World number one Jannik Sinner makes his much-anticipated return to the tennis circuit this weekend in Rome after serving a three-month suspension. Meanwhile, Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to clash in a match that could be pivotal for the LaLiga title. Not to be overlooked, key encounters are also on the cards in both Portugal and Italy, as the Giro d’Italia kicks off as well.
Here’s a rundown of what our editors will be keeping an eye on this weekend:
Saturday, May 10
Giro d’Italia (All Weekend)
The cycling season’s first grand tour kicks off, with the iconic pink jersey battle commencing in Albania. The riders will face three initial stages away from Italy, with a time-trial on Saturday likely to shake up the overall standings before heading to the heart of the nation.
Leading contenders for the title, Primoz Roglic and Juan Ayuso, are expected to maintain their positions without losing significant time to challengers like Wout van Aert and Joshua Tarling, who will be vying not only for stage honours but also for the coveted Maglia Rosa.
It will be intriguing to see how the local Albanian fanbase welcomes the event. While it may not be a traditional cycling hub, the aerial views are sure to showcase why the Giro has chosen to visit for the first time.
While the major challenges of the tour come in the final week, a strong performance in Albania is essential for any general classification contender to build confidence for the remainder of the race.
Josh Donaldson
Lazio vs Juventus – 18:00 CET
The race for Champions League qualification in Italy couldn’t be more tightly contested, with just a point separating fourth place from seventh. This Saturday, two of those teams will go head-to-head in Rome.
Juventus comes into this match holding on to three wins and several hard-fought draws against Roma and Bologna since Igor Tudor stepped in for Thiago Motta, keeping their hopes of back-to-back European qualifications alive.
However, results haven’t significantly improved as much as club executives would have hoped, so Tudor finds himself in a position where a victory against a top-tier side may be crucial for his prospects beyond this season.
Lazio, meanwhile, is on a six-match unbeaten streak and is eager to rectify their disappointing quarter-final exit to Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League. With only a top-four finish earning Champions League football, Marco Baroni’s job security as manager could be in jeopardy should they fail to achieve this goal.
Adding to the drama is the fact that Tudor coached Lazio last season before leaving amid disagreements with the club president and some players—many of whom he will reunite with this Saturday.
This match could determine Champions League spots, hold managerial consequences, and possibly ignite tempers on the pitch.
Finley Crebolder
Benfica vs Sporting Lisbon – 19:00 CET
The Liga Portugal title race is among the most exciting in Europe. Here’s where things stand: Benfica and Sporting are level on 78 points with only two matchdays left, with Sporting enjoying a slim lead on goal difference.
The two fierce Lisbon rivals will clash this Saturday in a match that feels destined to be a decider. A draw works in Sporting’s favour due to the head-to-head record, as they won their earlier encounter this season 1-0 at the Estadio José Alvalade.
Besides that December showdown, they also faced off in the League Cup final, which Benfica took after a penalty shootout in January. Both teams have been nearly flawless in the league since that match.
Benfica’s last league defeat came back in late January, while Sporting has been unbeaten since well before Christmas, resulting in two sides that are both in spectacular form ahead of their impending Taça de Portugal final.
Vangelis Pavlidis has put in noteworthy performances for Benfica, yet the standout player this season has arguably been Sporting’s prolific Viktor Gyokeres, boasting an impressive 38 league goals. Can he hit the magical 40-goal milestone?
This Saturday’s match promises to be a thrilling derby between two major clubs competing fiercely for the title—don’t miss it!
Pat Dempsey
Jannik Sinner vs Mariano Navone – 19:00 CET
After a three-month doping suspension, world number one Jannik Sinner is set for a triumphant return to the tennis circuit as he steps onto home turf in Rome.
The Italian has seen action in only one tournament this year, securing the Australian Open title back in January. Shortly thereafter, a temporary ban was imposed when the World Anti-Doping Agency ruled that an anabolic agent, clostebol, had inadvertently entered his system via treatments from his physiotherapist.
While he has been sidelined, his closest competitors, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, have struggled to make up ground in the rankings, allowing Sinner to begin his preparations for the second Grand Slam of the year, the French Open, approaching quickly.
“I have to admit I have low expectations for this tournament. Being off for so long, I’m unsure how I will perform,” Sinner remarked.
“The aim is Paris. I’m not here to beat anyone but to focus on getting past the first round, then we’ll see what happens. Resuming competition and finding my rhythm could be challenging.
Whether his time off has left him refreshed and recharged, or a touch rusty, will be tested as he faces Mariano Navone, currently ranked 99th in the world and known for his prowess on clay.
However, it’s unlikely he will pose many problems for Sinner, who is the main attraction of the weekend, and fans will undoubtedly be eager to witness his comeback.
Sunday, May 11
Barcelona vs Real Madrid – 16:15 CET
With just four points separating LaLiga leaders Barcelona from second-placed Real Madrid, Sunday’s El Clasico promises a thrilling contest as the season draws to a close.
Hansi Flick’s squad will be looking to replicate their strong showing in the previous encounter back in October in the hope of bouncing back from a heartbreaking loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday.
This season, Barcelona has held the upper hand over their rivals, not only dominating in the league but also defeating Real Madrid in both Copa del Rey and Super Cup finals.
On the other hand, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are aiming for their fourth victory in five LaLiga encounters against Barcelona at Camp Nou, a result that could open the title race wide as only three games remain.
Despite some unsteady performances in other tournaments, Los Blancos have secured four straight victories in the league, and with Kylian Mbappe having scored eight times in seven encounters against the Blaugrana, they’ll be feeling optimistic heading into this match.
As is customary in El Clasicos, fans can expect plenty of drama and goals, so be sure to set aside some time on Sunday afternoon to catch this exciting clash!
Danny Clark
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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