Top games to watch this week
Friday, March 4
Deportivo Alavés vs Sevilla (La Liga)
Inter vs Salernitana (Serie A)
Arminia Bielefeld vs Augsburg (Bundesliga)
Gil Vicente vs Estoril (Primeira Liga)
Lorient vs Olympique Lyonnais (Ligue 1)
Saturday, March 5
Leicester City vs Leeds (English Premier League)
Burnley vs Chelsea (English Premier League)
Liverpool vs West Ham (English Premier League)
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad (La Liga)
Roma vs Atalanta (Serie A)
Cagliari vs Lazio (Serie A)
RB Leipzig vs Freiburg (Bundesliga)
Bayern München vs Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)
Portimonense vs Benfica (Primeira Liga)
Sporting CP vs Arouca (Primeira Liga)
Nice vs PSG (Ligue 1)
Chelsea vs Man City (FA Women's League Cup Final)
Juventus vs Roma (Serie A Femenina)
Sunday, March 6
Watford vs Arsenal (English Premier League)
Manchester City vs Manchester United (English Premier League)
Elche vs Barcelona (La Liga)
Real Betis vs Atlético Madrid (La Liga)
Juventus vs Spezia (Serie A)
Napoli vs Milan (Serie A)
Mainz vs Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga)
Pacos de Ferreira vs Porto (Primeira Liga)
Olympique Marseille vs Monaco (Ligue 1)
Monday, March 7
Tottenham vs Everton (English Premier League)
Athletic Club vs Levante (La Liga)
Nottingham Forest vs Huddersfield Town (FA Cup)
Tuesday, March 8
Bayern Munich vs Salzburg (UEFA Champions League
Liverpool vs Inter Milan (UEFA Champions League
NYCFC vs Comunicaciones (CONCACAF Champions League)
Seattle Sounders vs León (CONCACAF Champions League)
Wednesday, March 9
Real Madrid vs PSG (UEFA Champions League
Man City vs Sporting CP (UEFA Champions League
New England vs Pumas UNAM (CONCACAF Champions League)
Cruz Azul vs CF Montreal (CONCACAF Champions League)
Porto vs Lyon (UEFA Europa League)
Real Betis vs Eintracht Frankfurt (UEFA Europa League)
Thursday, March 10
Sevilla vs West Ham (UEFA Europa League)
Barcelona vs Galatasaray (UEFA Europa League)
Rangers vs Crvena Zvezda (UEFA Europa League)
Sporting Braga vs Monaco (UEFA Europa League)
Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen (UEFA Europa League)
RB Leipzig vs Spartak Moskva (UEFA Europa League)**
Vitesse vs Roma (UEFA Europa Conference League)
PSV vs Kobenhavn (UEFA Europa Conference League)
Leicester City vs Rennes (UEFA Europa Conference League)
Olympique Marseille vs Basel (UEFA Europa Conference League)
**Game cancelled due to the Russia-Ukraine war
Most-watched soccer games on U.S. TV: Feb. 21-27, 2022
CBS's broadcast of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg fixture between Atletico Madrid and Manchester United on Wednesday, Feb. 23, was the most-watched game on American television last week. An average of 856,000 viewers watched Joao Felix's early go-ahead goal and Anthony Elanga's late equalizer. Los Colchoneros will visit Old Trafford to face the Red Devils in the second leg of this match-up on Tuesday, March 15.
CBS also screened Chelsea's 2-0 win over Lille. Tuesday's UEFA Champions League broadcast drew an average of 777,000 viewers, the second-biggest television crowd for soccer games broadcasted in the USA last week. Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic scored the Blues' two goals to give them a prosperous lead ahead of their second leg match in France on Wednesday, March 16.
Manchester United made the top three for a second time after another draw, this time, against Watford in the English Premier League. USA Network's broadcast was the third most-viewed game in U.S. TV last week, attracting an average of 477,000 people.
What are this week's must-watch games?
Man City vs Man United live this Sunday at 11:30 a.m. ET on USA Network, Telemundo, fuboTV, and Sling TV
The Manchester Derby is here! Defending champions Manchester City gear up to host bitter rivals Manchester United in Sunday's highly-anticipated showdown. This game could play a crucial role in two different races: the Premier League title chase and the top-four fight. The Cityzens are now only six points ahead of second-placed Liverpool despite playing a game extra, meaning any slip-up at the Etihad Stadium could blow everything wide open. As for the Red Devils, they are in fourth but only by a two-point advantage. Given that Rangnick's men will face Man City, Tottenham, Atletico, Leicester, and Arsenal between now and late April, every point is precious to Cristiano and Co!
