The European football season is winding down, but a few domestic league title races are heating up. While some clubs are holding on to sizable leads, others are holding on for dear life. Only a few match days remain for the big five leagues in European football, but there is so much to play for in terms of silverware.
Going into the weekend’s matches, Spain and France both see teams deadlocked at the top. Meanwhile, in England, Italy and Germany, the top sides are just looking to see things out without too much of a scare.
France
Reigning French champions Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco are level on 80 points. The good news for Monaco is the team have a game in hand over their bitter rivals. Monaco also have a superior goal difference (+64) to PSG (+48).
Monaco have surprised many this season both in Ligue 1 and in the Champions League. The team have been a breath of fresh air in French football. Monaco are incredibly attacking (92 goals this season) and have help resurrect Radamel Falcao’s career with 26 goals this season.
The team have been developing exciting young players over the last five years and this season could see their development of players pay off. PSG have won four straight French titles, but Monaco could end that streak in a few week’s time.
Spain
Barcelona’s derby win has propelled the team into first place in Spain. Barcelona no longer have to worry about European football competition this term. Meanwhile, Madrid are in the semifinals of the Champions League where they will face Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid do have a game in hand over the Catalans, but the La Liga title should go down to the last day before it’s decided.
England
Chelsea looked likely of running away with the Premier League title just a few weeks ago. However, two losses in their last six have allowed Tottenham to reel the Blues in. Spurs are still four points back and have the more difficult fixture list of the two teams.
This weekend, Spurs will face North London rivals Arsenal in the derby. Anything less than a win and Tottenham’s hope of a first title since 1961 could be extinguished.
Italy
On paper, the race for Serie A’s Scudetto looks much closer than it really is. Roma are only eight points behind Juventus, but it is the Bianconeri’s trophy to lose; and that won’t happen unless something dramatic takes place.
Juventus have won the last five Serie A titles, and this season has been a case of the Old Lady and everyone else. Roma and Napoli have continually slipped up, but the two sides should have no difficulty in finishing in the second and third spots.
This year could also mark Juventus’ return to the top of European football as the team play in the Champions League semifinals against Monaco.
Germany
Similar to Italy, eight points separate the first and second place teams in the Bundesliga. After a brilliant first half of the season, first year Bundesliga boys RB Leipzig just haven’t had enough to fend off Bayern Munich from another title.
Bayern are always a machine in Germany and the side are set to win their 27th German title. Leipzig’s first top-flight season is no fluke. The club have revialised football in the city and its youth development policy has helped the team excel.
Hopefully, Leipzig won’t have a sophomore slump due to European football commitments next season. Of course, it is unfortunate that the team couldn’t stop Bayern this season, but there is no shame in a second place finish in their maiden Bundesliga season.
In the end, the Bundesliga’s 18 team structure makes for some exciting football; and it is one reason the league throws up some interesting final table standings in May.
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