The Coupe de la Ligue final in France takes place this Saturday when Marseille and Bordeaux face off, while Chelsea host Aston Villa in a crucial Premier League encounter in England.
Still there seems more great matches this weekend.
Sports Pundit’s Game of the Weekend
AS Roma v Inter Milan Italian Serie A’‘Saturday, 6pm (Central European Time)’’
The Scudetto title is fast becoming Europe’s most interesting race but somehow Inter’s lead has remained despite recent challenges from AC Milan and AS Roma. Inter remain top by 4 points, but Claudio Ranieri’s second-placed AS Roma could close the gap here.
Inter’s 3-0 midweek triumph over Livorno came at the right time, after indifferent domestic form. Roma haven’t lost in Serie A since October and continue to push. Perhaps this is their time.
Leverkusen v Schalke 04 German Bundesliga’‘Saturday, 6.30pm (CET)’’
Felix Magath’s second-placed Schalke journey to third-placed Leverkusen in a crucial Bundesliga match this Saturday while leaders Bayern host tricky Stuttgart.
Schalke’s midweek DFB Pokal semi-final loss to Bayern means they’re fully focused on the league now and trailing Bayern currently by a point, they could go top this weekend. Leverkusen will want to lose their ‘Neverkusen’ tag, not ground on the leaders.
Benfica v Braga Portuguese Liga Sagres’‘Saturday, 9.15pm (CET)’’
It is the battle of Portugal’s top two on Saturday, with hosts Benfica hoping to take a significant stride in their bid to become champions.
Braga’s recent form has been sketchy, while Benfica are unbeaten at home. A Benfica will could settle it as they try to extend their three-point league lead.
Galatasaray v Fenerbahce Turkish Super Lig’‘Sunday, 6pm (CET)’’
Turkish football’s headline fixture takes place this Sunday with Istanbul set to be captivated by a crucial clash between second-placed Galatasaray and third-placed Fenerbahce.
Surprise leaders Bursaspor (5 points ahead of Cimbom) have upped the stakes in the Super Lig title race, so this game takes on added importance. If there’s a loser, their title challenge could be over.
Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid Spanish La Liga’‘Sunday, 9pm (CET)’’
Spain’s wonderful La Liga title race continues this weekend with the Madrid derby adding spice. Curiously, Barcelona have a tricky fixture this weekend too, over at Real Mallorca.
But the focus will be in Madrid, when leaders Real host city-rivals Atletico, who are battling down in eighth. It is hard to see Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-scoring Real be stopped, but if it ever is, it is going to be in the El Debri Madrileno.