Napoli vs AC Milan live this Sunday at 2:45 p.m. ET exclusively on Paramount+
This is a showdown between first and second in Serie A. Napoli currently top the table, but only on goal difference, as they are level on 57 points with second-placed AC Milan. The last time these two giants faced off, the Rossoneri suffered a 1-0 loss, but Pioli's men cannot afford a similar result. Inter Milan are only two points behind, meaning the defending champions could leapfrog one of these two teams – if not both – depending on who wins. Italian top-flight fans in the United States can catch this clash live on Paramount+.
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UEFA Champions League resumes week as Real Madrid vs PSG live on Paramount+, TUDN, Univision, CBS, and fuboTV headlines the midweek European action
European football returns this midweek with a bang, as Real Madrid prepare to lock horns with PSG in the standout clash. This round of 16 encounter will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu as the Ligue 1 giants look to capitalize off of their 1-0 victory in the first leg. Kylian Mbappe scored a breathtaking last-gasp goal while Lionel Messi missed a crucial penalty. Who will win this tie and progress to the quarterfinals? Tune in to find out.
However, that's not all. Manchester City will host Sporting CP with a 5-0 advantage while Liverpool will welcome Inter Milan to Anfield a day earlier as the Reds look to defend their 2-0 lead. Thursday, meanwhile, will see the Europa League last 16 kick off, with West Ham and Sevilla battling it out for a spot in the last eight. Elsewhere, Spanish giants Barcelona prepare to take on Galatasaray amid their upturn in form. Don't miss the action.
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Watch the FA Women's League Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester City, eight top European league games on ATA Football, Montpellier taking on Paris Saint-Germain in the Coupe de France Feminine quarterfinal, and two Liga MX Femenil games in the USA this week in women's football.
Watch nine European league matches this weekend on ATA Football
ATA Football will live stream eight European league matches exclusively this weekend, including a Serie A Femenina clash between league-leaders Juventus and second-placed Roma on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. ET. The She-Wolf could go level on points with La Vecchia Signora if they manage a win away from home.
FA Women's Super League
Aston Villa vs. Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, March 5, at 6:30 a.m. ET
Arsenal vs. Birmingham City on Sunday, March 6, at 7 a.m. ET
Serie A Femenina
Juventus vs. Roma on Saturday, March 5, at 8:30 a.m. ET
Lazio vs. Sassuolo on Sunday, March 6, at 6:30 a.m. ET
AC Milan vs. Napoli on Sunday, March 6, at 8:30 a.m. ET
Primera Iberdrola
Deportivo Alaves vs. Barcelona on Sunday, March 6, at 6 a.m. ET
Frauen Bundesliga
Wolfsburg vs. Freiburg on Sunday, March 6, at 7 a.m. ET
Bayern Munich vs. FC Koln on Sunday, March 6, at 10 a.m. ET
How to watch Coupe de France Feminine in France
Eight teams remain in the Coupe de France Feminine, and reigning champions Olympique Lyonnais are not one of them. Les Fenottes fell to the hands of rivals Paris Saint-Germain three goals to nil in late January. PSG will now visit Montpellier, who looks to avenge a 1-0 home loss against the Parisians in Division 1 Arkema play in September 2021.
Eurosport 2 France will screen the quarterfinal fixture between Montpellier and PSG on television in their home country.
Saturday, March 5
Montpellier vs. Paris Saint-Germain at 8 a.m. ET
Paris FC vs. Fleury 91 at 8:30 a.m. ET
Sunday, March 6
Rodez vs. Yzeure at 8:30 a.m. ET
Stade Reims vs. Nantes at 8:30 a.m. ET
How to watch the FA Women's League Cup
The FA Player will screen the Continental Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City internationally on Saturday, March 5, at 12:15 p.m. ET. BBC Sports Web, BBC iPlayer and BBC2 will broadcast/stream the final in Ireland and the UK.
The Blues defeated Leicester City in the Conti Cup fifth round to qualify for the final. The Citizens, on the other hand, took down rivals Manchester United 4-1 to secure their spot in the final. Chelsea and Man City last met in a FA Women's Super League match that finished 1-0 in favor of Emma Hayes' team in early February.
Having won the last two FA Women's League Cup titles, Chelsea will hope to make it a third overall and in a row. Gareth Taylor's Manchester City will look to break the London giants' stream and bring the cup back to Manchester for the fourth time.
How to watch two Liga MX Femenil games in the USA
TUDN USA and Telemundo Deportes en Vivo will each show one Liga MX Femenil game in the USA.
TUDN will broadcast Pumas UNAM vs. Pachuca live on TUDN USA and stream it on TUDN App and TUDN.com. Telemundo Deportes en Vivo will stream fourth-placed Chivas Guadalajara taking on last-placed Juarez.
