5 important things to look forward to this weekend

Real Madrid v Atletico de Madrid - La Liga Santander
Real Madrid v Atletico de Madrid - La Liga Santander

#3 The Serie A top-four race

Juventus v AC Milan - Serie A
Juventus v AC Milan - Serie A

The Serie A top four fight has become as intense as ever and the showdown befits the build-up to it. AC Milan had the chance to seal their berth in the Champions League but ended up settling for a goalless draw against Cagliari this past Monday. Meanwhile, Juventus beat Inter Milan to come within touching distance of a top 4 spot.

As things stand, Atalanta are second with 78 points. AC Milan are third with 76, tied on points with Napoli who are four owing to an inferior head-to-head record with the Rossoneri. Juventus sit fifth with 75 points and an outside chance.

To make things interesting, AC Milan are going up against Atalanta. But Atalanta cannot fall to fifth as they have the superior head-to-head record against Juventus. Therefore, Atalanta have sealed their qualification and have nothing to play for.

If one of AC Milan, Napoli or Juventus lose and the other two win, the losing side will drop out of the top four. If Juventus draw and one of Napoli or AC Milan draw their respective matches, then their head-to-head record will dictate who goes through.

This is where things will get interesting. Juventus beat AC Milan 3-1 but then lost the reverse fixture 3-0. This means that AC Milan have the better head-to-head record over them. The Bianconeri were beaten 1-0 by Napoli in the first half of the season but they bounced back to beat them 2-1 in the reverse fixture. This means that their head-to-head record is equal.

Then their goal difference in the Serie A table will come into play. Napoli have a goal difference of +45 while Juventus have +36. Simply put, Andrea Pirlo's side need a win and a fair amount of good fortune to make it to Europe's elite competition next season.

#2 The Ligue 1 title race

Can Neymar and co. clinch the title?
Can Neymar and co. clinch the title?

Paris Saint-Germain have won seven of the last eight Ligue 1 titles. They have been utterly dominant domestically but this could yet be their most underwhelming campaign in a long time. LOSC Lille have been the surprise package this time around and are a win away from becoming the French champions.

LOSC Lille are first with 80 points while PSG are second with 79. The Parisiens will take on 16th placed Brest on Sunday night while LOSC Lille take on 12th placed Angers at the same time.

Both teams are tipped to win and the Ligue 1 title is Lille's to lose at this point. If they lose, then Paris Saint-Germain just need to tie to win the title as their goal difference is way superior. PSG have a goal difference of +56 while Lille's is +40.

#1 The La Liga title race

Atletico de Madrid v Real Madrid - La Liga Santander
Atletico de Madrid v Real Madrid - La Liga Santander

The La Liga title race wasn't much of a thing halfway through the season. Atletico Madrid had a sizeable lead over both Real Madrid and Barcelona. But the Rojiblancos subsequently hit a rough patch while both Real Madrid and Barcelona found form and embarked on incredible runs.

However, Barcelona have capitulated in recent weeks and let slip of the opportunity to win the title. In fact, they have dropped out of the title race. As things stand, Atletico Madrid are first with 83 points and will take on Valladolid.

Real Madrid are second with 81 points and will take on a formidable Villarreal. Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have a goal difference of +41 and +38 respectively. If the teams are tied on points, the title will be decided on the basis of who has the better goal difference.

If that is a tie as well, then their head-to-head record will come into play. Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid 2-0 in their first meeting of the season while the reverse fixture ended as a 1-1 draw. If it comes down to head-to-head record, Los Blancos will be crowned champions. Both matches will take place today.

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now