Soccer Recapp Wednesday ⚽️ ☕️

The International Break overflowed with Nations League and World Cup Qualifying action, while Major League Soccer played on 🌏 ☕️

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Mar 26, 2025

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International Coffee Window 🌎 ☕️

UEFA Nations League

In UEFA Nations League A quarter-final round action there were some thrilling matches, including the first-ever quarter-final rounds, setting the stage for the semi-finals in June.

Germany vs. Italy: Germany advanced with a 5-4 aggregate victory. The first leg in Italy saw Germany come back to win 2-1. In the second leg at home, an entertaining 3-3 draw sealed their advancement.
Portugal vs. Denmark: Portugal moved forward with a 5-3 aggregate win after extra time. Denmark took a 1-0 lead in the first leg at home, thanks to Rasmus Højlund's goal, despite Christian Eriksen missing a penalty. Portugal turned it around in the second leg with a 5-2 victory, featuring goals from Cristiano Ronaldo (who also missed a penalty) and Francisco Trincão, showcasing their resilience.
Spain vs. Netherlands: Spain edged out the Netherlands 5-5 on aggregate, winning 5-4 in a penalty shootout. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw in the Netherlands. The second leg in Spain saw another 3-3 draw, with Memphis Depay scoring for the Dutch, but Spain's clutch performance in the shootout secured their semi-final spot.
France vs. Croatia: France progressed with a 2-2 aggregate, finding a way to win 5-4 in penalties. Croatia won the first leg 2-0 at home, putting France on the back foot. However, Les Bleus mounted a comeback in the second leg with a 2-0 win, and goalkeeper Mike Maignan's heroics in the shootout sent France through.

The semis are scheduled for June 4-5, 2025, with Germany facing Portugal in Munich and Spain taking on France in Stuttgart. The final and third-place playoff will follow on June 8, 2025.

CONCACAF Nations League

Mexico claimed their first-ever CONCACAF Nations League title, ending the United States' run of three consecutive championships. Here’s how the final stages unfolded:

Semifinals (March 20, 2025):
- Mexico vs. Canada: Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over Canada, with Raúl Jiménez proving decisive. He scored in the opening minute and again in the 75th, showcasing Mexico’s attacking prowess and sending El Tri to the final. Canada struggled to convert their chances, and couldn’t break through Mexico’s defense.
- United States vs. Panama: In a stunning upset, Panama defeated the USMNT 1-0 with a dramatic 94th-minute goal from Cecilio Waterman. The U.S., under Mauricio Pochettino, couldn’t solve Panama’s resolute defense, marking their third straight tournament loss to Panama. This result ended the Americans’ title defense and sent Panama to their first-ever CONCACAF Nations League final.
Final (March 23, 2025):
- Mexico vs. Panama: Mexico clinched the title with a 2-1 win over Panama in a tense final. The match remained tight, but Raúl Jiménez once again proved the difference-maker, scoring a penalty in the second minute of stoppage time to secure the victory. Panama had taken an early lead, but Mexico’s persistence paid off, with Jiménez’s brace earning them the trophy. This win marked Mexico’s return to the top of CONCACAF, their first Nations League title after previous final losses to the U.S. in 2021 and 2024.

UEFA World Cup Qualifying

The European Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off with teams competing in 12 groups of four or five teams. The qualification process will run through November 2025, followed by play-offs in March 2026. A total of 16 UEFA nations will qualify for the finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Group winners secure direct qualification, while runners-up and the four best-ranked UEFA Nations League group winners (not finishing in the top two of their qualifying group) will advance to the play-offs.

Highlights:

England, under new manager Thomas Tuchel, started strongly with a 2-0 win over Albania (Myles Lewis-Skelly scoring on debut) and followed up with a 3-0 victory against Latvia (Reece James opening the scoring).
Norway has been dominant in Group I, with Erling Haaland contributing to a 5-0 rout of Moldova earlier and a 4-2 win over Israel.
Poland, led by Robert Lewandowski, secured back-to-back wins in Group G against Lithuania and Malta.
Wales opened with a 3-0 victory over Kazakhstan but drew 1-1 with North Macedonia.
Romania bounced back from a loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina with a 5-1 thrashing of San Marino.

CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying

The recent matchday was the 14th of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification for CONMEBOL teams. These games have significantly shaped the standings as South American teams vie for the six direct qualification spots and one inter-confederation playoff spot for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Argentina 4-1 Brazil: Argentina delivered a stunning performance against their rivals at the Maracanã, securing their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. This victory solidified their position at the top of the standings with 31 points after 14 matches, making them the first South American team to qualify and the seventh overall, joining hosts Canada, Mexico, USA, and previously qualified Iran, Japan, and New Zealand.
Chile 0-0 Ecuador: A goalless draw kept Ecuador in contention with 23 points, placing them second in the standings, while Chile remained near the bottom with 10 points, struggling to climb out of the elimination zone.
Colombia 2-2 Paraguay: This draw left Colombia with 20 points in sixth place, still in the qualification zone, while Paraguay held onto fifth place with 21 points, maintaining their strong position for direct qualification.
Venezuela 1-0 Peru: Venezuela's narrow victory boosted them to 15 points, keeping them in the hunt for the playoff spot (seventh place), while Peru languished at the bottom with 10 points alongside Chile.
Bolivia 0-0 Uruguay: A stalemate saw Uruguay stay in third place with 21 points, tied with Brazil and Paraguay but separated by goal difference, while Bolivia's 14 points kept them just outside the playoff position.

CAF World Cup Qualifying

The African qualifiers were the fifth and sixth matchdays of the group stage. These matches are part of a 10-match campaign running from November 2023 to October 2025, where 54 teams are competing in nine groups of six (with Group E having five teams due to Eritrea's withdrawal). The nine group winners will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, while the four best runners-up will advance to a CAF playoff in November 2025 to determine an additional team for the inter-confederation playoffs.

Matchday 5 (March 20-22, 2025):

South Africa 2-0 Lesotho: South Africa took the lead in Group C.
Rwanda 0-2 Nigeria: Nigeria moved to fourth in Group C, still in contention.
DR Congo 1-0 South Sudan: DR Congo climbed to second in Group B.
Burkina Faso 4-1 Djibouti: Burkina Faso rose to second in Group A.
Botswana 1-3 Algeria: Algeria strengthened their position in Group G.
Equatorial Guinea 2-0 São Tomé e Príncipe: Equatorial Guinea stayed competitive in Group H.
Mozambique 3-1 Uganda: Mozambique took a strong step in Group G.
Zimbabwe 2-2 Benin: A dramatic draw in Group C.
Central African Republic 1-4 Madagascar: Madagascar surged in Group I.
Eswatini 0-0 Cameroon: A stalemate in Group D.

Matchday 6 (March 24-25, 2025):

Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe: Nigeria's hopes of topping Group C took a hit, now six points behind South Africa.
Angola 1-2 Cape Verde: Cape Verde opened a four-point lead in Group D.
Egypt 1-0 Sierra Leone: Egypt maintained their dominance in Group A.
Sudan 1-1 South Sudan: Sudan stayed unbeaten in Group B.
Botswana 2-0 Somalia: Botswana kept pace in Group G.
Burundi 5-0 Seychelles: Burundi made a statement in Group F.
Cameroon 3-1 Libya: Cameroon closed the gap in Group D.
Senegal 2-0 Togo: Senegal solidified their spot in Group B.
Comoros 1-0 Chad: Comoros gained ground in Group I.
Algeria 5-1 Mozambique: Algeria continued their strong run in Group G.
Rwanda 1-1 Lesotho: Rwanda missed a chance to close the gap in Group C.
Uganda 1-0 Guinea: Uganda stayed in the hunt in Group G.
Benin 0-2 South Africa: South Africa extended their lead in Group C.

Current Standings Snapshot (After Matchday 6):

Group A: Egypt leads with 16 points, followed by Burkina Faso (11).
Group B: Senegal and Sudan are tied at 12 points, with DR Congo at 13.
Group C: South Africa tops with 13 points, Rwanda at 8, Nigeria at 7.
Group D: Cape Verde leads with 13 points, Cameroon at 9.
Group G: Algeria dominates with a strong goal difference, followed by Mozambique and Uganda.