Saturday, March 5
Pumas UNAM vs. Pachuca at 1 p.m. ET
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TUDN USA, TUDN App, TUDN.com
Monday, March 7
Chivas Guadalajara vs. Juarez at 8 p.m. ET
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Telemundo Deportes en Vivo
Biggest stories of the week
Tuchel reveals his thoughts on Abramovich's Chelsea exit after Russian owner decides to sell EPL giants
After days of speculation, the Russian oligarch confirmed what many felt was inevitable: his departure from Stamford Bridge. Roman Abramovich, who bought the Blues back in 2003, announced that he would be putting the club up for purchase amid claims his assets in the United Kingdom would be frozen due to his alleged ties with Vladimir Putin.
Abramovich, who promised to donate the net proceeds from the sale to help the victims of Russia's war with Ukraine, wrote in an official statement: "Please know that this has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part with the Club in this manner. However, I do believe this is in the best interest of the Club.
"I hope that I will be able to visit Stamford Bridge one last time to say goodbye to all of you in person. It has been a privilege of a lifetime to be part of Chelsea FC and I am proud of all our joint achievements. Chelsea Football Club and its supporters will always be in my heart."
That announcement came shortly before the club's FA Cup showdown with Luton Town, meaning journalists were unable to probe Thomas Tuchel for his thoughts until after the game. The German head coach was asked for his thoughts on the Russian billionaire's inevitable departure and the oligarch's impact during his 19-year reign at Chelsea. However, the former PSG and Dortmund boss was candid, admitting that he is yet to come to grips with this situation given how quickly things unfolded.
"It's a bit too early to speak, because I can only think about Chelsea with Roman Abramovich," the tactician said. "So it's very hard for me. It hasn't sunk in yet that this is going to stop. It's a massive change of course.
"We did not talk about it (before the Luton match). We did not talk about it, we accepted it.
"The players have internet connections, they watch TV so of course they knew, they get messages. But still we focused in the preparation only on sports.
"And maybe some players are more affected, some less, but in the end we managed to focus, grow into this game and find the key top win it.
"I don't think I need to talk about it, I don't know as much as maybe you think. I'm not a CEO or member of the board. So, I'm very sure the club will speak to us and the players.
"I'm not so much worried because I still feel privileged and in a good place. And I still hope and trust for the best. I'm not so much the person who worries about things I cannot influence.
"It's big news, it will be a big change, but I'm also never afraid of change, and will focus on what I can influence, and this is staff and team at Cobham."
PSG director responds to Mbappe's "huge contract offer" claims and Zinedine Zidane links
Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has reacted to reports of a $55.6M (€50M) salary proposal for Kylian Mbappé and a purported move for former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane amid claims of an imminent exit for Mauricio Pochettino. The Brazilian has denied both claims, citing that talks are still ongoing to tie the former to a new deal whereas the latter has never been in any conversation with the club in regards to an exit.
Recent reports gave fans of PSG a glimmer of hope with news breaking out in France that the club was preparing a bumper deal for their golden boy. According to Le Parisien, they were not willing to give up in the quest to tie down Mbappe for a few more years and had readied a proposal that would see the ex-Monaco man earn $55.6M per year. A bonus of $111.1M (€100M) was also supposedly going to be added on top for the forward for signing the extension, and would run until 2024.
However, the claims have now been rebuffed by Leonard, who insists that the amount that would be paid to Mbappe will be the last thing to be discussed on the extension offer. In an interview with L'Équipé, he said: "Chances of Mbappe staying? I can't say, but we have a possibility. As long as there is no signature, we will try everything, we will do everything to keep him."
On the subject of the supposed bumper deal in the pipeline, he added: "We want to put Kylian in the best conditions to become the best player possible". "The last thing we will put on Mbappé's contract will be the salary amount."
Leonard, who became PSG's sporting director in 2019, also responded to the rumors surrounding his club's managerial post. With the French club in pole position to secure the Ligue 1 and closing in on the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, he stated that there was no need replacing Mauricio Pochettino with Zinedine Zidane despite what is being widely speculated. "We've never thought about changing our manager," he said. "I can say that Mauricio Pochettino has never asked to leave. I have no problem with him. We talk about everything."
FIFPro urges FIFA to open emergency transfer window for Russian Premier League footballers
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has had a massive effect on football, and this time, players from other nations plying their trade in Russian and Ukrainian leagues have requested FIFA to help them get away from the conflict by letting them leave their current clubs.
