loop, here’s an example to show similar structure.
<?php if ( have_posts() ) : while ( have_posts() ) : the_post(); ?>
<div class="article">
<div class="left">
<?php the_post_thumbnail( $size, $attr ); ?>
<?php get_the_category(); ?>
</div><!-- end left side -->
<div class="right">
<?php the_excerpt(); ?>
</div> <!-- end right side-->
</div>
<?php endwhile; else: endif; ?>