AFC World Cup Qualifying

In Asian qualifying:

Group A

Iran 2-2 Uzbekistan: Iran secured their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a draw against Uzbekistan in Tehran. Mehdi Taremi scored twice for Iran, while Uzbekistan's goals came from Eldor Shomurodov and Oston Urunov. Iran needed just a point to qualify and achieved it, maintaining their lead in the group with 19 points, while Uzbekistan stayed on 16 points, still in contention for an automatic spot.
Kyrgyzstan 2-3 UAE: The UAE staged a dramatic comeback, scoring a last-minute winner through Harib Abdalla Suhail to keep their qualification hopes alive. Kyrgyzstan had taken the lead with goals from Alimardon Shukurov and Kimi Merk, but the UAE fought back with strikes from Yahya Al Ghassani and Ali Saleh before Suhail’s decisive goal. UAE moved to 13 points, while Kyrgyzstan remained on 6.
North Korea 0-1 Qatar: Qatar secured a narrow victory with a first-half goal from Akram Afif, keeping them in fourth place with 10 points. North Korea, with 3 points, are out of contention for direct qualification.

Standings: Iran (19, qualified), Uzbekistan (16), UAE (13), Qatar (10), Kyrgyzstan (6), North Korea (3).

Group B

South Korea 1-1 Jordan: South Korea were held to a third consecutive draw in Suwon, with Lee Jae-sung scoring early, only for Musa Al-Taamari to equalize for Jordan in the second half. South Korea lead with 16 points, while Jordan sit on 13, keeping the race for the top two spots tight.
Palestine 1-1 Iraq: Palestine scored a stunning last-minute winner through Wessam Abou Ali to draw level with Iraq, who had taken the lead via Aymen Hussein. This result was a blow to Iraq (12 points), who dropped to third, while Palestine (4 points) remain at the bottom but showed resilience. Jordan benefited significantly from this result.
Kuwait 1-1 Oman: Kuwait and Oman played out a draw, with Yousef Nasser scoring for Kuwait and Muhsen Al Ghassani replying for Oman. Oman stay in fourth with 8 points, while Kuwait have 5.

Standings: South Korea (16), Jordan (13), Iraq (12), Oman (8), Kuwait (5), Palestine (4).

Group C

Japan 0-0 Saudi Arabia: Japan, already qualified with 20 points, were held to a goalless draw by Saudi Arabia in a tactical battle. Saudi Arabia earned a vital point, moving to 10 points and keeping their hopes of automatic qualification alive.
China 0-2 Australia: Australia secured a crucial victory in Hangzhou with first-half goals from Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay. This win lifted Australia to 13 points, strengthening their grip on second place, while China remain bottom with 6 points and slim chances of qualifying directly.
Indonesia 1-0 Bahrain: Indonesia boosted their campaign with a late goal from Ragnar Oratmangoen, moving to 9 points and closing the gap on Saudi Arabia. Bahrain, with 6 points, slipped further behind in the race for the top two.

Standings: Japan (20, qualified), Australia (13), Saudi Arabia (10), Indonesia (9), Bahrain (6), China (6).

Club Soccer Resumes

Premier Pours 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 ☕️

FA Cup Weekend

While club soccer is set to resume, the re-start of the Premier League will have to wait for the FA Cup quarter-final weekend, featuring some exciting matchups.

Fulham vs Crystal Palace

Kicking off the quarter-finals on Saturday, Fulham host Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage in an all-London clash. Fulham earned their spot by knocking out holders Manchester United on penalties in a dramatic fifth-round tie at Old Trafford, showcasing their resilience with a 4-3 shootout win after a 1-1 draw. Palace, meanwhile, overcame south London rivals Millwall 3-1, capitalizing on a red card to Millwall’s goalkeeper early in the match. Both sides are chasing their first major trophy, making this a high-stakes encounter. Fulham will look to their home advantage and recent cup heroics, while Palace’s attacking flair, led by players like Jean-Philippe Mateta (despite his recent injury scare), could pose a threat.