In a letter by FIFPro to FIFA, the world players' union urged the governing body to help players that are desperate to leave these countries to terminate their contracts unilaterally. The idea is to give those players the chance to find employment elsewhere due to this unexpected situation.
FIFPro contemplates giving footballers a chance to end their contract as things stand in those countries since it's an emergency situation, but ending their deal to find themselves unemployed would not serve their purpose. Hence, FIFPro has urged FIFA to open up an emergency transfer window so those currently performing in those countries can be hired elsewhere.
The current conditions emerging from the conflict have caused teams such as Krasnodar to terminate the contracts of eight players, while Lokomotiv Moskva and Krasnodar's coaches Markus Gisdol and Daniel Farke also decided to quit their jobs. Moreover, this measure would not only benefit the players, as teams would be willing to negotiate and save themselves from bankruptcy, since they would not be forced to keep paying their players some huge wages when their currency is taking a hit.
Only time will tell if FIFA allows this to happen, but in the meantime, FIFPro is surely taking care of those who are affiliated to them in this complicated moment in human history.
Barcelona looking to create own cryptos and launch NFTs
Over the past few years, cryptocurrencies have really taken off, with NFTs (non-fungible tokens) becoming a buzzword on the lips of people all over the world.
Whether one really gets these financial concepts or is totally enthused about the rise of the metaverse is not the point, but what is interesting is how many of Europe's biggest clubs have decided to get involved in this rapidly developing new idea. In addition, several players are actually being paid in digital currencies - a clear sign of how this once abstract concept has now become very much mainstream.
Recently, Barcelona's executives confirmed that the Blaugrana will not only be developing their own cryptocurrency, but also launch their own range of NFTs.
It's an interesting development especially given Barcelona's massive debts. At the time of Joan Laporta's return, the Blaugrana had run up a bill of over $1.1 billion (€1 billion), which meant they had to part ways with quite a few first-team players in a bid to balance the books.
Laporta believes that getting involved in cryptos could help revive Barcelona's fortunes, noting that "[This] is something we can share with our fans around the world -- around 300 million of them. We want to generate new opportunities for growth [via potentially monetizing our fan base]. Our goal is to win titles and to make our fans happy, but we also have to profit from opportunities in the sports industry."
It'll be interesting to see how this develops and whether other big teams will decide to follow in Barcelona's stead in the not too distant future.
Other key headlines from the world of football
Bayern superstar Robert Lewandowski linked with shock move to Premier League side
Lewandowski finds himself in a tricky contractual situation at the Allianz Arena. The striker has only 18 months left on his contract, meaning he will enter the final year of his current Bavarians deal this summer. Should the player and the club fail to wrap up an extension, Bayern Munich will be left with two options: cash in on him this summer or risk losing him for free in a year's time. Due to that dilemma, a host of European clubs have begun showing interest in the Polish forward, with the latest team reportedly being Arsenal.
The Gunners' interest in Lewandowski is understandable. Despite prioritizing young players under their new regime, the north London giants look to lose Alexandre Lacazette for free this summer, leaving them with no senior no.9 given Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's departure in January.
This is according to Four Four Two, meaning a pinch of salt could be required. The report adds that a lot hinges on Arsenal's top-four race as the Gunners would need to qualify for UEFA Champions League football if they wish to even have a seat at the table with Lewandowski's representatives.
Turner Sports and U.S. Soccer agree to an eight-year rights deal starting in 2023
Turner Sports' TNT or TBS and HBO Max will house more than 160 men's and women's national team matches through 2030, becoming the English-language home of international football in the United States. The agreement includes screenings of U.S. Soccer World Cup Qualifiers, SheBelieves Cup, friendlies and other events.
HBO Max will exclusively stream more than 20 United States National Soccer Team matches a year, and TNT or TBS will televise approximately half of those games. The matches screened on TNT or TBS will all simulcast on HBO Max.
Expect U.S. National Team World Cup qualifiers, National Team friendlies, U.S. Men's national team matches against Mexico and other events leading up to the upcoming World Cups and Olympic Games.
New Leeds coach makes honest assessment about departing boss Bielsa
Speaking in a press conference, Jesse Marsch admitted that he urged team executive Victor Orta to keep former coach Marcelo Bielsa around despite the string of results that prompted the Argentine's exit.
"I felt he could have stayed. I was not prepared to become Leeds' coach two weeks ago, and I wanted Marcelo to end his term as coach on a high note with our fans. I did not want him to leave this way," the American stated.
The former RB Leipzig coach went on further and agreed to join Leeds once he realized the team needed a new approach to stay afloat. The coach, who signed a contract with the Premier League side until 2025, is reportedly ready to establish a new set of tactics to help Leeds avoid relegation.
