Editors’ Choices: Key Showdowns in Spain and Italy Set to Dominate This Weekend’s Action

This weekend promises to be bustling across Europe’s premier leagues, featuring intense clashes at the summit in Spain, Italy, and Germany. Simultaneously, Formula 1 testing wraps up just ahead of the new season’s kick-off.

Here’s a rundown of the events our news editors suggest you catch this weekend:

Friday, 28 February

Final Day of Formula 1 Testing – 08:00 CET

For the first time in three years, uncertainty surrounds the prospect of Max Verstappen dominating the new Formula 1 season, making pre-season testing especially critical.

With competitive margins anticipated at the top, how teams conclude their preparations on Friday could significantly influence their momentum as the campaign commences. Verstappen’s performance from last year demonstrates that a strong start can sway title races.

While one should avoid making too much of lap times, the number of laps completed can offer insightful clues about teams’ readiness for the opening round in Australia. The more laps a vehicle runs, the better its team understands its nuances, enhancing their chances of success in Melbourne.

On the final day in Bahrain, observers should pay attention to teammate performances. The comparison between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s speeds and comfort levels could prove critical, alongside how well Liam Lawson and Kimi Antonelli measure up against Verstappen and George Russell from Red Bull and Mercedes, respectively.

Though testing doesn’t provide all the definitive answers for the season ahead, it certainly offers valuable indicators worth tuning in for.

Finley Crebolder

Stuttgart vs Bayern Munich – 20:30 CET

Bayern Munich will aim to further solidify their Bundesliga title aspirations this Friday night as they head to Baden-Wurttemberg to face Stuttgart, currently fifth in the league.

Vincent Kompany’s side enjoys an eight-point lead over reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen with 11 fixtures remaining, so a significant slip-up would be required for Bayern not to claim their 34th top-flight title.

The Bavarians boast a record 70 victories against Stuttgart, which should provide a confidence boost, despite last season’s corresponding fixture ending in Stuttgart’s favour, where they finished above Bayern in second place.

However, Sebastian Hoeness’ team has struggled of late, managing just one victory in their last five league matches, including consecutive defeats on home turf. They’ll need to rediscover their form quickly to pose a challenge to Bayern’s offensive prowess, so be sure to tune in!

Danny Clark

Saturday, 1 March

Napoli vs Inter Milan – 18:00 CET

The Serie A title race has been thrilling this season, and on Saturday, it promises another twist as Napoli and Inter Milan meet head-on.

Currently, defending champions Inter Milan sit atop the table, just one point ahead of Napoli. Under Simone Inzaghi, Inter’s performance has been commendable, but with only two wins in their last five league outings, they’re not invincible.

However, Napoli has struggled to leverage Inter’s recent slip-ups, managing three draws and one loss in their last four matches, allowing the Nerazzurri to seize first place. Their momentum appears stalled, and a poor result this weekend could set them back significantly.

Interestingly, Atalanta has crept into the title race, just three points behind Inter. They will keenly watch developments this weekend, hoping for a draw as they pursue their first-ever league title.

With only a few months remaining in the Serie A season, the title race is intensifying, and Saturday’s showdown could greatly influence who emerges as champions.

Tolga Akdeniz

Atletico Madrid vs Athletic Club – 21:00 CET

Amid a chase for glory on various fronts, Atletico Madrid faces critical fixtures in the coming weeks, including a clash against Real Madrid in the Champions League and a meeting with Barcelona in LaLiga on March 16th.

First up, they take on Athletic Club, who currently sit fourth in the league, trailing Atlético by just five points. Yet, the Basque club has a dismal record against Atletico, failing to win any of their last 13 visits to Madrid (D2 L11) since a 2-0 victory back in January 2011.

However, Athletic Club currently boasts the longest unbeaten streak in La Liga, with 16 matches, and are high on confidence having triumphed over Valladolid 7-1 last time out.

Diego Simeone’s side played to a dramatic 4-4 draw against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg midweek, adding to the tension of this crucial period. This matchup presents a potential hurdle for Atleti, and given both sides’ recent scoring form, fans can expect an electrifying encounter in Madrid. Regardless of the outcome, anticipate some grit, tension, and perhaps a dash of controversy.

Josh Donaldson