Brighton vs Nottingham Forest

Later on Saturday at 17:15 GMT, Brighton welcome Nottingham Forest to the Amex Stadium. Brighton secured their place with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Newcastle, thanks to a late Danny Welbeck strike in a match that saw both teams reduced to ten men. Forest, on the other hand, edged past Ipswich Town in a penalty shootout (5-4) after a 1-1 draw, proving their mettle under pressure. Brighton’s attacking style under their progressive management contrasts with Forest’s gritty, counter-attacking approach, setting the stage for an intriguing tactical battle. Forest haven’t lost to Ipswich at home in over two decades, but this away test against a Premier League side will be a different challenge. Brighton will fancy their chances, but Forest’s cup pedigree could make this closer than expected.

Preston North End vs Aston Villa

On Sunday at 13:30 BST, Championship side Preston North End host Aston Villa at Deepdale in what promises to be a classic FA Cup David vs. Goliath story. Preston, the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, stormed into the quarter-finals with a 3-0 thrashing of Burnley, marking their first appearance at this stage since 1966. Villa, under Unai Emery, dispatched Cardiff City 2-0 in the fifth round and will arrive as heavy favorites. However, Preston’s home form in the cup—unbeaten in their three victories so far—gives them hope of an upset. Villa’s Premier League quality, with stars like Ollie Watkins, should shine through, but Preston’s determination and the lack of semi-automated offside technology (though VAR will be in use) might level the playing field slightly. This one’s all about whether the underdog can rise to the occasion.

Bournemouth vs Manchester City

Closing out the weekend on Sunday at 16:30 BST, Bournemouth face Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium in a matchup with plenty of narrative. Bournemouth advanced past Wolves in a thrilling 5-4 penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, while City, the 2023 FA Cup winners, cruised past Plymouth Argyle 3-1. The Cherries famously handed City their first league defeat of the season back in November, adding spice to this tie. City, led by Pep Guardiola, remain the strongest side left in the competition, but Bournemouth’s fearless approach and home crowd could make it uncomfortable.

Premier League Resumes Tuesday April 1st

The Premier League is set to resume with a bang on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025, after the international break, and fans are in for a treat with some mouthwatering fixtures lined up. Two matches, in particular, stand out: second-place Arsenal hosting eighth-place Fulham on Tuesday, and league leaders Liverpool taking on rivals Everton in the famous Merseyside derby on Wednesday, April 2nd.

Arsenal vs. Fulham – Tuesday, April 1st, 7:45 PM GMT

Arsenal, sitting comfortably in second place, will look to close the gap on table-toppers Liverpool when they welcome a resurgent Fulham side to the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have been in fine form this season, but they’ll be wary of a Cottagers team that has punched above its weight under Marco Silva. Fulham, currently eighth, are coming off a strong 3-1 victory over Brighton and have proven they can trouble top sides, having held Liverpool to a draw earlier this campaign.

The Gunners could receive a significant boost with star winger Bukayo Saka potentially returning from hamstring surgery. His availability would add dynamism to an already potent attack featuring the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Martin Ødegaard. However, Arsenal’s defense has faced injury concerns, with Gabriel Magalhães and Riccardo Calafiori recently absent from training. Arteta may need to rely on young talent like Myles Lewis-Skelly if his backline remains depleted.

Fulham, meanwhile, have been a revelation this season, sitting just three points behind fifth-placed Manchester City as of late March. Their organized defense and quick counterattacks, led by the likes of Adama Traoré and Rodrigo Muniz, could pose a real threat to Arsenal’s title aspirations. The reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 stalemate, and with Arsenal’s patchy record against stubborn mid-table sides, this could be a tricky encounter. A win here is crucial for Arsenal to keep the pressure on Liverpool, especially with a tough April schedule ahead, including a trip to Everton and a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.

Liverpool vs. Everton – Wednesday, April 2nd, 8:00 PM GMT

The following evening, Anfield will be rocking as first-place Liverpool host Everton in the latest chapter of the Merseyside derby. Arne Slot’s Reds have been the team to beat this season, and they’ll look to solidify their position at the top with a victory over their fierce rivals. Liverpool’s attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Diogo Jota (recently back from injury) has been firing on all cylinders, while their home form remains formidable.

Everton, however, will arrive with renewed confidence after a 4-0 thrashing of Wolves in their last outing before the break. Sean Dyche’s side has shown resilience, with Ashley Young’s stunning free-kick and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s presence up top giving them hope. The Toffees have only won twice at Anfield in the Premier League era, but recent derbies have been tight affairs, including a dramatic 2-2 draw earlier this season at Goodison Park, where James Tarkowski’s late equalizer stunned the Reds.

