European Football Weekend Recap: Premier League Giants Struggle, Bundesliga Upsets, and LaLiga Drama

Premier League

Top Takeaway: Are the Premier League's best burnt out?

The Premier League has entered its final stretch, with most teams having just 10 games left. This weekend, several top clubs showed signs of fatigue. Liverpool performed poorly against Southampton, Chelsea narrowly defeated Leicester City, and Arsenal struggled at Old Trafford. The fixture congestion crisis in elite football is evident, with players like Cole Palmer missing penalties and Ryan Gravenberch running out of steam.

Best Match: Tottenham 2-2 AFC Bournemouth

Tottenham delivered another entertaining match, recovering from a 2-0 deficit to draw with Bournemouth. Despite being lucky not to be behind earlier, Spurs fought back in the second half, leaving Bournemouth feeling hard done by.

Best Goal: Marcus Tavernier at Tottenham

Tavernier's goal was a highlight, thanks to Milos Kerkez's brilliant counterattack and cross. Kerkez intercepted a pass, sprinted up the pitch, and delivered a perfect cross for Tavernier to finish.

LaLiga

Top Takeaway: Barça match postponed following club doctor's death

Barcelona's game with Osasuna was postponed after the sudden death of their team doctor, Carles Miñarro. The club and players were deeply affected by the loss, leading to the inevitable decision to delay the match.

Best Match: Getafe 2-1 Atlético Madrid

Getafe stunned Atlético Madrid with a late comeback, securing their first win over Atlético in 14 years. Mauro Arambarri's double in added time sealed the victory, altering the LaLiga title race.

Best Goal: Pedro Díaz at Real Madrid

Rayo Vallecano's Díaz scored a spectacular goal against Real Madrid, following a one-two on the edge of the box and firing past Andriy Lunin. The goal brought Rayo back into the game, making for a tense second half.

Bundesliga

Top Takeaway: Germany's giants stumble on weekend of upsets

Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen both suffered unexpected defeats. Bayern lost to Bochum after João Palhinha's red card, while Leverkusen fell to Werder Bremen despite bringing on Florian Wirtz.

Best Match: Bayern Munich 2-3 Bochum

Bochum's comeback against Bayern was one of the season's biggest surprises. After trailing 2-0, Bochum turned the game around, thanks to Palhinha's dismissal and a determined second-half performance.

Best Goal: Nadiem Amiri at Borussia Monchengladbach

Amiri's decisive goal for Mainz against Gladbach showcased his importance to the team. His unstoppable effort from 18 yards out highlighted Mainz's efficiency in front of goal.

MVP of the Weekend

Ismaïla Sarr, Crystal Palace

Sarr was the hero for Crystal Palace, scoring the only goal and making a crucial goal-line clearance in a 1-0 win over Ipswich Town. His performance was instrumental in securing three points for his team.