Top games to watch this week
Friday, December 20
Girona vs Valladolid
Hellas Verona vs Milan
Bayern vs RB Leipzig
Casa Pia vs Arouca
Eyüpspor vs Fenerbahce
Saturday, December 21
Aston Villa vs Man City
Brentford vs Nottingham
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid
Genoa vs Napoli
Bayer Leverkusen vs Freiburg
Moreirense vs Porto
Sunday, December 22
Manchester United vs Bournemouth
Everton vs Chelsea
Tottenham vs Liverpool
Real Madrid vs Sevilla
Atalanta vs Empoli
Monza vs Juventus
Wolfsburg vs Borussia Dortmund
Gil Vicente vs Sporting CP
PSV vs Feyenoord
Kayserispor vs Galatasaray
Lens vs PSG
Monday, December 23
Fiorentina vs Udinese
Inter vs Como
Benfica vs Estoril
Istanbul Basaksehir vs Kasimpasa
Thursday, December 26
Manchester City vs Everton
AFC Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
Chelsea vs Fulham
Newcastle United vs Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham Hotspur
Southampton vs West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester United
Liverpool vs Leicester City
What are this week's must-watch games?
Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig live this Friday at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes
Bayern Munich's final game of the calendar year sees them host RB Leipzig in what promises to be a crucial fixture. The German giants are top of the Bundesliga table but saw their lead slashed to four points after losing 2-1 away to Mainz in their most recent game. The visitors, on the other hand, beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 last weekend and could move within three points of Kompany's crew with a win.
Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid live this Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN Deportes, ESPN+, and fuboTV
Barcelona will take to the field this weekend for the final time in 2024. Unfortunately, a grueling test awaits the Blaugrana as they host Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid in a must-win showdown. While the Catalan giants are top of the table, they have won only once in their last six league matches and lead the pack only on goal difference. Meanwhile, the visitors are level on points with Barcelona, with Real Madrid a point behind in third, having won all but one of their last eight league matches. Who will come away with the precious three points? Do not miss this showdown.
Tottenham vs Liverpool live this Sunday at 11:30 a.m. ET on NBC, Telemundo, and USA Network
From one major European league to another, Liverpool gear up for the first of their final three games in 2024. Next up for the Premier League leaders is a showdown with Tottenham as Slot's men aim to return to winning ways. The Merseyside giants have drawn their last two English top-flight matches and have seen their lead at the top diminish to two points, though Salah and Co. boast a game in hand. Spurs, on the other hand, recently beat Manchester United 4-3 to qualify for the Carabao Cup semifinals, where they will coincidentally face Liverpool. However, things have been trickier for the North London outfit in the Premier League, winning less than half of their last 10 outings, thus stressing the need for victory on Sunday.
Liverpool vs Leicester City live this Thursday at 3 p.m. ET on Universo, USA Network, and fuboTV
Liverpool return to action on Boxing Day, hosting Leicester in their penultimate game of the calendar year. Much rests on how the Reds' weekend clash with Tottenham goes, with Slot's side aiming to close out the year with a bang. Leciester, on the flip side, have recently climbed out of the danger zone but are only two points ahead of 18th-placed Ipswich Town. While a win at Anfield would do wonders in the relegation race, this would require a performance for the ages from the Foxes.
English Premier League coverage for NBC and USA Network: Dec. 21-22, 2024
Premier League fans in the U.S. need not worry about the upcoming round, as USA Network and NBC promise to televise half of the matches taking place in Matchweek 17.
USA Network will carry five games on its own, starting with the earliest kick-off and one of the standout fixtures: Aston Villa vs Manchester City.
The Cityzens enter this tricky test in atrocious form, winning only once in their last 11 matches across all competitions and having lost 2-1 at home last weekend in the Manchester Derby. Emery's side, on the other hand, have three wins in 11 in the league and will want to inflict more pain on Guardiola's team.
Manchester City are one of two Big Six sides in action on Saturday, with the other being Arsenal. The Gunners face Crystal Palace live on USA Network just days after beating the Eagles 3-2 in the Carabao Cup quarterfinal, and will be aiming for another victory over the South London outfit.
Sunday ushers in two highly-anticipated showdowns, the first being Chelsea's trip to Everton as the Blues look to keep their winning streak going and maintain pressure on leaders Liverpool.
Speaking of Liverpool, they headline the must-watch tie of Matchweek 17, visiting under-pressure Tottenham for an 11:30 a.m. ET showdown. Salah and Co. are only two points ahead of Chelsea in the standings but have a game in hand while Spurs could drop into the bottom half with a slip-up.