For Liverpool, this match could be a defining moment in their title charge. With a favorable run of fixtures in April—three of their next five at home—they’ll be eager to capitalize. A victory here could see them pull further ahead of Arsenal, especially if the Gunners slip up against Fulham. However, Everton’s physicality and set-piece threat could make this a closer contest than the standings suggest.

La Liga Con Leches 🇪🇸 ☕️

La Liga is set to resume action after the international break with an exciting slate of matches, and all eyes will be on three key clashes: Barcelona vs. Osasuna, Real Madrid vs. Leganes, and Espanyol vs. Atletico Madrid. As of March 25, 2025, the Spanish top flight is heating up, with the title race and European qualification spots very much in play. Here’s a preview of what to expect from these intriguing encounters scheduled for the weekend of March 28-30.

Barcelona vs. Osasuna

Barcelona, currently jostling for supremacy at the top of the La Liga table, face a tricky test against Osasuna at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Friday, March 28, at 8:00 PM EDT. The Blaugrana have been in scintillating form under Hansi Flick, blending their traditional possession-based style with a newfound intensity and directness. Robert Lewandowski, leading the league with 21 goals, will be the focal point of their attack, supported by the dynamic Raphinha, who has notched an impressive 27 goals and 18 assists across all competitions this season. However, this fixture is a rescheduled match from earlier in March, postponed due to the tragic passing of Barcelona’s first-team doctor, Carles Miñarro, which could add an emotional layer to the occasion.

Osasuna, sitting in mid-table, have been inconsistent but dangerous, particularly through striker Ante Budimir, who has scored 14 goals on just 23 shots this season. Their 4-2 victory over Barcelona earlier in the campaign at El Sadar was a statement win, ending Barça’s unbeaten run and showcasing their ability to exploit transitions. Coach Vicente Moreno has praised Raphinha’s all-around impact, but Osasuna will need more than defensive solidity to repeat their upset—they’ll rely on Budimir’s efficiency and hope to catch Barcelona off-guard after a busy international break. Expect a tight affair, with Barcelona favored but Osasuna capable of making it uncomfortable.

Real Madrid vs. Leganes

Defending champions Real Madrid welcome relegation-threatened Leganes to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, March 29, at 4:00 PM EDT, aiming to keep pace in the title race. Los Blancos, level on points with Barcelona at 57 after 27 games (with Barça having a game in hand), have been buoyed by Kylian Mbappé’s growing influence. The French superstar has hit 20 league goals, including a brace in their last outing against Villarreal, signaling his adaptation to La Liga is complete. Jude Bellingham’s return from suspension adds further firepower, though Carlo Ancelotti’s side has struggled for consistency, with their points-per-game dropping in the second half of the season for four straight years.

Leganes, hovering just above the drop zone, have shown resilience with three consecutive draws before the break, including a gritty 0-0 against Atletico Madrid. Their defensive organization under Borja Jiménez could frustrate Real Madrid, but their lack of attacking punch—averaging under a goal per game—makes an upset unlikely. Sebastien Haller remains a doubt, potentially leaving them short upfront. Real Madrid’s superior quality should prevail, but Leganes’ stubbornness might keep the scoreline closer than expected in a low-scoring win for the hosts.

Espanyol vs. Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid travel to the RCDE Stadium to face Espanyol on Saturday, March 29, at 11:15 AM EDT, with a chance to solidify their title credentials. Diego Simeone’s men, just one point behind Barcelona after 27 matches, stumbled before the break with a 2-1 loss to Getafe but remain a force with 13 consecutive wins prior to that slip. Antoine Griezmann (8 goals, 5 assists) and Julián Álvarez (10 goals, 2 assists) lead a potent attack, while their league-best defense (0.7 goals conceded per game) provides a solid foundation. However, a midweek Champions League clash with Real Madrid on March 12 could impact their energy levels.

Espanyol, battling to avoid relegation, sit 17th, one point clear of the bottom three. Their home form has been a lifeline, with 13 of their 19 points coming at the RCDE Stadium, driven by top scorer Javi Puado (6 goals). After five games without a win across all competitions, they’re desperate for a result, but facing an Atletico side hungry to reclaim top spot is a tall order. The Colchoneros’ physicality and clinical edge should see them through, though Espanyol’s desperation might make it a scrappy, low-margin contest.

