And finally it’s done! The final international break of 2018 is finally over and that can only mean one thing: Club football is back. And it’s time to get back from where we left off.
So let's take a look at some exciting fixtures for the weekend that will keep you on the edge of your seats:
River Plate vs Boca Juniors – Copa Libertadores Final
Some call it “The Game of the Century”. They’re not wrong. The Superclasico is a game that isn’t for the faint hearted. Boca Juniors hosted River Plate in an enthralling 2-2 draw in the first leg, handing River Plate a slight advantage going into the second leg. It doesn’t get bigger than this. This is more than just a rivalry between two clubs, it is Boca Juniors, Argentina’s working class taking on River Plate, the upper-middle class of Argentina.
Kick-off is on Sunday 1.30am IST. It may be your bed time but this is a game you wouldn’t want to miss.
Olympique Lyon vs Saint-Étienne – Ligue 1
It may be the least publicised game in this list but Le Derby never disappoints. Just a single point separates fourth placed Lyon and fifth placed Saint-Étienne. Ligue 1 may be done and dusted as PSG cannot stop winning at the moment. But the race to second is hot and running as Lille have a two point advantage over Lyon.
Kick start your weekend with Le Derby on Saturday 1.30 am IST.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea – Premier League
You were waiting for this one, weren’t you? One of the hottest fixtures of the weekend as fourth placed Tottenham Hotspur host Chelsea at Wembley. Spurs, who have won four of their last five Premier League games take on Chelsea, who are the only club in Europe to remain unbeaten in all competitions this season. This fixture never fails to excite the fans. It’s Hazard vs Kane, two of the best players of the league going head to head.
A fixture that will be closely watched by club rivals, club fans and hopefully you too. 11pm kick-off IST, does it get any better?
Atletico Madrid vs FC Barcelona – La Liga
Messi vs Griezmann. Top of the table clash. La Liga has been competitive this season. Before the season got underway, many pundits claimed Atletico and not Real would challenge Barcelona for the League, some even claimed that Barcelona will be the ones chasing Los Rojiblancos.
A slow start to the season for Atletico but they seemed to have found their footing at the right time and will fancy their chances against a leaky Barcelona defence. There are a few injury worries for the home side as the four centre-backs Godin, Savic, Lucas Hernandez and Giminez are carrying knocks and aren't cleared to play yet. But with the Wanda Metropolitano behind them, they will be looking for their first league win over Barcelona under Diego Simeone.
Sunday 1.15 am kick-off.
You may be wondering which game to pick as it will be clashing with the Superclasico.
Tip: Watch both.
Lazio vs AC Milan – Serie A
Both clubs will be desperate on securing a top-four finish after missing out on Champions League action this year. Lazio sit at fourth with 22 points while Milan are at fifth with 21 points. First place may be a bit too optimistic for both teams right now, considering how Juventus have started this season.
The Rossoneri are facing a huge injury crisis currently, as Romagnoli, Caldara, Mussacchio, Biglia and Bonaventura will all miss the trip to Stadio Olimpico. Higuain who was sent off against Juventus will also be banned.
Perfect end to the weekend as the kick-off is on Sunday 10.30pm IST.
