MLS Cup Final, Madrid Derby headline top live matches to watch on Dec. 10-16, 2021

Top games to watch this week

Friday, December 10

Brentford vs Watford (English Premier League)

Mallorca vs Celta (La Liga)

Genoa vs Sampdoria (Serie A)

Köln vs Augsburg (Bundesliga)

Pacos de Ferreira vs Gil Vicente (Primeira Liga)

Nantes vs Lens (Ligue 1)

Saturday, December 11

Man City vs Wolves (English Premier League)

Arsenal vs Southampton (English Premier League)

Chelsea vs Leeds (English Premier Le (English Premier League)ague)

Liverpool vs Aston Villa

Norwich vs Man United (English Premier League)

Athletic Club vs Sevilla (La Liga)

Venezia vs Juventus (Serie A)

Udinese vs Milan (Serie A)

Bayern Munich vs Mainz 05 (Bundesliga)

Bochum vs Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga)

Portland Timbers vs New York City FC (MLS Cup Final)

Sunday, December 12

Osasuna vs Barcelona (La Liga)

Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid (La Liga)

Napoli vs Empoli (Serie A)

Sassuolo vs Lazio (Serie A)

Inter vs Cagliari (Serie A)

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)

Famalicao vs Benfica (Primeira Liga)

Porto vs Sporting Braga (Primeira Liga)

Lille vs Lyon (Ligue 1)

PSG vs Monaco (Ligue 1)

Atlas vs León (Liga MX Apertura Finals – 2nd leg)

Monday, December 13

Cádiz vs Granada (La Liga)

Roma vs Spezia (Serie A)

Atlas vs Monterrey (Liga MX Femenil)

América vs Tigres UANL (Liga MX Femenil)

Tuesday, December 14

Brentford vs Man United (English Premier League)

Man City vs Leeds United (English Premier League)

Stuttgart vs Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)

Wednesday, December 15

Arsenal vs West Ham (English Premier League)

Borussia Mönchengladbach vs Eintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga)

Bayer Leverkusen vs Hoffenheim (Bundesliga)

Thursday, December 16

Leicester vs Tottenham (English Premier League)

Chelsea vs Everton (English Premier League)

Liverpool vs Newcastle (English Premier League)

Most-watched Soccer Games on U.S. TV: Nov. 30-Dec. 6, 2021

Pumas' 1-0 win against Atlas on Sunday, Dec. 5, was not enough to get them through to the Liga MX Apertura Final. A 1-0 away victory on Thursday, Dec. 2, gave Atlas the leverage needed to advance on away goals to the final. The broadcast of Sunday's definitive game averaged 835,000 viewers and scored a 0.37 viewership rating, making it the most-watched soccer game on U.S. TV last week.

On the other hand, the second leg of the Liga MX Apertura semifinals between Leon and Tigres UANL was the second most-watched soccer game on American television with 660,000 average viewers and a 0.27 rating. Forward Angel Mena rose to the occasion again, scoring a brace that separated the two teams. The final score was 2-1, and Leon advanced to the Liga MX Apertura Final on away goals (3-3).

Lastly, a Premier League clash between Watford and Manchester City aired on NBC on Saturday, Dec. 4. The broadcast attracted 626,000 average viewers. The game finished 3-1 in favor of Manchester City. Midfielder Bernardo Silva bagged a brace to continue his good form with the Cityzens. 

What are this week's must-watch matches?

Liverpool vs Aston Villa this Saturday at 10 a.m. ET live on NBC Sports, USA Network, Universo, Telemundo Deportes en Vivo, fuboTV, and Sling TV

Aston Villa's trip to Liverpool this season has generated a ton of hype. The reason is obvious: with Steven Gerrard having been appointed the new manager at Villa Park, fans have been eagerly anticipating his return to Anfield. The Birmingham side will make the trip to Merseyside this Saturday, with the iconic midfielder returning to the stadium where he enjoys legendary status. Furthermore, Aston Villa have found some form under their new boss, winning all but one of the games he has overseen. However, the Reds are still one of Europe's best teams and are one of the favorites for the title. Salah and Co. recently secured a late victory at Wolves to go second in the table and will be keen on maintaining their winning streak.

There will be several other interesting games across England, with Man City and Arsenal hosting Wolves and Southampton respectively. Chelsea, who have dropped to third in the table, take on Leeds with the sole aim of ending their two-game winless run while Rangnick will oversee his first away game at Man United, with the Red Devils set to visit relegation-battling Norwich.

