WEEKEND WATCH: EUROPE'S TOP GAMES

Featured Image Credit: Sempre Milan

La Liga

Key Match: Barcelona v Real Madrid 

Saturday 24th October, kick-off 15:00

El Classico is the biggest derby in world football and almost always makes for an enthralling match.

Madrid have had a decent start to the season and sit in third, after getting 10 points in 4 games, whilst Barca sit in ninth with 7 points, meaning the Catalan side would catch up to their rivals with a win.

Both sides will be very eager to bounce back from last week's results, with Madrid losing 1-0 to newly-promoted Cadiz, and Barcelona losing 1-0 away to Getafe, in what was a truly unusual weekend in La Liga.

Though both sides veteran stars have struggled this season, their young players have shone, with Ansu Fati getting 3 goals in the league for Koeman’s side, and Vinicius Junior getting 2 for Madrid.

The main spotlight will be on Lionel Messi of course though, especially as the Argentine has struggled since football resumed. The player has just 7 goals in 19 games (4 were penalties), what could be a better way to get his season back on track than scoring against Barca’s arch rivals?

Given the fact that the two derby’s between the sides often decide the title race, there is huge weight on this game, expect both sides to put in great performances. 

Other Notable Fixtures:

Atletico Madrid v Real Betis, Saturday 24th October, kick-off 20:00

Cadiz v Villarreal, Sunday 25th October, kick-off 15:00

Serie A

Key Match: AC Milan v Roma

Monday 26th October, kick-off 19:45

After winning the Milan Derby 2-1 last weekend, AC Milan are now unbeaten in 20 competitive games.

They are one of Europe’s most in-form teams, currently sitting top of Serie A after a perfect start to the season. They face their second big test of the year this weekend, with a tough game against Roma, who themselves are flying high, after beating Benevento 5-2 last week.

Roma’s aging stars have also started playing well, with Edin Dzeko and Pedro both getting 2 goals in 3 games, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan grabbing 3 assists in 4 games.

Roma’s attack is nowhere near the level of AC Milan’s though, with the Rossoneri having scored in 24 consecutive games for the first time in 47 years.

AC are obvious favourites for the match, but Roma are a very decent side and will put up a good fight. Expect a very competitive match.

Other Notable Fixtures:

Juventus v Hellas Verona, Sunday 25th October, kick-off 19:45

Benevento v Napoli, Sunday 25th October, kick-off 14:00

Bundesliga

Key Match: Bayern Munich v Frankfurt 

Saturday 24th October, kick-off 14:30

Bayern Munich are the best team in Europe right now, but with the quality in the Bundesliga they face a tough challenge to retain their title, this week they come up against in-from Frankfurt. 

The Eagles have had their best start for 8 years, and currently sit in fourth place.

Frankfurt’s deadly front three have been wreaking havoc in their first four games this season, with Andre Silva getting 3 goals, Bas Dost getting 2 goals and 2 assists, and Daichi Kamada chipping in with 2 assists and 1 goal.

Bayern have also been in great form though, sitting in 2nd place, and are scoring plenty of goals, with Thomas Muller getting 3 in 4 games, and Lewandoski getting 7. 

Hans-Dieter Flicks side will be missing Serge Gnabry due to the player testing positive for Coronavirus, but go into the game as overwhelming favourites.

Other Notable Fixtures:

RB Leipzig v Hertha Berlin, Saturday 24th October, kick off 14:30

RB Leipzig v Hertha Berlin, Saturday 24th October, kick-off 14:300