Serie A Espressos 🇮🇹 ☕

Inter Milan vs. Udinese

Inter Milan will host Udinese at the San Siro in what could be a pivotal clash for the Nerazzurri’s title aspirations. Coming off the international break, Inter, the defending champions, will look to maintain their momentum in a tightly contested Scudetto race. With their attacking duo of Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram likely leading the line, Inter’s high-octane offense will test Udinese’s resilient backline. Udinese have punched above their weight this season, often troubling top teams with their disciplined defending and quick counterattacks, spearheaded by players like Florian Thauvin. Inter dominated their earlier meeting this season, winning 3-2 in a thriller, but Udinese’s knack for upsets—coupled with the fatigue factor post-international break—could make this closer than expected. Expect Inter to push for a win, but Udinese might just nick a goal to keep fans on edge.

Napoli vs. AC Milan

The marquee matchup of the round sees league leaders Napoli welcome AC Milan to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Napoli, under Antonio Conte, have been a force this season, blending a stingy defense (just five goals conceded in the first nine games) with a revitalized attack led by Romelu Lukaku and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. This clash comes at a crucial juncture, with Napoli holding a slim lead at the top and facing a gauntlet of tough fixtures ahead. AC Milan, meanwhile, have steadied under Paulo Fonseca after a rocky start, boasting an unbeaten home record in Serie A this term and a knack for clean sheets at the San Siro. However, their away form will be tested against a Napoli side that’s dropped points just once since Matchday 1. The Rossoneri’s hopes rest on Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic exploiting Napoli’s flanks, but Conte’s tactical nous could tilt this cagey affair in the Partenopei’s favor. A draw wouldn’t shock, but Napoli’s home advantage might just edge it.

Fiorentina vs. Atalanta

Fiorentina and Atalanta will lock horns at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in a battle of two sides with European ambitions. Fiorentina have been in fine fettle, riding a three-game unbeaten streak in the league, including wins over Lazio and AC Milan, thanks to a balanced attack featuring Moise Kean and a solid midfield. Atalanta, however, are Serie A’s free-scoring darlings, averaging over two goals per game this season, with Ademola Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere in scintillating form. Their earlier encounter saw Atalanta edge a 3-2 victory, and this rematch promises more fireworks. Fiorentina’s home crowd could give them a lift, but Atalanta’s relentless pressing and attacking depth might overwhelm the Viola if they’re not sharp post-break. This one’s tough to call—both teams scoring feels likely, with Atalanta’s slight edge in firepower possibly making the difference.

Bundes Kaffees 🇩🇪 ☕️

Bayer Leverkusen vs. VfL Bochum - March 28, 2025

Bayer Leverkusen, the defending Bundesliga champions, will host VfL Bochum at the BayArena in what promises to be an intriguing clash. Leverkusen, currently second in the standings with 46 points (as of mid-March per Sports Mole), are looking to close the gap on league leaders Bayern Munich. After a mixed run of form, including a 0-0 draw against Wolfsburg on February 8 and a 2-0 loss to Werder Bremen on March 8, Xabi Alonso’s side will be eager to capitalize on their home advantage. However, they’ll be without key defender Edmond Tapsoba and possibly Jeanuel Belocian due to injuries, which could test their defensive depth.

VfL Bochum, sitting in 16th place with 20 points (per Bundesliga.com updates), are fighting to climb out of the relegation playoff spot. Under Dieter Hecking, they’ve shown resilience, notably upsetting Bayern Munich 3-2 on March 8 and securing a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund earlier this month. However, Bochum’s injury woes could hamper their chances, with posts on X indicating a fresh injury blow ahead of this clash (though specifics remain unclear). Their attack has been inconsistent, but players like Giorgos Masouras, who scored twice against Bayern, could pose a threat if Leverkusen’s backline is depleted.

Leverkusen’s attacking prowess, led by Florian Wirtz and Nathan Tella, should give them the edge, especially at home where they’ve been strong. Bochum’s recent upsets suggest they won’t roll over, but their defensive vulnerabilities (52 goals conceded in 26 games) might be exploited by Leverkusen’s fluid play. Expect a competitive match, with Leverkusen likely favored to win, perhaps 3-1, unless Bochum can replicate their giant-killing form.