The Portland Timbers vs New York City FC MLS Cup final live this Saturday at 3 p.m. on ABC, TUDN, Univision Now, UniMas, fuboTV, Sling TV , and SiriusXM FC

With the 34-game regular season and three rounds of Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs coming to an end, the highly-anticipated MLS Cup final is here! Champions of the West Portland Timbers are set to do battle with Eastern Conference winners New York City FC in a one-off showdown at Providence Park. The Timbers got here by beating the likes of Minnesota United FC, the Colorado Rapids, and Real Salt Lake. The Pigeons, meanwhile, fought off Atalanta United before eventually beating Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference Final. Who will come away with the trophy on Saturday? Do not miss this showdown.

The Madrid Derby live this Sunday at 3 p.m. exclusively on ESPN+

Everyone loves derbies, and on Saturday, one of Europe's best derbies will take place, with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Atletico set to battle it out at the Bernabeu. Simeone's men are the defending champions but it is Los Blancos that are in danger of running away with the title this season. Ancelotti's side are top of the table, boasting an eight-point lead over second-placed Sevilla, while Joao Felix and Co. sit 10 points behind in fourth. Failure to beat Real Madrid could spell the end of Los Rojiblancos title defense, but with the visitors enjoying a confidence-boosting victory over Porto in the UEFA Champions League over the midweek, expect Atletico to give the opposition a fight!

Top five games this week in Europe's other top six leagues 

This week in women's football, learn how to watch the Liga MX Femenil Liguilla semifinals in Mexico and the USA, and don't miss ATA Football's coverage of Europe's topflight leagues.

How to watch two Liga MX Femenil Liguilla Semifinal in Mexico and the USA

Liga MX Femenil Liguilla is back with semifinals action. The first legs of the semifinals will be played on Friday, Dec. 10. The second legs are scheduled for Monday, Dec. 13.

Like in past years, Tigres UANL arrive at this stage of the competition as favorites to win it all. Tigres defeated Cruz Azul over two legs to reach the semifinals. Despite their good form, Atlas or Monterrey are worthy opponents who have their eyes on the title.

Friday, Dec. 10

Atlas vs. Monterrey at 12 p.m. ET

• Mexico: TVC Deportes

Club America vs. Tigres UANL at 9 p.m. ET

• Mexico: TUDN, TUDN En Vivo, Afizzionados

• USA: TUDN USA

Monday. Dec. 13

Tigres UANL vs. Club America at 8 p.m ET

• Mexico: TUDN, TUDN En Vivo

Monterrey vs. Atlas at 10 p.m. ET

• Mexico: Fox Sports 2 Cono Norte

• USA: Fox Deportes 

How to watch 11 European league games on ATA Football this weekend 

ATA Football will exclusively stream live 11 of the best club games around Europe this weekend, including El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid and the Derby della Capitale between AS Roma and Lazio. These are the 11 games that you can watch this weekend:

Barclays FA Women's Super League

Saturday, Dec. 11

• Reading vs. Chelsea at 6:30 a.m. ET

Sunday, Dec. 12

• Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Manchester United at 7:30 a.m. ET

• Arsenal vs. Leicester City at 1:45 p.m. ET

D1 Arkema

Sunday, Dec. 12

• Paris Saint-Germain vs. Girondins de Bordeaux at 6:45 a.m. ET

• Paris FC vs. Olympique Lyonnais at 6:45 p.m. ET

Primera Iberdrola

Sunday, Dec. 12

• Real Madrid vs. Barcelona at 6 a.m. ET

Frauen Bundesliga

Saturday, Dec. 11

• Bayer Leverkusen vs. VfL Wolfsburg at 7 a.m. ET

Sunday, Dec. 12

• Turbine Potsdam vs. Bayern Munich at 10 a.m. ET

Serie A 

Saturday, Dec. 11

• Inter Milan vs. Sassuolo at 8:30 a.m. ET

Sunday, Dec. 12

• AS Roma vs. Lazio at 6:30 a.m. ET

• Juventus vs. AC Milan at 9 a.m. ET

Biggest stories of the week

Xavi blasts his players after early UEFA Champions League exit

Everyone knew that Xavi Hernández's coaching style was going to bring change for Barcelona, and that change has seen the current Blaugrana boss admitting that his players were not capable of fulfilling the task upon them at the Allianz Arena.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, the Spanish coach spoke frankly about his team's elimination, and even if some of his players do not appreciate his words, he left no stone unturned when discussing the circumstances that saw his team surrendering the chance to play in the next round.

