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<img alt="Five games to watch this weekend: Istanbul Derby, O Clássico & more" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/five-games-to-watch-oct-3-1759478749-179343.png" title="Five games to watch this weekend: Istanbul Derby, O Clássico & more" />
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<p>As we approach the international break, an action-packed weekend of club football is on the horizon. Highlights include the Istanbul Derby, O Clássico featuring Porto and Benfica, the Belgian Clasico, and the Choque-Rei in Brazil. Our global team at Transfermarkt is here to point out five must-watch matches this weekend.</p>
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<h2><strong>Istanbul Derby: Galatasaray vs Beşiktaş</strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Lara Karacan (Area Manager Türkiye):</strong></p>
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<p>The Istanbul Derby between Galatasaray and Beşiktaş is set to deliver high-octane drama this weekend. Galatasaray is brimming with confidence, remaining unbeaten in the league and recently garnering attention in the Champions League with a notable performance against Liverpool. Meanwhile, Beşiktaş has stabilized in the past few weeks following a tumultuous start to the season marked by the managerial switch from Ole Gunnar Solskjær to club icon Sergen Yalçın. For the Black Eagles, this derby transcends mere points. In Istanbul, no derby is just an ordinary league match; the victor gains a vital psychological edge in the title chase.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>€305.20m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€167.80m</p>
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<div>
<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<div>
<p>€148.27m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€42.40m</p>
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<p>Okan Buruk</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Sergen Yalçın</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>This year’s clash is also influenced by the notable summer transfers both teams made. Galatasaray made headlines by signing Victor Osimhen for €75 million, while Beşiktaş welcomed back Orkun Kökçü for €30 million. Both players could play pivotal roles in determining the derby’s outcome — Osimhen with his goal-scoring prowess and Kökçü with his midfield creativity. Beşiktaş knows they must claim victory to keep their slim title aspirations alive. A defeat would widen the gap to league-leading Galatasaray, and for the latter, this match carries personal stakes after suffering a 2–1 defeat to Beşiktaş last season, which dashed their unbeaten title hopes — a wound they are keen to mend.</p>
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<p>Both Okan Buruk and Sergen Yalçın are celebrated figures among their fans, having garnered titles as both players and coaches. Yalçın currently leads the managerial head-to-head with five victories out of nine encounters, suffering just two defeats. Tactically, Galatasaray is expected to control possession and establish the tempo, while Beşiktaş is likely to adopt a compact formation and pose a threat on the counter — a recipe for a derby full of excitement and emotion.</p>
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<h2><strong>The Derby d'Italia: Juventus vs AC Milan</strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Stefano Buonfino (Content and Community Manager Italy):</strong></p>
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<p>It’s a historic showdown between Juventus and AC Milan, two clubs that have entered the season determined to claim the Scudetto. Both teams are still evolving, but they have made intriguing moves in the transfer market: Juventus has overhauled its attack, while Milan has bolstered its midfield. Three factors could prove crucial in the title race: Massimiliano Allegri, Luka Modrić, and not competing in European tournaments.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>€582.70m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€471.80m</p>
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<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<div>
<p>€137.30m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€162.00m</p>
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<p>Igor Tudor</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Massimiliano Allegri</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>On the subject of managers, Igor Tudor has enjoyed success against Allegri, winning three out of five matches, with only two losses. The two coaches are generally evenly matched. Milan remains unbeaten in the current championship with four wins and one loss, while Juventus has drawn its last two league matches against Verona and Atalanta, along with a 2-2 Champions League draw against Villarreal. Milan has scored nine goals, boasting a perfect away record: victories of 2-0 and 3-0 against Lecce and Udinese, respectively. Nevertheless, they have not found the net in their last two league matches at Juventus, applying pressure for both sides this matchday.</p>
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<p>Milan will be feeling the pressure to perform, while Juventus aims to maintain its unbeaten streak in San Siro, where they last won on March 9, and where they triumphed over Inter with a thrilling 4-3 encounter.</p>
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<h2><strong>O Clássico: Porto vs Benfica</strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Gonçalo Tristão Santos (Area Manager Portugal):</strong></p>
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<p>This Sunday, Porto welcomes Benfica to Estádio do Dragão in a much-anticipated Liga Portugal clash. The two teams are currently in contrasting positions. Porto enters this 'Clássico' in remarkable form, having won all their league matches this season under new coach Francesco Farioli, who has quickly implemented his style since taking charge for the 2025/26 campaign.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>Liga Portugal</p>
<p>Liga Portugal</p>
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<div>
<p>€391.80m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€358.80m</p>
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<div>
<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<div>
<p>€94.35m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€105.55m</p>
