Barcelona, Inter Resume League Play
Fresh off a thrilling 3-3 draw in the UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg, Barcelona and Inter Milan are refocusing on their respective domestic title races. Both teams must balance their league aspirations with preparations for the crucial second leg of their European tie next week.
In La Liga, Barcelona holds a four-point advantage over Real Madrid. This weekend, they face bottom-placed Real Valladolid, a match that seems ripe for squad rotation by manager Hansi Flick given the demanding schedule of 12 games in 38 days. Young forward Lamine Yamal, despite likely being rested, remains a key talking point after his impressive 100th appearance for the club, drawing significant praise for his maturity and skill.
`What I witnessed tonight from Lamine Yamal … it`s not normal to be like that at 17. I`m not talking about what he does when he`s on the ball, his awareness, how calm he is, how he sees the game, the way he will defend, put pressure. It`s just not normal. We talked about the 100 games that he already has at that age. It`s just stupid, really. I don`t even know what I`m watching, what I`m witnessing, but he played like a man possessed, and when I say `a man,` he`s not even a man yet, technically. It`s just not normal.` – Thierry Henry
For Inter, the midweek draw against Barcelona ended a three-game losing streak without scoring, potentially providing a much-needed boost for their Serie A title challenge. Trailing Napoli by just three points, they have an opportunity to keep pace by defeating 15th-placed Verona. The Barcelona match highlighted Inter`s attacking potential when at their best, a factor that will be crucial not only this weekend but also for the return leg in Milan.
`Inter`s attacking transitions, when they were able to make it happen thanks to the incredible work of their midfielders Nicolo Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, created many problems for the high defensive line of Flick`s team, who were not able to contain them when they were too exposed. Inter will have other chances to score in their home second leg, and they can`t miss them, even if it`s likely that Inter captain Lautaro Martinez won`t make it as he left the pitch injured on Wednesday. It`s a difficult task for strikers Mehdi Taremi and Marko Arnautovic, who will have to cope with the absence of probably the best Inter player.` – Francesco Porzio
With four games remaining in La Liga and three in Serie A, neither title race is expected to be decided this weekend; the margins remain tight.
Championship`s Dramatic Final Weekend
The English Championship season concludes on Saturday with its customary dramatic final day, featuring intense battles for promotion and survival. Leeds United and Burnley have already secured automatic promotion to the Premier League, but the fight for playoff spots (teams ranked third to sixth) and against relegation is still very much alive.
Sheffield United and Sunderland are guaranteed a top-six finish, leaving five teams — Bristol City, Coventry City, Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, and Middlesbrough — vying for the final two playoff places. Bristol and Coventry currently hold fifth and sixth, but the situation demands wins for most contenders.
`it is win or bust for Michael Carrick`s Middlesbrough. It`s not much less than that for Frank Lampard`s Coventry either, who would have to assume that they will get leapfrogged by at least one of Millwall and Blackburn if they only pick up a point. Blackburn may be hoping their final game is an early warmup for a three vs. six playoff clash with Sheffield United while Millwall have a lot of work to do despite how close they are to the top six. A point at Burnley would be tough enough but even then they`d be reliant on Middlesbrough beating Coventry, Blackburn losing at Bramall Lane and Bristol City losing by a five goal margin against Preston. Alex Neil`s side have to win.` – James Benge
At the other end of the table, seven teams are desperately trying to avoid the drop to League One: Oxford United, Stoke City, Derby County, Preston North End, Luton Town, Hull City, and Plymouth Argyle. Cardiff City is already relegated, while Hull and Plymouth are currently in the bottom three. However, the tight points difference ensures multiple matches will significantly impact the final standings.
`A point at Fratton Park might offer hope for Hull given their superior goal difference but whatever their result, their fate is not in their hands. That is because Luton Town have really turned it round in their final three games, winning all of them to mean that they can go to managerless West Brom believing in the great escape. Might relegation be decided at Pride Park? Stoke would be safe with a point and would also offer a handy cushion to Derby, who could then only go down if all three of Luton, Preston and Hull win. Then again, on the final day of the Championship, those fighting for their lives tend to pull off quite special performances.` – James Benge
Adrian Whitmore