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<p>From Milan to Vancouver</p>
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<img alt="Five games to watch this weekend: Libertadores final, El Gran Derbi, Istanbul derby & more"
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title="Five games to watch this weekend: Libertadores final, El Gran Derbi, Istanbul derby & more" />
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<p>Football never takes a break, and after an exhilarating Champions League matchday, attention now turns back to domestic competitions. This weekend features the thrilling Copa Libertadores final, the intense Istanbul Derby, El Gran Derbi in Sevilla, and much more. In short, there are captivating matches to catch around the world, and with insights from our global team, Transfermarkt brings you five must-watch games for this weekend.</p><br />
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<p>Are you planning to attend any of the matches in person? If so, be sure to register as a user and utilize our Groundhopping Tool to document your matchday experiences and discover some intriguing stats!</p><br />
<h2><strong>Copa Libertadores: Palmeiras vs Flamengo</strong></h2><br />
<p><strong>Marcos Watts (Transfermarkt Area Manager Brazil):</strong></p><br />
<p>When it comes to a Copa Libertadores final, there's rarely a clear favorite. While Palmeiras has shown more consistency, Flamengo boasts a squad loaded with talent. With a fierce rivalry at stake and both clubs vying for the Brasileirão title (with Flamengo holding a 5-point lead over Palmeiras and just two matchdays remaining), it's all about who can withstand the pressure.</p><br />
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>Market Value: €32.90m</p>
<p>Market Value: €97.40m</p>
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<p>League Level: First Tier</p>
<p>League Level: First Tier</p>
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<p>Expenditures 25/26: €1.70m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26: €6.50m</p>
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<p>Managers: Mauricio Pellegrino</p>
<p>Managers: Jorge Sampaoli</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>This period may well be Brazil's most dominant era in Copa Libertadores history. Brazilian teams claimed 6 out of 10 titles in the '90s and again in the 2010s, but since 2020, there has only been one non-Brazilian team in the finals, and each title has been captured by Brazilian clubs—a trend that seems unlikely to change soon.</p><br />
<p>José "Flaco" López has been a standout for Palmeiras (7 goals in 11 matches), and his partnership with Vitor Roque (4 goals in 10 matches) has proven lethal. This duo could be crucial for Palmeiras' prospects in the final.</p><br />
<p>Meanwhile, veteran Giorgian de Arrascaeta has arguably enjoyed the finest season of his career in 2025, consistently orchestrating Flamengo's play. With 23 goals and 17 assists in 59 matches this season, Arrascaeta is certainly the player to watch for the Rubro-Negro as they approach the Libertadores final.</p><br />
<h2><strong>The Intercontinental Derby: Fenerbahçe vs Galatasaray</strong></h2><br />
<p><strong>Lara Karacan (Transfermarkt Area Manager Türkiye):</strong></p><br />
<p>The Intercontinental Derby brings intense rivalry, with Fenerbahçe in first place and Galatasaray in second, just one point behind. Fenerbahçe hosts the match at home, where a win could propel them to the top, while Galatasaray seeks to maintain their lead.</p><br />
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>Market Value: €291.80m</p>
<p>Market Value: €305.20m</p>
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<p>League Level: First Tier</p>
<p>League Level: First Tier</p>
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<p>Expenditures 25/26: €87.00m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26: €148.27m</p>
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<p>Managers: Domenico Tedesco</p>
<p>Managers: Okan Buruk</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Current form favors Fenerbahçe, coming off a series of league victories, while Galatasaray has only managed two wins in their last five matches across all competitions. However, history shows a different picture in Kadıköy, where Fenerbahçe hasn't beaten Gala at home since 2022, registering one draw and three losses since then.</p><br />
<p>The predicament for Galatasaray is worsened by injuries, suspensions due to cards, and issues related to a betting scandal, limiting their squad options. In contrast, Fenerbahçe benefits from a near-full strength team, highlighted by Marco Asensio's impressive performance with a goal or assist in his last five league appearances. The spotlight naturally falls on the showdown between Asensio and Victor Osimhen, the league's most pricy signing, currently recovering from injury.</p><br />
<p>With title implications and the emotional weight of the derby, both teams are likely to adopt a cautious approach. Expect a tightly contested tactical match where neither side can afford to lose; a draw wouldn't be surprising.</p><br />
<h2><strong>Derby del Sole: Roma vs Napoli</strong></h2><br />
<p><strong>Stefano Buonfino (Transfermarkt Content Manager Italy):</strong></p><br />
<p>The encounter between Roma and Napoli features the two largest cities in Southern Italy, a rivalry that transformed from friendly to fiercely competitive back in the 1980s. Currently, it represents a clash between the first and third places in Serie A, with Roma aspiring to reclaim their former glory against the reigning Italian champions.</p><br />
