This weekend in Belgium, all attention is focused on the possible title match between Antwerp and Union, but elsewhere in Europe there are also many important matches that can put the title fight or the fight against relegation in a decisive fold.
Jürgen Geril, Jeroen De Pauw
1. Borussia Dortmund – Mainz 05 (Saturday 3.30pm)
Will Borussia Dortmund – after ten titles in a row for Bayern – become German champions again? You will know the answer on Saturday afternoon at 5.15 pm. The Borussen start the final day with a 2-point lead over their rival from Bavaria. If they beat Mainz 05 they are always champions. If not, it depends on Bayern Munich’s result against FC Köln. Dortmund is looking forward to seeing whether the young Belgian Julien Duranville (17) can make his debut in this title match. Last week, the new chouchou sat on the bench for the first time after a lot of injuries. Star player Jude Bellingham is still slightly unsure, while Thomas Meunier is no longer part of Dortmund’s plans. That first title since 2012 – the ninth in total – would be punishment for Borussia Dortmund. Even with a world wonder like Erling Haaland in the team, they never succeeded in becoming Deutsche Meister in recent years.
© IMAGO/Revierfoto
2. Leicester City – West Ham (Sunday 5.30pm)
It’s do or die for the Belgians of Leicester City. Youri Tielemans, Wout Faes, Timothy Castagne and Dennis Praet are on the verge of relegation from the Premier League. To save themselves on the final day, The Foxes actually need a miracle. They have to win against West Ham themselves and then hope that Bournemouth takes something against relegation competitor Everton. In that case, the team of Red Devil Amadou Onana drops. If Leicester and Everton finish on an equal number of points (34) then the Foxes have the advantage with a better goal difference. The last time Leicester City won, however, dates back to April 22 against Wolverhampton.
3. Benfica – Santa Clara (Saturday 7pm)
Benfica has the title up for grabs on the final day in Portugal. The Eagles are two points ahead of eternal rivals Porto and also have a much better goal difference. The red and white also play at home against the already relegated Santa Clara. Yes, Porto will meet the viable card Vittoria Guimaraes, but this cannot go wrong anymore. A win or a draw is enough. For Benfica it would be his 38th national title, but only the first since 2019. In recent years when Jan Vertonghen still played there, they often missed the main prize. Now it is former PSV coach Roger Schmidt who must lead them to this success.
© AP
4. MVV Maastricht – NAC Breda (Saturday 8 pm)
A match from the Dutch second division, I hear you say. True, but one that matters. MVV Maastricht receives NAC Breda in the hunt for promotion to Eredivisie. The first leg was lost 1-0 by MVV, so there is still a lot of work to advance to the semi-finals of the play-offs. The big question is whether Antwerp coach Mark van Bommel will be in the stands on Saturday. His sons Thomas and Ruben both play football for MVV, but left winger Ruben in particular is having a great time. He already enjoys the interest of numerous major Eredivisie clubs. Will father Mark cheer on Saturday before he takes the title with Antwerp?
© BELGIUM
5. Coventry City – Luton Town (Saturday 5.45pm)
Who will play in the Premier League next season. The competition in The Championship for Conventry City and Luton Town has already been 48 games, but a highlight will follow this weekend. Then both clubs will play the final at Wembley for promotion to the English Walhalla. Burnley – with Vincent Kompany – and Sheffield United preceded them. The bookmakers are closing down Luton Town where former Club player Marvelous Nakamba under contract has the best chance.
