<div>
<p>From Milan to Vancouver</p>
<div>
<p>
<img alt="Five games to watch this weekend: Libertadores final, El Gran Derbi, Istanbul derby & more"
src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net/images/foto/galerie/five-games-to-watch-this-weekend-nov27-1764186908-183651.png"
title="Five games to watch this weekend: Libertadores final, El Gran Derbi, Istanbul derby & more">
</img>
</p>
<p><span></span></p>
</div>
<p>Football is always in motion, and with the recent excitement from the Champions League matchday, attention now shifts back to the domestic leagues. This weekend features the Copa Libertadores final, the much-anticipated Istanbul Derby, the iconic El Gran Derbi in Sevilla, and much more. In other words, there are thrilling matches happening worldwide, and with our global team's expertise, Transfermarkt highlights five key games to watch this weekend.</p>
<br></br>
<p>
<img alt="Groundhopping Tool" height="148"
src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net/images/foto/newsansicht/groundhopping-tool-new-1757532236-177246.jpg?lm=1757532240"
title="Groundhopping Tool" width="503">
</img>
</p>
<br></br>
<p>Are you attending any matches in person? If so, sign up now and utilize our Groundhopping Tool to record your matchday experiences and discover some cool statistics!</p>
<br></br>
<h2><strong>Copa Libertadores: Palmeiras vs. Flamengo</strong></h2>
<br></br>
<p><strong>Marcos Watts (Transfermarkt Area Manager Brazil):</strong></p>
<br></br>
<p>There are rarely clear favorites in a Libertadores final. While Palmeiras may demonstrate greater consistency, Flamengo arguably boasts a more star-studded lineup. If the rivalry and a quest for redemption weren't enough, both clubs are also in the hunt for the Brasileirão title (with Flamengo currently leading by a 5-point margin with only two matchdays remaining). This clash will hinge on who can manage the nerves and handle the pressure better.</p>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>Club Comparison</p>
<div>
<p>€32.90m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€97.40m</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>€1.70m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€6.50m</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>Mauricio Pellegrino</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Jorge Sampaoli</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
</div>
<p>It's safe to say this has been Brazil's most dominant era in the Copa Libertadores. Brazilian teams secured 6 out of 10 titles in the 1990s and again in the 2010s, and since 2020, we've seen only one non-Brazilian team in the finals, all of which Brazilian sides have won—a trend likely to persist.</p>
<br></br>
<p>José "Flaco" López has been Palmeiras' standout player (7 goals in 11 matches), and his striking partnership with Vitor Roque (4 goals in 10 matches) has proven lethal, potentially key to Palmeiras' success in the final.</p>
<br></br>
<p>The veteran Giorgian de Arrascaeta has had what many consider his best season yet and has been instrumental for Flamengo this year. With 23 goals and 17 assists across 59 games this season, he is undoubtedly the player to watch as Flamengo approaches the Libertadores final.</p>
<br></br>
<h2><strong>The Intercontinental Derby: Fenerbahçe vs. Galatasaray</strong></h2>
<br></br>
<p><strong>Lara Karacan (Transfermarkt Area Manager Türkiye):</strong></p>
<br></br>
<p>The Intercontinental Derby arrives with maximum tension: first vs second, separated by just one point. Fenerbahçe hosts the clash at home, aiming for a win to take the top spot, while Galatasaray seeks to secure their lead with three points.</p>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>Club Comparison</p>
<div>
<p>€291.80m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€305.20m</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>€87.00m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€148.27m</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>Domenico Tedesco</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Okan Buruk</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
</div>
<p>Recent form favors Fenerbahçe, who have won all their recent league matches, while Galatasaray is struggling, securing only two wins from their last five outings across all competitions. However, Kadıköy tells a different story: Fenerbahçe's last home victory over Gala dates back to 2022, with just one draw and three losses since then.</p>
<br></br>
<p>Galatasaray enters the derby with a thin squad due to multiple injuries, suspensions from yellow and red cards, and a scandal affecting their roster. Meanwhile, Fenerbahçe boasts a nearly full-strength squad, fueled by Marco Asensio's excellent form—a goal or assist in each of his last five league matches. The match narrative naturally centers around Asensio and Victor Osimhen, the league’s most expensive signing, expected to play despite being injured.</p>
<br></br>
<p>Given the stakes and the psychological implications of this derby, both sides may proceed cautiously, expecting a tightly contested tactical match where losing is not an option. A draw would not be surprising.</p>
<br></br>
<h2><strong>Derby del Sole: Roma vs. Napoli</strong></h2>
<br></br>
<p><strong>Stefano Buonfino (Transfermarkt Content Manager Italy):</strong></p>
<br></br>
<p>The match between Roma and Napoli is more than just a derby; it's a clash between Italy's two largest cities outside the North, representing the capital of the state versus the capital of the South. What once was an affinity has evolved into a rivalry since the 1980s. Today, this match holds significance as it pits the first and third-placed teams in Serie A against each other, with Roma aspiring to reclaim their glory and Napoli defending their championship title.</p>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>Club Comparison</p>
<div>
