The European club football season is now fully underway and has already provided plenty of drama and entertainment. A bustling weekend transitions into a crucial midweek schedule of matches.
Upcoming Matches
All times U.S./Eastern
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| Monday, Aug. 25 | |
| 🇮🇹 Serie A: Inter vs. Torino, 2:35 p.m. | |
| 🏴 EPL: Newcastle United vs. Liverpool, 3 p.m. | |
| Tuesday, Aug. 26 | |
| 🇪🇺 UCL qualifying: Kairat vs. Celtic, 12:45 p.m. | |
| 🏴 EFL Cup: Preston North End vs. Wrexham, 2:45 p.m. | |
| 🇪🇺 UCL qualifying: Paphos vs. Crvena Zvezda, 3 p.m. | |
| 🇪🇺 UCL qualifying: Sturm Graz vs. Bodo/Glimt, 3 p.m. |
Weekend Upsets in Italy and England
While the new Serie A season largely favored the heavyweights like reigning champions Napoli and UEFA Champions League-bound Juventus, who both secured 2-0 victories, the opening weekend held a significant surprise for AC Milan. Their unexpected 2-1 loss to newly promoted Cremonese, despite creating numerous chances, has cast doubt on their top-four aspirations under new manager Massimiliano Allegri. The result has left a sour mood at Milan, prompting questions about their squad issues.
The second weekend of the Premier League also delivered its share of drama. Tottenham Hotspur`s 2-0 victory over Manchester City marked Pep Guardiola`s tenth defeat to Spurs in his career. City`s apparent struggles with the visitors` physicality have raised concerns as they embark on a rebuilding phase. Meanwhile, Manchester United continued their inconsistent form with a 1-1 draw against Fulham. Manager Ruben Amorim openly criticized his team`s lack of focus, stating they sometimes “forget to do the normal things,” a sentiment echoed from last season despite significant summer investment.
The Race for Champions League Spots
Qualification for the UEFA Champions League concludes this week, just ahead of Thursday`s league phase draw. Several ties remain finely balanced, with four of the seven seeing teams separated by just one goal or less heading into the second legs. Only one team currently holds a comfortable three-plus goal advantage.
Current Aggregate Scores:
- Kairat 0-0 Celtic
- Pafos 2-1 Crvena Zvezda
- Sturm Graz 0-5 Bodo/Glimt
- Qarabag 3-1 Ferencvaros
- Club Brugge 3-1 Rangers
- Benfica 0-0 Fenerbahce
- Copenhagen 1-1 Basel
Tuesday`s action will highlight three teams vying for their first-ever Champions League group stage appearance: Kazakhstan`s Kairat, Cyprus` Pafos, and Norway`s Bodo/Glimt. Bodo/Glimt seems poised for the league phase after a dominant 5-0 home win against Sturm Graz. Pafos FC, the Cypriot champions, hold an advantage at home against Champions League regulars Crvena Zvezda. However, the biggest upset of the round could unfold in Almaty, where Kairat hosts Celtic.
A goalless draw at Celtic Park last week means this tie is wide open, putting immense pressure on both sides. While Celtic are clear favorites, their failure to score at home raises the stakes for the Scottish champions. Kairat manager Rafael Urazbakhtin suggested Celtic might have underestimated his team in the first leg, adding an extra layer of motivation for the Kazakh side.
Top Football Headlines
- Juventus Condemns Racism: USMNT star Weston McKennie was subjected to racial abuse after Juventus` win over Parma.
- Real Madrid`s Attack Progress: Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is working on building attacking chemistry, and the team displayed its potential in their recent match.
- NWSL Sets Attendance Record: The National Women`s Soccer League broke a new attendance record as 40,091 fans watched Bay FC and Washington Spirit at an MLB stadium.
- Barcelona`s Dramatic Comeback: Barcelona found themselves 2-0 down against Levante, but Lamine Yamal and his teammates engineered a stunning turnaround.
- Reyna`s Crucial Move: Giovanni Reyna`s transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Borussia Mönchengladbach was deemed essential for his chances of making next summer`s World Cup squad.
Tune into CBS Sports Golazo Network
CBS Sports Golazo Network offers 24/7 dedicated coverage of top soccer competitions worldwide, free to stream.
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- Call it What You Want (Tuesday and Thursday): Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola discuss all things USMNT and the state of soccer in the United States, leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
- Scoreline (Daily): The newest destination for fans to catch up on global football news, match results, and unmissable goals from daily action.
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