The big matches in Europe this weekend

This weekend get ready for some exciting matches as some big matches are coming up after the international break.
For your convenience, sportskafun brings you some interesting facts and build up for the matches.

1. Atlético Madrid vs Real Madrid (Madrid Derby)

• La Liga

• Sunday, 20 November, 1:15AM (IST)

• Vicente Calderón, Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo(R)  in action with Atletico Madrid's Juanfran

Since Diego Simeone has taken charge of Atletico Madrid, this derby has become more exciting. With an excellent home record against Real Madrid in recent time this match will be a treat for the fans of both the clubs around the world. 

Atletico have not lost at home to Real Madrid in Liga BBVA since September 2013. A lot has changed since then, Atletico Madrid has won La Liga in 2014 while Real Madrid last won the league in 2011/12. The two sides have met several times in different competitions including twice in UEFA Champions League finals in 2013/14 and 2015/16, with Los Blancos winning on both occasions, on penalties.

After their loss to Real Madrid in 2013/14 UCL final in Lisbon, Atletico Madrid only lost twice to Real Madrid in 12 meetings. Their latest defeat coming in 2015/16 UEFA Champions League final, in Milan. At home, Atletico Madrid's record is something to deal with. They humiliated Real Madrid 4-0 in February 2015. Their last meeting at Vicente Calderon ended in 1-1 draw and their last La Liga meeting was won by Atletico at Santiago Bernabeu. Since then, Real Madrid have gone onto a winning streak which is still on.This season Real Madrid under Zinedine Zidane were off to a great start, currently on top of the table with 27 points in 11 matches and with 21 points Atletico Madrid are on 4th losing two of their last 5 matches in La Liga.

2. Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich (Der Klassiker)

• Bundesliga

• Saturday, 19 November, 11:00PM (IST)

• Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund

Robert Lewandowski(L) in action against his former club Borussia Dortmund

Also known as German Clasico, this is the most exciting game in Bundesliga. This classic derby once became the pinnacle of European Football, when the two sides met in 2012/13 UEFA Champions League final in Wembley. Bayern Munich won the treble that season. 
Borussia Dortmund won two back to back Bundesliga titles in 2010/11 and 2011/12. Since then Bayern Munich took charge and won 4 Bundesliga titles on the trot. Their last meeting in Bundesliga ended in a 0-0 draw. Borussia Dortmund has always been the closest competitors of Bayern Munich, and with young players like Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Ousama Dembele, and also the return of Mario Gotze this classic derby will be huge one. Bayern Munich, under Carlo Ancelotti, are still unbeaten and currently lead the Bundesliga table with 24 points in 10 matches while Borussia Dortmund are at 5th position with 18 points. Bayern Munich were last defeated by Dortmund in Bundesliga in April 2014.

3. AC Milan vs Inter Milan (Derby di Milano)

• Serie A

• Monday, 21 November, 1:15AM (IST)

• San Siro

Milan Derby got abandoned when Inter fans threw flares on the ground

This classic Milan derby has a very rich history. With the two clubs meeting 164 times till date, Inter has upper hand with 61 wins to that of Milan's 51. Both the clubs have won 18 Serie A titles. With such a close rivalry, the Milan derby has always been a treat to watch. Legends like Paolo Maldini, Andriy Shevchenko, Javier Zanetti, Roberto Baggio have all been a part of this derby. 

AC Milan last won Serie A in 2010-11 while Inter last won the Scudetto in 2009-10.Milan won their last meeting in Serie A 3-0 in February. 

Currently AC milan are on 3rd position with 25 points in 12 matches while Inter are way below them on 9th position with 17 points.

Irrespective of the positions in the table this classic Milan derby will be exciting.

4. Manchester United vs Arsenal

• Premier League

• Saturday, 19 November, 6:00PM (IST)

• Old Trafford

Termed as one of Premier League's greatest rivalry, this battle between the two big clubs from England is going to be one of the matches of the season. Arsenal last won the Premier league title in 2004, as ' The Invincibles', while Manchester United won it in 2012/13 when Sir Alex Ferguson had managed the Red Devils for the last time. Since the departure of SAF, Manchester United have struggled failing to finish outside top 4 for the first time in Premier League since its inception in 1992.Manchester United have tried rebuilding their team with some big money moves, appointing different managers but they have still not found their rhythm, Arsenal on the other hand have improved season by season finishing above Manchester United in all previous 3 seasons. 

Manchester United's largest win against Arsenal

This match is also going to be exciting because of the two managers Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger who always are in for a battle of words against each other. Arsenal are currently 4th in the table with 24 points while Manchester United are on 6th with 18 points. 

So gear up Football fans for one of the most exciting weekend. 

Also read : War of words between Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho

©sportskafun.blogspot.com