We’ve got another big weekend of club football across Europe headlined by the Club World Cup final in Morocco between Real Madrid and Al Hilal.
Friday 8:45pm European time - Italian Serie A
Milan’s malaise continued with their derby defeat last weekend, leaving them slumping in sixth having failed to win in their past five league games and past seven in all competitions. That has compounded the pressure on manager Stefano Pioli who had led them to the Scudetto last term. The visit of Torino marks a great opportunity to return to form, but the visitors are one spot behind the Rossoneri in seventh, so they’ll be tough going.
RB Leipzig v Union Berlin
Saturday 6:30pm European time - German Bundesliga
Two of the Bundesliga contenders for Bayern’s crown do battle on Saturday evening, with fourth-placed Leipzig hosting second-placed Union Berlin. Bayern’s recent stumbles, drawing three of their past four games, has left them only one point ahead of Union, who are on a four-game winning streak. Leipzig had to settle for a 0-0 draw at Koln last weekend, thwarting their push but a victory here could be a major statement of intent and also important with Bayern hosting struggling VfL Bochum.
Real Madrid v Al Hilal
Saturday 8pm European time - FIFA Club World Cup
European champions Real go into Saturday’s Club World Cup decider as the raging favourites as Saudi powerhouse Al Hilal upset Flamengo in the semi-finals. Los Blancos made light work of Al Ahly, triumphing 4-1 on Thursday. Karim Benzema missed that game but is expected to be fit for the final, while Luciano Vietto was Al Hilal’s star in their semi-final triumph, winning two penalties and also scoring in open play.
Leeds United v Manchester United
Sunday 3pm European time - English Premier League
The struggling Whites host archrivals Manchester United on Sunday, in what is a reverse of their midweek fixture that ended 2-2. Leeds remain without a permanent manager after Jesse Marsch’s sacking earlier in the week, yet under caretaker Michael Skubala managed to get 2-0 up at Old Trafford. The Red Devils may have some remote title hopes, with recent losses for Arsenal and Manchester City, but their midweek result didn’t help, leaving them third, seven points behind the leaders having played two more.
Sunday 9pm European time - Spanish La Liga
Two of Spain’s bigger clubs meet on Sunday evening, with leaders Barcelona making the trip to Villarreal, who are currently sixth. Barcelona’s La Liga lead is out to eight points after second-placed Real Madrid’s second stumbles, failing to win two of their past three league games. The Blaugrana have actually won their past 10 games, with an 100 per cent record in 2023, if you include their penalties win over Betis in the Super Cup. Villarreal have lost their past two league games.
