5️⃣ spicy fixtures you must watch this weekend 🌶 | OneFootball

We’re starting to tiptoe towards the business end of the season across Europe.

With that in mind we have five piping hot fixtures worth keeping an eye on this weekend that have ramifications at both ends of the table and even a trophy on the line.

Goals galore expected in Munich

Spice rating: Mild 🌶

Bayern Munich look as if they are heading to a 10th successive Bundesliga title.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side hold an eight-point gap on Borussia Dortmund and their closest rivals have failed to take advantage of any slip-ups the champions have offered recently.

Bayern have lost twice since returning from the winter break and don’t look like their all-conquering selves at the moment but fortunately for Nagelsmann, they welcome a side they have beaten on the last five occasions.

Bayer Leverkusen, blessed by the form of winger Moussa Diaby, are chasing a top four finish and have already scored 63 goals so far this season.

They face the top goalscorers in the division so the one thing we can promise in this encounter is the onion bag being found again and again.

Conti Cup glory on the line

Spice rating: Medium 🌶 🌶

Chelsea have some stranglehold on the Continental Cup with Emma Hayes’ side having won the trophy in the last two seasons.

A win on Saturday evening would mean they will level on wins in this competition with their opponents, Manchester City.

The Blues have struggled against City in the past, losing four out of their last five fixtures but they will take heart from the 1-0 win over Gareth Taylor’s team in February.

City’s improvement since November has perhaps happened too late for them to take a stab at the title but with the first trophy of the campaign on the line can they turn what looked as if it was becoming a disastrous season into a successful one?

Revitalised Atleti’s credentials face Real examination

Spice rating: Hot 🌶 🌶 🌶

Real Betis have become one of the must-watch teams in LaLiga and Manuel Pellegrini could be about to lead Los Verdiblancos to one of the most successful campaigns in the club’s history.

They are through to the Copa del Rey final, into the last 16 of the Europa League and are in the driving seat for achieving Champions League qualification next season.

Atlético Madrid are in town revitalised off the back of two successive victories and showing glimmers of their former selves.

A win for Diego Simeone’s men will see them overtake their hosts and leave a top-four finish in their hands. Betis will be hurting after losing the derby to Sevilla last time out so we could be in for a thriller at the Benito Villamarín.

Decisive game at the top in Italy

Spice rating: Fire 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶

Just three points separate the top three in Serie A as Italy is getting strapped in for one of the closest title races in years.

The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona will play host to 90 minutes which could have a massive say on the destination of the championship as the league leaders welcome second-placed Milan.

Stefano Pioli’s side have shown signs of stuttering in recent weeks by winning just one of their last four games, while Luciano Spalletti’s men stormed to the top after Fabian Ruiz’s dramatic 94th-minute winner against Lazio last weekend.

Napoli have a remarkable recent record against their visitors on Sunday as well, having lost just once in their last 14 meetings with Milan.

If they can extend that record this weekend then Partenopei will take charge of the title race.

Pep v Ralf meet in must-win Manchester derby

Spice rating: Insane 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶

Ralf Rangnick will get his first taste of a Manchester derby on Sunday afternoon and United supporters will be hoping he can have as much joy as his predecessor in this fixture.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tasted victory on three of his visits to the Etihad.

This derby has lost some of its spice in recent seasons as the Red Devils have failed to significantly challenge Pep Guardiola’s men in the upper echelons of the Premier League but this weekend represents something of a must-win for both sides.

Man City’s gap at the top could be cut down to three points by the time this game kicks off and they look like a team needing another burst of momentum from somewhere.

A win in a match of this magnitude would provide it but their visitors are desperate for the victory themselves after losing considerable ground on sealing their place in the top four with disappointing draws against Watford, Southampton and Burnley in recent weeks.

This could be one for the ages.