5️⃣ spicy fixtures you must watch this weekend 🌶 | OneFootball

For the first time in 2022/23, all five major European leagues take place at the same time as football returns with a bang.

These are the games you can’t miss from across the globe.

Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano

Normally, Rayo Vallecano visiting the Camp Nou wouldn’t be considered a must-watch but this LaLiga weekend is a little different.

All eyes are on Barcelona afterr their incredible summer activity as financial issues clouded their preparations for the new season.

Marquee signing Robert Lewandowski has arrived along with Jules Koundé, Raphinha, Franck Kessié and Andreas Christensen, although LaLiga rules mean they have yet to be registered in time for this one, while Frenkie de Jong’s contractual situation threatens to turn ugly.

It will be fascinating viewing to witness how the Blaugrana begin if they are deprived of their star signings, particularly against opposition who have caused them plenty of problems recently.

Rayo won both meetings without conceding between the teams last season. The only team ever to make it three-in-a-row and not let in a goal against Barcelona were Real Madrid in the 1950s. They couldn’t, could they?

Spice rating: Mild 🌶

Hellas Verona v Napoli

One of Italy’s less-heralded but nonetheless fierce rivalries takes headline billing on Monday night from Serie A’s first round of fixtures.

There may be plenty of distance between them but there is no love lost between these sides, ironic given Verona’s romantic reputation as the city of love thanks to Romeo and Juliet, a taunt which has been wielded by Napoli fans in the past.

Insults about that fictional character, southern stereotypes and more have been used by both sides, although things took a nasty turn at the Bentegodi in March when a banner from the home side’s ultras was hung outside the stadium which invited Russia to attack Naples on the back of their invasion of Ukraine and was met with widespread condemnation.

That latest incident thankfully avoided the violence that has been witnessed in the past when these club collide but will not be forgotten when the new-look Partenopei return to the north-east.

On the field, an added degree of spice has been added too, with Hellas hero Giovanni Simeone set to swap Verona for Napoli in the build-up and he’ll be in for a particularly warm welcome if that goes through before Monday.

Spice rating: Medium 🌶 🌶

SC Freiburg v Borussia Dortmund

Another tough test awaits Borussia Dortmund and their new-look side under Edin Terzić as they travel to Freiburg on Friday night.

They did the dirty work on opening weekend as they ground out a captivating 1-0 home win over Bayer Leverkusen, a particularly impressive clean sheet given the visitors’ star-studded attack netted five in that fixture last season.

There is a refreshing excitement about how they look defensively this year but those credentials are in for another tough test against Christian Streich’s side, who ruthlessly put four past Augsburg on the road in their opener.

A spate of injuries, in addition to Sébastien Haller’s health problems, have not aided BVB’s cause to start the season, although Nico Schlotterbeck is not part of the unavailable list and is in line to face his former club.

There were concerns about him against Leverkusen when he exited with his shoulder out of place, only to return having had it popped back in. That may be symptomatic of the attitude of Dortmund this season.

Spice rating: Hot 🌶 🌶 🌶

Corinthians v Palmeiras

Just past the the midway point of Brazil’s top flight, there is a potential title decider as Corinthians welcome Palmeiras.

The fixture is already one of the country’s biggest derbies but the stakes have increased for this one given their positions in the table.

Palmeiras lead their rivals by six points in the table, meaning a win could open up a potentially unassailable gap, while defeat would blow things wide open.

They also came into the contest in a positive mood after their midweek qualification for the Copa Libertadores semi-finals, while Flamengo eliminated Corinthians.

The mood of the Timão faithful has not been helped in the build-up with star man Willian’s announcement that he will depart the club – doing so at the worst possible time.

Palmeiras, winners of the last two successive Libertadores titles, will be favoured but the Neo Química Arena is never an easy place to go.

Spice rating: Fire 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶

Chelsea v Tottenham

What an early treat the Premier League’s fixture computer has thrown up with just one matchday of action in the books.

Both were victorious on opening weekend, Spurs overcoming an early deficit to swat Southampton aside with ease, while Chelsea ended their recent Goodison Park hoodoo to edge past Everton thanks to a Jorginho penalty.

Spurs have just one win at Stamford Bridge from their last 37 trips in all competitions (in 2018) and Thomas Tuchel does appear to have the Indian sign over them of late, having won each of his five meetings with the north Londoners since taking over.

But things appear different now under Antonio Conte after an impressive summer window, particularly in comparison with the Blues, who have suffered continued frustration in their various pursuits of players throughout.

With some even tipping Tottenham as potential title dark horses in the first full season under the Italian, whose track record with improvement and trophies speaks for itself, this would be a statement victory if they can achieve it as Conte returns to his former stomping ground.

But times when optimism is at its peak often seems to be a dangerous time at Tottenham. It is poised perfectly for some August fireworks.

Spice rating: Insane 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