Midweek features a series of significant matches across Europe, with several teams competing for trophies. Here`s the latest update.
Inter and AC Milan Vie for Coppa Italia Final Spot
The final Derby della Madonnina of the season is set for Wednesday, as Inter and AC Milan meet in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinals. The tie is finely balanced following a 1-1 draw in the first encounter. Inter, initially seen as favorites and still pursuing their first treble since 2009-10, have faced a challenging few weeks, which could provide an opportunity for AC Milan in the return leg.
Inter`s recent 1-0 defeat to Bologna on Sunday allowed Napoli to draw level on points in Serie A with five games remaining, raising doubts about Inter`s readiness for a treble. While all three potential trophies are still contested, Wednesday`s match against their city rivals offers Inter a chance to reaffirm their title-winning capabilities. Despite a strong season for Inter and a more inconsistent one for Milan, Inter has surprisingly failed to defeat Milan in their four previous meetings this season, including the Supercoppa Italiana final in January.
For Milan, the stakes are different. After finishing second in Serie A last season, they aimed for silverware this campaign. Although the season hasn`t unfolded as planned, success in the Coppa Italia could still salvage their objectives. Crucially, this tournament now represents Milan`s most likely route to European qualification next season. Currently sitting in ninth place in Serie A, six points shy of the sixth spot (which secures a UEFA Conference League playoff), a deep Coppa Italia run is vital. Key players, including U.S. international Christian Pulisic, who is enduring a seven-game goal drought for club and country, will need to perform. The match is particularly significant for Pulisic, potentially helping end his dry spell and serving as vital preparation for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S.
Regarding Pulisic, Francesco Porzio noted:
`Pulisic, who scored 15 goals so far this season in all competitions, is also facing a difficult moment as he has not scored in the last five matches between Serie A and Coppa Italia, but he provided two key assists against Fiorentina and Udinese. It`s clear that Pulisic needs to play European soccer in the season that will precede the FIFA 2026 World Cup as it will take place in the United States in June and July of next year, but as things stand right now, it`s more likely to see him playing the Conference League rather than Champions or Europa League, unless the team coached by Sergio Conceicao react in the last stint of a disappointing season.`
The winner of the Milan derby will face either Bologna or Empoli in the final. Bologna holds a significant 3-0 advantage going into the second leg of their semifinal on Thursday.
Real Madrid`s Fight to Remain in La Liga Title Race
A demanding period continues for Real Madrid, who visit Getafe on Wednesday with attention focused on their position in the La Liga title contest. Following Barcelona`s 1-0 victory over Mallorca on Tuesday, Los Blancos are now seven points adrift of the league leaders. The pressure is on Real Madrid to secure a win against Getafe to maintain pace, all while preparing for Saturday`s significant Copa del Rey final Clasico.
Given Real Madrid`s season of mixed results, highlighted by their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal exit, the prospect of a trophy-less season seems more plausible than previously. Speculation persists regarding Carlo Ancelotti`s potential departure at the end of the season. While he hasn`t confirmed this, his recent pre-match comments, when asked if winning the league and cup double would influence his decision, carried a sense of reflection.
Ancelotti commented:
`In football, anything is possible. I`m not surprised by anything, so anything can happen. I don`t have any grudges against anyone or anything. I love this job. I loved it the first time, and I`m loving this second spell. I`d like this to continue as long as possible. If one day it ends, I`ll be grateful and I`ll take my hat off to this club, nothing else.`
Real Madrid will be without Kylian Mbappe for the Getafe match due to a short-term injury, though he remains a possibility for Saturday`s Copa del Rey final. Despite being favored to win and take all three points, failure to secure a victory against Getafe could effectively end their La Liga title aspirations, with only five games remaining after this midweek fixture.
Benedict Kingsley