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<p>Francesco Farioli</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>José Mourinho</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>In contrast, Benfica is experiencing a turbulent phase. After a surprising home loss to Qarabag in their opening Champions League fixture, the club parted ways with coach Bruno Lage, hiring José Mourinho, who has secured two victories in his first four matches.</p>
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<p>Currently, Porto leads the league, while Benfica occupies third place. A loss would leave Benfica seven points behind the leaders, putting added pressure on them to secure a positive result. Porto, on the other hand, seeks to consolidate its lead after having already defeated reigning champions Sporting at Estádio José Alvalade. A win over Benfica would strongly affirm Porto's status as the top contender for the title this season.</p>
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<h2><strong>Belgian Clasico: Anderlecht vs Standard Liège</strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Bart Tamsyn (Area Manager Belgium):</strong></p>
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<p>This Sunday marks the Belgian Clasico, pitting RSC Anderlecht against Standard de Liège. Recent matches have seen off-field events gain more attention than on-field action. After a three-year hiatus, 682 Standard supporters will return to the stadium this weekend.</p>
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<p>Both clubs boast rich histories, yet they have faced financial difficulties, rarely competing for the national title in recent seasons. Anderlecht usually secures a spot in European competitions, while Standard has struggled to do so.</p>
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<div>
<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>Jupiler Pro League</p>
<p>Jupiler Pro League</p>
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<div>
<p>€97.40m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€41.40m</p>
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<div>
<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
</div>
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<div>
<p>€16.20m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€9.10m</p>
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<div>
<p>Besnik Hasi</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Vincent Euvrard</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>A Clasico is a Clasico, and there’s no doubt that Sunday’s match will be fiercely contested. It’s been since 2018 since the Rouches last triumphed on the record champions' turf, with Anderlecht winning five times and the teams drawing four times since.</p>
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<p>Can Luis Vazquez overcome his confidence issues against a defense missing captain Marlon Fossey due to suspension? Or will Rafiki Saïd make a statement on the left flank, similar to his last game? Tune in Sunday at 1:30 p.m. to find out!</p>
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<h2><strong>Choque-Rei: São Paulo vs Palmeiras</strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Marcos Watts (Area Manager Brazil):</strong></p>
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<p>This weekend, São Paulo will host Palmeiras in the fierce rivalry known as Choque-Rei, which carries significant implications in the Brazilian Série A.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>€89.85m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€212.15m</p>
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<div>
<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<div>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€41.00m</p>
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<div>
<p>Hernán Crespo</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Abel Ferreira</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Palmeiras has momentum, having earned 10 points in their last five matches as they vie for the title. In contrast, São Paulo sits in eighth place, having suffered two consecutive league defeats, earning only 6 points in their last five games and a disappointing exit from the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals.</p>
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<p>Palmeiras also has the upper hand in their recent meetings, remaining unbeaten in the last six encounters against São Paulo (three wins, three draws). However, São Paulo will rely on their home-field advantage and tactical discipline to disrupt Palmeiras' rhythm.</p>
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<p>On the field, Palmeiras' attacking duo, Vitor Roque and Flaco López, might steer the scoreline, while São Paulo will need Ferreirinha and Luciano to outplay the league's second-best defense.</p>
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<h2><strong>Bonus Game from Japan: Kashima Antlers vs Gamba Osaka</strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Takako Maruga (Area Manager Japan):</strong></p>
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<p>The title race this season has been closely contested, but Kashima Antlers has now created a gap at the top of the table. With local rivals Gamba Osaka sitting ninth, Kashima aims for victory to maintain its advantage over second-placed Vissel Kobe and third-placed Kyoto Sanga, who trail by four and five points, respectively.</p>
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<div>
<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>€21.40m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€18.08m</p>
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<div>
<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<div>
<p>Toru Oniki</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Dani Poyatos</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Kashima has had legendary players like Zico and J.League icons like Mitsuo Ogasawara grace their squad over the years. They've claimed the championship eight times between 1996 and 2016 but have faced challenges since then, with a potential chance to reclaim the title under the guidance of new ownership from the e-commerce company Mercari since 2019.</p>
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<p>Both Kashima and Gamba Osaka are currently unbeaten in their last five matches. A standout player to watch is Yuma Suzuki, who has netted five goals against Gamba Osaka throughout his career. Should Gamba Osaka secure an away victory, it would mark their first win at Kashima since July 2, 2016, while Gamba’s Usami celebrated his 300th J1 League game last week.</p>
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