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>Market Value: €401.00m</p>
<p>Market Value: €503.30m</p>
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<p>League Level: First Tier</p>
<p>League Level: First Tier</p>
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<p>Expenditures 25/26: €63.60m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26: €115.10m</p>
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<p>Managers: Gian Piero Gasperini</p>
<p>Managers: Antonio Conte</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Roma aims to remain at the top of the league, while Napoli looks to build on their strong performance against Atalanta. Only two points separate these two teams. Even though Gasperini has been suspended, this match offers them a chance to secure three vital points against a direct rival. Roma previously encountered challenges against both Milan clubs but showed potential for more.</p><br />
<p>With both teams possessing excellent defenses, neither has a preference for draws, and both struggle with consistently lethal attacks. Goalkeepers Mile Svilar and Vanja Milinković-Savić may be crucial in a match likely characterized by limited scoring opportunities and physical battles. Key players to note include Scott McTominay and Rasmus Højlund (from Napoli), and Matías Soulé and Evan Ferguson (from Roma).</p><br />
<h2><strong>Liguilla Apertura: Chivas vs Cruz Azul</strong></h2><br />
<p><strong>Osvaldo González Camacho (Area Manager Mexico):</strong></p><br />
<p>While the matchup between Chivas and Cruz Azul isn’t the most historic rivalry in Mexico, it’s a tactically intriguing contest, especially in this season. Their last regular-season meeting delivered a stark reminder: despite Cruz Azul winning 2-1, Chivas dominated possession, shots, and corners, yet their inefficiency allowed Cruz Azul to capitalize at critical moments.</p><br />
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>League Level: Liga MX Apertura</p>
<p>League Level: Liga MX Apertura</p>
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<p>Market Value: €66.33m</p>
<p>Market Value: €82.10m</p>
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<p>League Level: First Tier</p>
<p>League Level: First Tier</p>
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<p>Expenditures 25/26: €14.73m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26: €14.07m</p>
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<p>Managers: Gabriel Milito</p>
<p>Managers: Nicolás Larcamón</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>Since then, both teams have committed to their tactical identities. Nicolás Larcamón continues with an aggressive 3-4-2-1 formation, prioritizing high press and swift vertical attacks. Cruz Azul is known for explosive transitions once they regain possession. Meanwhile, Milito has transformed Chivas into a side that excels in early and late-game pressure, deploying a structure with three center-backs and two creative midfielders driving play. Their style has allowed them to lead the league in goals during the opening 15 minutes and to be potent in the closing phases of matches.</p><br />
<p>This contest pits two bold tactical philosophies against each other: Chivas seeking to impose their will through pressure and possession, while Cruz Azul looks to exploit gaps with calculated precision. If Chivas can replicate their previous dominance, they may shift the tie in their favor. Conversely, if Cruz Azul manages to breach their high defensive line again, they might fulfill the narrative of a well-timed upset. This match is set to deliver high stakes, tempo, and tactical intrigue—perfect ingredients for an exciting Liguilla night.</p><br />
<h2><strong>El Gran Derbi: Sevilla vs Real Betis</strong></h2><br />
<p><strong>Ivan Fuénte (Transfermarkt Content Manager Spain):</strong></p><br />
<p>The Seville derby is arguably the fiercest rivalry in Spanish football. While Sevilla FC has made remarkable strides in the past two decades, the intense competition between these two teams has kept the rivalry alive, something not often seen in other Spanish derbies. For several years, LaLiga has branded it 'El Gran Derbi' to enhance its profile.</p><br />
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>Market Value: €127.10m</p>
<p>Market Value: €215.50m</p>
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<p>League Level: First Tier</p>
<p>League Level: First Tier</p>
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<p>Expenditures 25/26: €250k</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26: €60.50m</p>
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<p>Managers: Matías Almeyda</p>
<p>Managers: Manuel Pellegrini</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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<p>On the field, Real Betis has appeared stronger this season (5th vs 11th in LaLiga). Notably, in their last seven derbies, the Green and Whites have triumphed—a streak unseen since the 1930s. Despite facing some absences due to Antony's suspension and injuries to key players like Giovani Lo Celso and Héctor Bellerín, Betis still boasts Isco, returning from injury and ready to make an impact.</p><br />
<p>Sevilla, with four losses in their last five LaLiga matches, struggles heading into the derby without prominent players like César Azpilicueta, Rubén Vargas, Adnan Januzaj, and Gabriel Suazo. Alarmingly, they also hold the record for most penalties conceded in LaLiga. However, as in any derby, previous records and statistics may go out the window. History suggests that Sevilla often prevails when facing Real Betis, making for a highly unpredictable encounter.</p><br />
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