<p>€401.00m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€503.30m</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>€63.60m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€115.10m</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>Gian Piero Gasperini</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Antonio Conte</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
</div>
<p>Roma aims to maintain their position at the top of the table, while Napoli seeks to build on the momentum from their impressive win against Atalanta. Only two points separate the Giallorossi from the Azzurri. For Gian Piero Gasperini's side, who is currently suspended, this match represents a chance to secure three critical points against a direct rival. Roma has previously struggled against both Milan clubs, but they deserved better in those encounters.</p>
<br></br>
<p>With both teams boasting strong defenses, neither particularly favors draws, and their offenses sometimes lack a lethal touch, relying on creative players to roam in attack rather than traditional center-forwards. Expect goalkeepers Mile Svilar and Vanja Milinković-Savić to be under pressure in a match that may yield few goals, driven by physical midfield play. Players to watch include Scott McTominay and Rasmus Højlund (both from Napoli), as well as Matías Soulé and Evan Ferguson (both from Roma).</p>
<br></br>
<h2><strong>Liguilla Apertura: Chivas vs. Cruz Azul</strong></h2>
<br></br>
<p><strong>Osvaldo González Camacho (Area Manager Mexico):</strong></p>
<br></br>
<p>The clash between Chivas and Cruz Azul may not have the most storied rivalry in Mexico, but tactically, it stands out this season. In their last regular-season meeting, Cruz Azul emerged victorious 2-1, but Chivas clearly controlled the game, dominating possession (62%), shots (19 to 12), and corners (7 to 1). Gabriel Milito’s side maintained territorial control and a high press, but failed to capitalize like Larcamón’s team did during crucial moments.</p>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>Club Comparison</p>
<div>
<p> Liga MX Apertura </p>
<p> Liga MX Apertura </p>
</div>
<div>
<p>€66.33m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€82.10m</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>€14.73m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€14.07m</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>Gabriel Milito</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Nicolás Larcamón</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
</div>
<p>Both teams have committed to their playing styles, with Nicolás Larcamón employing an aggressive 3-4-2-1 formation that utilizes two attacking midfielders and a high defensive line. When Cruz Azul regains possession, they transition quickly and dangerously. Meanwhile, Milito has adapted Chivas into a team that presses high with intense duels and a lineup of three center-backs, engaging wing-backs, and creative midfielders behind a primary striker. Their aggressive play has led them to score more goals early in matches and dominate the final stretches.</p>
<br></br>
<p>This matchup pits two brave tactical styles against one another: Chivas aiming for dominance through pressure and control, while Cruz Azul looks to exploit openings with swift, vertical attacking movements. If Chivas can replicate their previous dominance, they may sway the tie in their favor; if Cruz Azul can break through their high line again, history may repeat itself. Regardless, this promises to be a high-pressure, tactical showcase, making for an unforgettable Liguilla night.</p>
<br></br>
<h2><strong>El Gran Derbi: Sevilla vs. Real Betis</strong></h2>
<br></br>
<p><strong>Ivan Fuénte (Transfermarkt Content Manager Spain):</strong></p>
<br></br>
<p>The Seville derby is arguably the most intense rivalry in Spanish football. Despite Sevilla FC's growth in the last two decades, the competitive balance between them and Real Betis has made this derby unique, prompting both fanbases to view each other as equals. LaLiga has branded it 'El Gran Derbi' to enhance its prominence.</p>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>Club Comparison</p>
<div>
<p>€127.10m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€215.50m</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>€250k</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€60.50m</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<div>
<p>Matías Almeyda</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Manuel Pellegrini</p>
</div>
<br></br>
<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
</div>
<p>Sportingly, Real Betis seems to be in better shape this season (5th vs. 11th in LaLiga). They've won the last seven derbies, a feat not accomplished since the 1930s. However, Betis will miss Antony due to suspension, while injuries have sidelined Giovani Lo Celso and Héctor Bellerín; yet, they still have Isco, who returned from injury with a strong performance last weekend.</p>
<br></br>
<p>Sevilla heads into the derby in poor form, having lost four of their last five LaLiga matches, and are without several key players due to injuries, including César Azpilicueta, Rubén Vargas, Adnan Januzaj, and Gabriel Suazo. Additionally, Sevilla holds the unfortunate record of conceding the most penalties in LaLiga this season. Nevertheless, none of these factors diminish the significance of the derby—history shows that Sevilla has often triumphed over Betis in head-to-head encounters.</p>
<br></br>
<p><strong>Are you going to the game? Track it using our Groundhopping tool!</strong></p>
<br></br>
<p>Have you ever wanted to know who the top scorer is in matches you've attended? Or how many stadiums you've visited? How about your team's win percentage in games you've watched live? Want to track how many countries you've watched matches in? Don't worry, Transfermarkt has you covered with our amazing Groundhopping tool. Sign up now and become part of the community!</p>
</div>










Leave a Reply
View Comments