*Click here for a full look at the USA Network and NBC schedule
Premier League coverage this weekend on Universo and Telemundo
The English Premier League is one of those that does not stop even during the winter break, and fans in the United States will be able to follow every step of the way with the kind of coverage being prepared by Telemundo and Universo.
These Spanish-language channels will have plenty for fans to watch this weekend, including the anticipated game between Tottenham and Liverpool. Both teams had a busy mid-week, as both sides played a League Cup match to keep them in tune for this game. Liverpool are currently top of the table and Spurs sit thirteen points behind their rivals but with clear intentions to rise up the ranks.
Earlier in the weekend, Aston Villa will try to take advantage of Manchester City's slump in the weekend's opening game. The Villains are only two points behind Pep's men, which means that a win here would deepen the crisis for the current Premier League holders and put more pressure on Guardiola.
What to watch and stream on ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ this weekend
Many soccer leagues and tournaments will be offered this weekend for all on ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. The streaming platform and the Spanish-language channel will team up this weekend to cover a large number of matches from professional leagues in Europe.
The Spanish-language feed will be able to cover the full extent of this week's La Liga action, where Barcelona will try to extend their lead at the top of the competition in a tough game against Atlético. That task will be easier said than done, as Los Colchoneros have not enjoyed many wins against Barcelona recently.
Friday will also give fans a chance to get a grip on a good Bundesliga game, as Bayern seem set to continue their run for the title by beating RB Leipzig. One of the best games in the German top flight comes during the final weekend of the year in that tournament, giving a proper send-off to 2024.
These will not be the only top European competitions being covered by the network, as ESPN+ will also offer the Belgian Pro League, the Eredivisie, the Bundesliga 2, and the Spanish Segunda División on its schedule. If that was not attractive enough for all subscribers, more La Liga action and Gulf Cup of Nations action will be up for grabs on the platform.
*Here is the full preview of what's in store on ESPN Deportes and ESPN+
Biggest headlines
Vinicius and Bonmati named FIFA Best players of the year
Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior won the FIFA Best men's player of the year award at a ceremony in Doha on Tuesday, while Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati picked up the women's prize for the second time.
The award comes two months after 24-year-old Vinicius was second in the Ballon d'Or, with Real electing to snub the ceremony when they found out beforehand that Manchester City midfielder Rodri was set to win the trophy.
But the Brazilian was this time on hand to collect the prize in person as he is in Qatar with his club ahead of their Intercontinental Cup final clash with Mexico's Pachuca on Wednesday.
"Thank you very much. I don't know where to start. It was impossible to think of getting here. I grew up in a world of poverty, of organized crime. It's for all the children who grow up in that world. I thank everyone who voted for me," Vinicius said on stage. Read more…
Real Madrid outclass Pachuca to win Intercontinental Cup
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior both scored as Real Madrid cruised to a 3-0 victory over Mexican side Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup final in Doha on Wednesday.
Mbappe opened the scoring in the 37th minute before Rodrygo doubled Madrid's lead early in the second half. Vinicius sealed a comfortable win for the Spanish and European champions with a late penalty.
France striker Mbappe returned to the Madrid line-up in Doha after missing Saturday's 3-3 draw with Rayo Vallecano due to a hamstring injury suffered in the Champions League win at Atalanta last week.
Mbappe swept in from close range to break the deadlock after brilliant play from Vinicius Junior, who won the FIFA Best men's player of the year award a day earlier after missing out on the Ballon d'Or. Read more…
Renamed Super League submits plans for 96-team competition
Super League promoters on Tuesday revealed they have asked FIFA and UEFA for "official recognition" of their proposed competition, renamed the "Unify League", leaning on a ruling from Europe's top court.
A22 Sports Management said it sent the proposal after discussions with various leagues, clubs and other stakeholders, revising its qualification system to base participation on annual domestic performances.
It has submitted plans for competitions featuring 96 teams divided into four leagues, running from September to April, followed by a knockout phase starting with the quarter-finals.
In a statement, A22 argued last year's European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling meant that "any competition where qualification is inclusive and meritocratic, and which complies with the overall match calendar can be officially established".
Promoters also said matches would be shown live for free via a streaming platform. Read more…
France footballer Paul Pogba's brother sentenced to year in prison in extortion case
A Paris court on Thursday sentenced the brother of France midfielder Paul Pogba to a three-year prison term, with two years suspended, after convicting him in a high-profile extortion case.
Mathias Pogba will be able to serve his one-year sentence with an electronic bracelet rather than behind bars.
