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<p>From England to Mexico</p>
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<img alt="Exciting Matches to Watch This Weekend: Tyne-Wear Derby, Rheinderby, De Klassieker & More"
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title="Exciting Matches to Watch This Weekend: Tyne-Wear Derby, Rheinderby, De Klassieker & More"/>
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<p>Football never takes a break, and as we move past an action-packed set of midweek fixtures, an exciting weekend of matches awaits us across two continents. This weekend's highlights include the Rheinderby in Germany, league finals in both Argentina and Liga MX, the De Klassieker in the Netherlands, and the highly anticipated return of the Tyne-Wear Derby. With our global expert team, Transfermarkt brings you the essential games to catch this weekend.</p>
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<p>Are you planning to attend any of the matches live? If so, sign up now and utilize our Groundhopping Tool to document your matchday experiences and discover some intriguing statistics!</p>
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<h2><strong>Rheinderby: Leverkusen vs Köln</strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Manuel Veth (Bundesliga Gegenpressing Pod and Area Manager North America):</strong></p>
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<p>For fans of Bayer Leverkusen, it's unquestionably a derby. However, it's less clear for supporters of Köln, who typically consider Borussia Mönchengladbach their primary rivals. Nonetheless, Leverkusen's upward trajectory in recent years, along with their Bundesliga title in 2024, has altered the regional dynamics slightly. While Köln, Gladbach, and possibly even Fortuna Düsseldorf might have larger fan bases, Leverkusen stands out as the most successful club of late.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>€426.75m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€106.28m</p>
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<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<p>€198.15m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€24.43m</p>
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<p>Kasper Hjulmand</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Lukas Kwasniok</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>To this day, fans from the other Rhine clubs often view Leverkusen with some disdain, treating the Rheinderby as a genuine rivalry only if they win. This mindset is likely what Köln fans will bring into Saturday's match. Even though Köln has fluctuated between divisions since the mid-1990s, they may be the more popular club off the pitch, but on the field, Leverkusen has been the prominent institution in the area.</p>
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<p>Despite Leverkusen being the favorites, newly promoted Köln have surprised many this Bundesliga season. Currently sitting in eighth place, manager Lukas Kwasniok has guided the team to impressive performances. Young talent Saïd El-Mala, who has already caught the attention of the German national team, is one to watch. Leverkusen, under the guidance of Kasper Hjulmand, recently triumphed over Manchester City and shared the spoils with Newcastle United. Key players to keep an eye on include American Malik Tillman, Spanish wing-back-turned-playmaker Alejandro Grimaldo, and rising star Christian Kofane.</p>
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<h2><strong>De Klassieker: Ajax vs Feyenoord</strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Owen van Leeuwen (Transfermarkt Content Manager Netherlands):</strong></p>
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<p>Ajax faces Feyenoord at the Johan Cruijff ArenA this Sunday for another thrilling installment of De Klassieker. Scheduled to kick off at 2:30 p.m. local time, this match is pivotal for both clubs as they vie for the top positions in the Eredivisie. Currently in second place, Feyenoord arrives in Amsterdam brimming with confidence after a decisive win over PEC Zwolle, during which Ayase Ueda made headlines by scoring four goals. Ajax, sitting lower in the standings, needs a victory to remain competitive.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>€175.00m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€235.53m</p>
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<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<p>€49.75m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€56.45m</p>
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<p>Fred Grim</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Robin van Persie</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Bearing that in mind, Ajax faces some players missing due to injury: Wout Weghorst, Josip Sutalo, and Kenneth Taylor are all questionable for Sunday. Feyenoord will also miss crucial contributors in Sem Steijn and Givairo Read, while Tsuyoshi Watanabe’s participation is still uncertain after he exited the match against PEC Zwolle early.</p>
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<p>The rivalry between these clubs remains intense, and past encounters have proven unpredictable. While Ajax emerged victorious in last season's home fixture, Feyenoord has started this season on stronger footing. Thus, Sunday’s match is set to be thrilling, carrying significant implications for both sides. Keep an eye on Ajax’s Mika Godts and Feyenoord’s Ueda.</p>
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<h2><strong>Liguilla Apertura Final: Tigres UANL vs Toluca</strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Osvaldo González Camacho (Transfermarkt Area Manager Mexico):</strong></p>
