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<img alt="Games to Catch This Weekend: Istanbul Derby, O Clássico & More"
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title="Games to Catch This Weekend: Istanbul Derby, O Clássico & More" />
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<p>With the international break on the horizon, an exciting weekend of club football is set to unfold. Key matches to look out for include the Istanbul Derby, O Clássico featuring Porto and Benfica, the Belgian Clasico, and the Choque-Rei in Brazil. Our Transfermarkt experts have rounded up five must-see games from around the globe.</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>This weekend’s Istanbul derby between Galatasaray and Beşiktaş is expected to bring thrilling drama. Galatasaray is riding high on confidence, remaining unbeaten in the league and recently achieving impressive results in the Champions League against Liverpool. Meanwhile, Beşiktaş has found more stability in recent weeks after a turbulent start to the season, marked by a managerial change from Ole Gunnar Solskjær to club legend Sergen Yalçın. For the Black Eagles, this derby is more than just a three-point match; it's vital for psychological momentum in the title race.</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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<div>
<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 match is influenced by significant summer signings from both clubs. Galatasaray set the pace by acquiring Victor Osimhen for €75 million, while Beşiktaş responded by bringing back Orkun Kökçü for €30 million. Both players could be game-changers—Osimhen's goal-scoring prowess and Kökçü’s creativity in midfield are crucial. Beşiktaş must win to maintain their slim title aspirations; failing to do so could widen the gap to Galatasaray at the top of the table. Additionally, Galatasaray seeks redemption after last season's 2-1 defeat to Beşiktaş, which dashed their hopes of an unbeaten championship.</p>
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<p>Both Okan Buruk and Sergen Yalçın are celebrated figures among their fanbases, having both enjoyed success as players and managers. Yalçın has the upper hand in previous encounters, with five wins in nine matches against Buruk. Galatasaray is likely to control possession, while Beşiktaş may look to counter effectively, setting up an intense derby atmosphere.</p>
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<h2><strong>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>This historic clash features two iconic clubs, Juventus and AC Milan, both determined to claim the Scudetto this season. While both teams are still finding their rhythm, they've made bold moves in the transfer market: Juve revamped its attack, and Milan focused on midfield strength. Three crucial factors in the title race could be Massimiliano Allegri, Luka Modrić, and not participating in European competitions this season.</p>
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<div>
<p>Club Comparison</p>
<div>
<p>€582.70m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€471.80m</p>
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<div>
<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<div>
<p>€137.30m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€162.00m</p>
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<div>
<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>In terms of managerial matchups, Igor Tudor has a good record against Allegri, winning three of five meetings. While Milan has maintained a perfect record this season—four wins and one defeat—Juventus comes off two 1-1 draws, which included their Champions League fixture against Villarreal. Milan has been sturdy on their travels this season, winning prominently, but they have struggled to score in their last two league visits to Turin.</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 at Estádio do Dragão for the most anticipated match of Liga Portugal. Currently, Porto is riding high after winning all their league matches under new coach Francesco Farioli, while Benfica is in a turbulent phase following a disappointing start and a coaching change to José Mourinho.</p>
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<div>
<p>Club Comparison</p>
<div>
<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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<div>
<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>Maintaining first place, Porto is under pressure to secure a win over third-placed Benfica, who could fall seven points behind if they lose. A victory for Porto would signify strength and further solidify their position as serious title contenders.</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>The Belgian Clasico is set for Sunday, featuring RSC Anderlecht against Standard de Liège. This fixture has generated more off-pitch news than on-pitch highlights in recent years, but Standard fans will return after a lengthy absence.</p>
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<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 always a fierce rivalry, and Sunday's match will not disappoint. Standard Liège has not triumphed on Anderlecht's turf since 2018, with the Purple & White dominating the fixture ever since. Can Luis Vazquez find form against a defensive lineup missing key players?</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>São Paulo takes on Palmeiras in the Choque-Rei, one of the fiercest rivalries in Brazilian football, with significant implications for the Série A standings.</p>
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<div>
<p>Club Comparison</p>
<div>
<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>
</div>
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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 comes off a strong performance, securing 10 points from their last five games, while São Paulo currently sits in eighth place following two losses and a Copa Libertadores exit. Historically, Palmeiras has been dominant in their recent encounters against São Paulo. However, the home advantage may even the odds for São Paulo in this crucial match.</p>
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<p>On the field, Palmeiras' attacking tandem of Vitor Roque and Flaco López will be pivotal, while São Paulo will look to counter with key players like Ferreirinha and Luciano against the league's second-best defense.</p>
<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 Kashima Antlers are navigating a tight title race and aim to extend their lead at home against Gamba Osaka, who sits ninth in the J.League standings. A victory for Kashima will help maintain their lead over Vissel Kobe and Kyoto Sanga, who are hot on their heels.</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 its share of legendary players in the past, and now under new management hopes to reclaim the title after a long drought. Both teams have shown strong form, remaining undefeated in their last five outings. Keep an eye on player Yuma Suzuki, who has scored multiple goals in past matches against Gamba Osaka. A win on Gamba's part would mark a historic achievement for them—it's been quite some time since they've succeeded against Kashima on their turf.</p>
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