The court also fined Paul Pogba's brother 20,000 euros for participating in the attempted extortion of 13 million euros ($13.5 million) from Pogba in 2022, and for putting pressure on the player, his family, and his business contacts to obtain the payment. Read more…
US-based Friedkin Group complete Everton takeover
The US-based Friedkin Group have completed the takeover of Everton, the Premier League club announced Thursday.
Everton said the club had been acquired by Roundhouse Capital Holdings Limited, an entity within the Friedkin Group.
The Premier League said the Friedkin Group had purchased a 98.8 percent stake in Everton which becomes the 10th English top-flight club under majority American ownership.
Thursday's announcement comes after Everton said in September that the Friedkin Group had agreed to buy Farhad Moshiri's majority stake in the struggling side subject to regulatory approval -- which has now been granted by the Premier League, Women's Professional Leagues Limited, the Football Association, and the Financial Conduct Authority. Read more…
Amorim tells Rashford to 'speak with the manager' over exit talk
Ruben Amorim has told Marcus Rashford he should "speak with the manager" rather than air his grievances publicly after the Manchester United forward hinted he could leave Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old was dropped by United boss Amorim for Sunday's win at Manchester City and responded by saying he was "ready for a new challenge" in an interview on social media.
Rashford came through United's youth ranks and has chalked up 138 goals in 426 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2016.
However, he has lost form over the last 18 months with United and was also axed from England's Euro 2024 squad. Read more…
PSG win thriller in Monaco but lose Donnarumma to facial injury
Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to extend their unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season with a 4-2 win away to Monaco on Wednesday but lost goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to a gruesome facial injury.
The result opens up a 10-point gap between PSG and their closest challengers Marseille and Monaco.
The bloodied Italy international was left requiring staples after suffering lacerations to the right side of his face when he was caught by the studs of Monaco defender Wilfried Singo. Read more…
Spain to face Italy, Belgium and Portugal at Women's Euro 2025
World Cup winners Spain will play Italy, Belgium and Portugal at Women's Euro 2025, while England face a tough path to defending their title at next year's tournament in Switzerland.
Reigning European champions and 2023 World Cup runners-up England were drawn alongside France, the Netherlands, and debutants Wales in a challenging Group D.
The Netherlands won the tournament on home soil in 2017 under current England boss Sarina Wiegman.
Germany, who have won eight of the previous 13 editions, meet 1984 winners Sweden, Denmark, and newcomers Poland in Group C. Read more…
Chelsea notified by FA of 'adverse finding' in Mudryk doping test
Chelsea said Tuesday they had been notified by the Football Association of an "adverse finding" in a urine sample provided by Ukrainian forward Mykhailo Mudryk.
The Premier League club said the 23-year-old had "never knowingly" used banned substances and the player himself said it had come as a "complete shock".
"Chelsea Football Club can confirm that the Football Association recently contacted our player, Mykhailo Mudryk, concerning an adverse finding in a routine urine test," a club statement said.
"Both the club and Mykhailo fully support the FA's testing program and all our players, including Mykhailo, are regularly tested. Read more…
Ronaldo confirms wants to take reins of Brazilian football
Brazil legend Ronaldo has confirmed he wants to become president of the country's football governing body to address a "deep crisis" the sport is facing nationally.
"I have hundreds of motivations, but I think the biggest of them is really to restore international respect to Brazilian football," he said in an interview on Monday with the Globoesporte website.
Ronaldo said he wanted to be an "alternative for significant change" as a candidate for the job of running the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
"O Fenomeno" ("The Phenomenon"), as the 48-year-old became known over the course of his 1993-2011 career, said he wants to use the CBF presidency to help Brazil's national team regain its glory as five-time world champions. Read more…
Messi's Miami to host NYCFC in MLS 2025 season opener
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami will play host to New York City FC in the opening match of the 2025 Major League Soccer season under a schedule unveiled on Thursday.
The Argentine star led Inter Miami to the best record in MLS last season but the squad was upset by Atlanta in the opening round of the playoffs. Continue reading…
Lookman and Banda crowned African players of the year
Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman was named 2024 African men's player of the year at a ceremony in Marrakesh on Monday, while Zambia's Barbra Banda picked up the women's award.
Lookman succeeds compatriot Victor Osimhen, who last year became the first Nigerian winner since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999. Continue reading…
Spurs fail in appeal to reduce Bentancur ban for Son comments
Tottenham's appeal to reduce Rodrigo Bentancur's seven-match ban for an alleged racist remark he made about teammate Son Heung-min has been dismissed, the Football Association said on Tuesday.
The Uruguay midfielder was given the suspension, which relates to domestic games, by an independent commission on November 18 and Spurs indicated they would appeal. Continue reading…