Bayern Munich vs. St. Pauli - March 28, 2025

Bayern Munich, atop the Bundesliga with 61 points (per Sports Mole’s March 8 update), welcome newly promoted St. Pauli to the Allianz Arena. After dropping points in a 3-2 loss to Bochum and a 1-1 draw against Union Berlin, Vincent Kompany’s side will be determined to reassert their dominance post-break. Their recent 2-0 Champions League win over Leverkusen on March 11 showcased their firepower, with Harry Kane and company in fine form. However, injuries to Manuel Neuer (sustained in a bizarre celebration incident) and João Palhinha’s suspension from a red card against Bochum might force adjustments, with young keeper Jonas Urbig potentially stepping up again.

St. Pauli, in 15th with 25 points, have been gritty under Alexander Blessin, grinding out results like a 1-0 win over Hoffenheim. Their defense is relatively solid (30 goals conceded), but their attack has struggled, scoring just 20 goals in 26 matches—only Union Berlin have fewer. Facing Bayern away is a daunting task, especially given Bayern’s historical dominance (undefeated in 11 prior meetings with Union Berlin, a similar mid-tier side, per Bavarian Football Works). St. Pauli’s recent unbeaten run at home won’t easily translate to the Allianz, where Bayern have been rampant, scoring freely this season.

Bayern’s depth and home record make them heavy favorites, likely winning 4-0 or 5-0 if their attack clicks. St. Pauli might aim to frustrate, but containing Bayern’s rotated squad—potentially featuring Leroy Sané, Kingsley Coman, and Jamal Musiala—will be a tall order. The international break could refresh Bayern’s stars, making this a potential statement win.

Ligue Un Café S’il Vous Plaît 🇫🇷 ☕️

Saint-Étienne vs. Paris Saint-Germain

PSG has been in scintillating form throughout the 2024/25 season, remaining undefeated in Ligue 1 with a mix of dominant victories and a few draws. As of mid-March, they lead the table by a significant margin—potentially 16 points ahead of second-placed Marseille, based on recent trends. Their attacking prowess, led by stars like Ousmane Dembélé (who scored a brace in their last meeting with Saint-Étienne on January 12, 2025), and a robust defense have made them the team to beat. Coming off the international break, Luis Enrique’s side resumes training on Thursday, March 27, giving them just two days to prepare for this away clash. Despite this short turnaround, PSG’s squad depth and tactical discipline should keep them sharp. A victory here could mathematically secure the Ligue 1 title, depending on other results, making this a pivotal match.

Major League Americanos 🇺🇸 ☕️

Eastern Conference

The Eastern Conference saw some exciting action in MLS game week 5. Orlando City SC delivered a standout performance, crushing D.C. United 4-1 at home. This emphatic victory showcased Orlando's attacking prowess and moved them up the standings. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Union secured a gritty 1-0 win over St. Louis City SC, proving their defensive resilience and ability to grind out results.

Western Conference

The Vancouver Whitecaps entered the most recent game week—Matchday 5 of the 2025 MLS season—leading the Western Conference with an impressive start. Up until this point, they had won all four of their opening matches, conceding just twice while also advancing in the Concacaf Champions Cup, notably knocking out Mexican side CF Monterrey. This strong form had positioned them as a standout team early in the season.

However, on March 22, 2025, Vancouver faced their first setback of the campaign, losing 3-1 at home to the Chicago Fire at BC Place. The game saw Chicago take an early lead through Hugo Cuypers in the first minute, capitalizing on a quick start. Vancouver responded with an equalizer in the 14th minute from Andrés Ríos, but the Fire regained the lead in the 62nd minute via Philip Zinckernagel’s first MLS goal. A late strike by Alenis Kouame in stoppage time (90+4') sealed the 3-1 victory for Chicago, ending Vancouver's perfect record. Despite the loss, goalkeeper Chris Brady’s key saves for Chicago were pivotal in securing the result, as Vancouver pushed hard late in the game.

This defeat marked Vancouver’s first loss of the season, bringing their record to 4-1-0 after five matches.