Rating: 10 most intriguing matches from February 24 to 25
Photo: Getty Images
Chelsea – Liverpool: Sunday, February 25, 6:00 p.m.
Intrigue: who will win the English League Cup?
Well, we were waiting for the first brilliant final of the Euroseason. Chelsea and Liverpool will play the decisive match for the English League Cup. For the Londoners, this is a chance to take revenge for the lost League Cup and FA Cup finals in 2022. And for Liverpool, win another trophy at the end of the Klopp era. Both clubs have injury problems. But in the final, even the rotation players give 200% and try to show their best football. Let’s see what scenario the next finale has in store for us.
Photo: Getty Images
Milan – Atalanta: Sunday, February 25, 10:45 p.m.
Intrigue: Will Miranchuk have another great game?
Atalanta made good progress in Serie A in 2024, achieving five wins in six matches. Russian midfielder Alexey Miranchuk became one of the leaders of the team. Even if he leaves the field without scoring, he continues to show great football. The midfielder has finally earned the trust of coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Ahead of Atalanta, which is fighting for a place in the Champions League zone, has a trip to Milan. This season, the Russian already provided an assist in the match against the Rossoneri (matchday 15). We are waiting for new feats from Alexey!
Photo: Getty Images
Bayern – RB Leipzig: Saturday February 24, 8:30 p.m.
Intrigue: Will Bayern finally abandon the title race?
Poor Harry Kane. The Englishman did not win a single trophy with Tottenham, he followed them to Bayern and here there are new problems. The Munich team is already eight points behind Bayer in the Bundesliga, it was eliminated from the German Cup and in the Champions League it lost in the first match of the round of 16 against Lazio. Thomas Tuchel will leave the club at the end of the season, but Bayern will likely end up without a trophy. Kane’s Curse? The Munich team needs to win without mistakes so as not to be left out of the championship race. But RB Leipzig could cause problems. And further open Bayer’s path to the title.
Photo: Getty Images
Arsenal-Newcastle: Saturday, February 24, 11:00 p.m.
Intrigue: Will Arsenal’s good form leave Newcastle no chance?
Oh, what great form Arsenal were in at the end of January-February! The Londoners have won five consecutive victories in the Premier League, in which the team scored 21 goals. Arsenal entered the “golden” race strongly. The next rival is Newcastle. Last season, the Magpies qualified for the Champions League after the Championship, and now they are unlikely to even qualify for the Europa League. Still, “second season syndrome” is common in good-looking teams. Newcastle have little chance of picking up points away from Arsenal. However, there is always the possibility of a miracle occurring.
Photo: Getty Images
Real Madrid – Seville: Sunday, February 25, 11:00 p.m.
Intrigue: Ramos’ new meeting with Real Madrid
From a classification point of view, the match between Real and Sevilla is not as important as before. The Andalusians languish in the bottom half of the table, while the Madrid team is heading towards gold. The main stage is another meeting between Sergio Ramos and Real Madrid. Yes, the defender is a product of Sevilla, but it was in Madrid where he spent the best part of his career. It is strange to see Sergio fight against Real Madrid players. Will Sevilla ruin the spirit of Carlo Ancelotti’s team, which has not lost in the Spanish Championship for 19 rounds?
Photo: FC Lens/Getty Images
Lens – Monaco, Sunday February 25, 15:00
Intrigue: Will Golovin help Monaco avoid falling out of the top 5?
“Monaco” went from the fight for gold to the classics. The Monegasques are simply fighting for a place in the Champions League zone, periodically losing points, where they are forced to achieve victories. But Alexander Golovin’s form remains unchanged. The Russian is the leader of Monaco and it seems that the time has come to change clubs. But for now it is important for Sasha to help the team qualify for the Champions League at the end of the season. He has an important game away from home with Lens ahead. From second to seventh place the teams are very tied. Each victory and defeat seriously changes the balance of the table. If Monaco goes to the Champions League, we need to get three points.
Photo: Getty Images
Bournemouth – Manchester City: Saturday February 24, 8:30 p.m.
Intrigue: City are on their way to the top of the Premier League
Manchester City is racing for another gold in the Pep Guardiola era. The “Citizens” have approached the leadership of Liverpool and are unlikely to give up the race until the end of the season. “MS” scores points even in difficult games. The Manchester club has a trip to Bournemouth ahead of them. “Cherry” had a great run from late October to late December, and then it collapsed. In the last six games, Bournemouth has recorded three draws and three defeats. Will the team surprise in the meeting with the giants? Or are three easy points expected for the favorite?
Photo: Getty Images
Manchester United – Fulham: Saturday, February 24, 6:00 p.m.
Intrigue: Will Manchester United win for the fifth time in a row and get closer to the Champions League zone?
Manchester United are on a great streak. The Mancunians have four consecutive victories in the Premier League. The difference with the Champions League zone is only five points. There is a good chance to get closer to fourth-placed Aston Villa following the results of the next round. United host Fulham at home. “Dachniki” are unstable and alternate between good and bad results. The Londoners are in 12th place. Therefore, for Manchester United the next match is an excellent opportunity to win for the fifth time in a row.
Photo: Getty Images
Barcelona – Getafe: Saturday, February 24, 6:15 p.m.
Intrigue: an opportunity for Barça to climb to second place
Barça’s season has been a mix of good and bad news. Xavi announced that he would leave the club at the end of the season, but the reorganization did not change the Blaugrana’s results much. Barcelona is third in La Liga, already eight points behind Real Madrid. It won’t be so easy to compete for gold. But it is possible to reach second-placed Girona in the next round. Barcelona receives Getafe at home, occupying a place in the middle of the table (10th). An unpleasant, tenacious, aggressive team, but the Catalans are obliged to win at home. The difference with Girona is two points. Will we see Barça for the second time after matchday 26?
Photo: Getty Images
Cagliari – Naples: Sunday February 25, 17:00
Intrigue: Napoli’s first match in Serie A with a new coach
Napoli is the current champion of Italy. But the team found itself in crisis in the current Serie A season and has already replaced its third coach. Walter Mazzarri was replaced by Francesco Calzona, who was working with the Slovakian team. Now the specialist will combine positions. Calzona’s goal is to fly as high as possible on the board. It is difficult to enter the Champions League zone, but it is possible to go to the Europa League. Interestingly, Calzone will urgently change in the match against Napoli. And will he “stomp” this time?
