Hello! Title races across Europe are reaching their climax, with some teams poised to lift trophies while others engage in thrilling sprints to the finish. I`m Pardeep Cattry, bringing you the latest updates on the escalating title battles in Italy and Spain.
Serie A Title Race Takes a Dramatic Turn
Inter Milan`s grip on the Serie A top spot loosened this weekend as their defeat, combined with Napoli`s victory, leveled them on points with five games remaining this season.
The pressure mounted on Inter before the weekend`s matches, given the strength of their and Napoli`s opponents. Napoli secured a 1-0 win against bottom-placed Monza on Saturday, putting pressure on Inter to respond. Facing Bologna was always a tougher task, and Bologna outplayed the title contenders on Sunday. Bologna registered more shots, 12 to 8, and edged Inter in expected goals, 0.82 to 0.5, with Inter managing just one shot on target. Bologna`s breakthrough arrived in the 94th minute with Riccardo Orsolini`s spectacular scissor kick.
Inter`s defeat occurs during a crucial period, sandwiched between a challenging Champions League game against Bayern and Wednesday`s Coppa Italia semifinal clash with AC Milan. Despite still competing for a treble, Sunday`s loss served as a stark reminder that Inter`s treble ambitions might be overly optimistic, as Mike Grella suggests.
- Grella: `Does this team look like a treble contender? Examining Inter`s performances over the past few months, can we confidently say they are on track to win the treble? A treble-winning team typically excels in certain areas, demonstrating dynamism and unique energy. Inter, in their 90-minute match against Bologna, were second-best across the board. They lacked scoring threat, failed to control the game`s tempo, and posed no danger.`
This sets the stage for an intense finale to the season between Inter and Napoli. Napoli might have a slightly easier schedule, especially as they are only focused on Serie A. Notably, Serie A has eliminated goal difference as the primary tiebreaker, introducing a single-game playoff for teams tied on points after 38 matches to decide the title.
Barcelona and Real Madrid Navigate Trophy-Focused Week
While La Liga`s title race once appeared settled, recent results guarantee continued excitement as Real Madrid trails Barcelona by just four points with six games left.
Barcelona, playing their eighth game in 24 days, nearly faltered on Saturday but displayed championship resilience in a 4-3 victory over Celta Vigo. Overcoming a 3-1 deficit in the 62nd minute, Hansi Flick`s team mounted a comeback fueled by goals from Dani Olmo and Raphinha, sustaining their treble aspirations. Real Madrid kept pace with a narrow 1-0 win against Athletic Club on Sunday, requiring a late winner from Federico Valverde after a lackluster first half.
The upcoming week presents a significant opportunity for both teams to assert their dominance. Another round of La Liga matches is scheduled – Barcelona hosts Mallorca, while Real Madrid visits Getafe. These fixtures could bring further twists in the title race. Additionally, the rivals will clash in the Copa del Rey final in Seville, offering the first major silverware of the season for both.
Barcelona will miss Robert Lewandowski for several weeks due to injury, a challenge given his 40 goals across competitions this season. His form mirrors the team`s improvement. While Barcelona has other scoring threats like Raphinha (30 goals) and Ferran Torres (17 goals), Lewandowski`s absence is notable. He has featured in 48 matches, proving indispensable.
For Real Madrid, this week might signal the end of Carlo Ancelotti’s era. Despite another successful spell, Ancelotti is expected to depart, possibly after the Copa del Rey final, which could be his last chance for silverware this season. Despite an underwhelming season by their standards, Real Madrid has a chance to salvage it before a period of transition begins. Whether they will capitalize remains the key question.
Top Stories
- 🇻🇦 Passing of Pope Francis: Serie A postponed Monday`s game following the death of Pope Francis. Tributes poured in from the soccer community for the pontiff, a known San Lorenzo and Argentina supporter.
- 🏟️ Migrant Worker Fatality: Saudi Arabia`s sports minister announced an investigation into the death of Muhammad Arshad, a Pakistani worker who died at the Aramco Stadium construction site last month. This is the first reported death related to 2034 World Cup stadium construction in Saudi Arabia.
- ⬆️ Promotion Battle: Leeds United are nearing Premier League promotion after a dominant 6-0 victory over Stoke City.
- 🏴 EPL Top Five Race: Aston Villa`s victory over Newcastle United tightens the Premier League`s Champions League qualification race.
- 🌴 Miami Wins Again: Lionel Messi`s Inter Miami secured a 1-0 win against Columbus Crew, maintaining their position among the top Eastern Conference teams.
- 🔮 Ancelotti`s Successor: Speculation grows about Carlo Ancelotti`s replacement at Real Madrid, with Xabi Alonso as a leading candidate.
Best Bets
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Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Nottingham Forest, Monday, 3 p.m.
💰 THE PICK: Chris Wood to score (+160) – With Nottingham Forest focused on a potential Champions League spot and Tottenham seemingly awaiting Europa League semifinals, Forest should be favored. Chris Wood`s 18-goal season is key to Forest`s rise. Despite a six-game scoring drought, a high-stakes game against a less motivated Tottenham could be ideal for him to regain his scoring form.
For more picks, predictions, expert tips and the latest betting news, visit CBSSports.com`s betting section.