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<p>This Liga MX final pits the two most consistent teams of the Apertura 2025 against each other, a result of both team's strategic prowess. Toluca arrives as the league's most dynamic side, finishing the regular season with an impressive 43 goals through quick transitions, width in play, and an emphasis on intensity.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>Liga MX Apertura</p>
<p>Liga MX Apertura</p>
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<p>€70.75m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€75.80m</p>
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<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<p>€8.00m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€12.80m</p>
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<p>Guido Pizarro</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Antonio Mohamed</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Antonio Mohamed emphasizes fast-paced play that seeks to disturb rather than sterile possession, fostering disruptions and keeping pressure after losing the ball. In contrast, Tigres UANL, managed by Guido Pizarro, has excelled defensively, allowing only 16 goals during the regular season, prioritizing positional organization, tempo management, and experience.</p>
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<p>Their encounter on Matchday 3 offered a glimpse into their clash, resulting in a 4-3 victory for Tigres in a high-energy game that challenged both tactics. This match highlighted Toluca's attacking potential and Tigres' resilience under pressure.</p>
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<p>Adding to the narrative, Toluca eliminated Tigres in the Clausura 2025 semifinals, showing that intensity and structure can outmatch experience. This final will focus not on ball possession, but rather on which side can impose their identity in a tightly contested matchup. Players to watch include Tigres UANL's Ángel Correa and Toluca's Paulinho.</p>
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<h2><strong>Torneo Clausura Final: Racing Club vs Estudiantes</strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Scott Christensen (Area Manager Argentina and South America):</strong></p>
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<p>Although Estudiantes did not have the most successful year, finishing in eighth place, they secured a playoff spot for the Torneo Clausura and have been displaying a formidable attitude in these knockout games. With experienced players and a seasoned coach, they have not conceded a goal in the playoffs, scoring one goal in each match.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>Torneo Clausura</p>
<p>Torneo Clausura</p>
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<p>€77.23m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€46.58m</p>
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<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<p>€8.82m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
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<p>Gustavo Costas</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Eduardo Domínguez</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Key players include goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, playmaker and club-record signing Cristian Medina, captain Santiago Ascacíbar, and legendary forward Guido Carrillo.</p>
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<p>Racing Club finished third in their group, having focused on the Copa Libertadores, where they reached the semifinals. Over the past two years, they have emerged as a top team in Argentina. Coach Gustavo Costas has instilled a passionate playing style, showcasing aggressiveness, intensity, and tenacity in their matches—showcased by their victories over both Boca Juniors and River Plate on their path to the final.</p>
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<p>Look out for key players such as goalkeeper Facundo Cambeses, midfielder Santiago Sosa (who had a stint in MLS), and standout striker Adrián ‘Maravilla’ Martínez.</p>
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<h2><strong>Tyne-Wear Derby: Sunderland vs Newcastle</strong></h2>
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<p><strong>Ben Littlemore (Transfermarkt Content Manager England):</strong></p>
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<p>The Tyne-Wear derby is one of the most intense rivalries in English football, and with Newcastle missing from the Premier League for some time, this encounter is highly anticipated at the Stadium of Light. Newly promoted Sunderland come into this game sitting one point and three places above Newcastle in the standings. After a busy summer transfer period, the Black Cats have surpassed expectations this season, while Newcastle has shown signs of resurgence after a rough start.</p>
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>Premier League</p>
<p>Premier League</p>
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<p>€365.05m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€713.20m</p>
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<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<p>€187.90m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€278.85m</p>
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<p>Régis Le Bris</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Eddie Howe</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Captain Granit Xhaka is expected to play a vital role for Régis Le Bris' team, exhibiting key leadership and composure in the midfield as the Black Cats look to cement their strong season. He will face one of the Premier League's most physical midfields, comprising Joelinton, Bruno Guimarães, and Sandro Tonali—this matchup could determine the outcome of the derby. Expect high intensity, electrifying atmosphere, fierce tackles, and potentially a flurry of cards as the two regional rivals meet for the first time since 2016.</p>
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