"We hardly put up a fight, we always want to dominate our rivals, and this time the exact opposite thing happened. We have to demand more from us because we are Barça. This has to be the turning point to change the way we do things here and a lot of what goes on around us. We have not been able to compete. This is the Champions (League), but this is what we have to offer right now. It is what it is," Xavi stated.

The former midfielder went on about how the team failed to live up to the task upon them, while adding that their performances in other competitions need to improve in order to offer better results to their fans and their bosses.

"We wanted to compete in the Champions (League) and try to win it, but we were not a match for Bayern. We have to face this and recover our team because we have other tournaments to play. We have to increase the level of intensity and have more self-respect to accomplish that," the coach added.

Hernández went on to say that his experience as a player could help Barcelona get out of their current funk. Nevertheless, having to play the knockout stage of the UEFA Europa League is not as appealing as having to play UEFA Champions League matches this season.

"I've seen a reality that I lived as a player. We must not settle with such a performance, we have to ask more of ourselves. It is what it is. We have to work to put Barcelona where it belongs, and that is not the Europa League. I hoped we could put up a match, but Bayern were way better than us. I leave this ground pi**ed. This is our reality and it really gets to me. We have to face the music and we will fight to bring Barcelona back to where it belongs," the coach concluded.

Barcelona will now have to wait until December 13 to know which team they will be facing in the round of 32 in the UEFA Europa League.

Leipzig sack head coach Marsch after just five months in charge

It appears the American dream for RB Leipzig is over even before it got off the ground. There was much buzz and fanfare when the ambitious side announced they were signing American tactician Jesse Marsch on a two year deal back in April. Marsch, who made history as the first American to manage a team in the Champions League, arrived at Leipzig having enjoyed success while in charge of Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg. During his tenure, Salzburg won back to back doubles (league and cup) and featured in the Champions League.

As such there were high hopes he'd be able to continue building on the solid foundation left behind by the departing Julian Naglesmann. Unfortunately, things haven't panned out as Leipzig's board had anticipated, and less than six months in, they decided to sack the 48-year-old. His dismissal came after Leipzig lost 2-1 to Union Berlin at the weekend, and die Roten Bullen currently find themselves in a very disappointing 11th spot in the league table.

Chelsea's UEFA Champions League title defense in the balance as Juventus secure Group H top spot

Chelsea may end up with a tall mountain to climb after their calamitous end in the group stage of this season's UEFA Champions League saw them miss out on securing top spot in Group H. The Blues were held to a disappointing 3-3 draw in Russia against Zenith Saint-Petersburg, and have, as a result, become one of the unseeded sides of the round of 16 draw where they could most likely face Real Madrid, Bayern, Ajax or Lille. On the contrary, Juventus narrowly escaped with the label as group winners after defeating Malmo 1-0 at the Allianz Stadium. The Bianconeri topped the chart with 15 points, with Chelsea managing 13 after six matches.

Huge Man Utd boost: In-demand head coach admits to being open to a move amid Old Trafford links

Ralf Rangnick's reign at Man United got off to a great start, with the Red Devils putting in a respectable performance at home to Crystal Palace to beat the Eagles 1-0. However, the German tactician will not remain in charge for more than six months, with the former RB Leipzig boss being appointed for only the remainder of the season before moving upstairs for an advisory role.

As a result, the search for the true long-term successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues. One man who has been heavily linked with the job has handed the Premier League giants a huge boost as he has openly admitted to being ready for a new challenge.

That man is none other than Erik ten Hag, the highly-rated Ajax head coach. The Dutchman is believed to be high up Man United's wish list, albeit behind PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino.

While clarifying that he is not hunting for a new job elsewhere, the 51-year-old stated that he is ready to make the move to a top European club should that opportunity arise. Speaking to de Volkskrant, Ten Hag said: "I think I'm ready for it [to move to a top foreign club].

"I would be happy to take up that challenge.

"But I'm not chasing it. If it turns out that that step will never come, I will not say that my coaching career has failed.

"But I think I have sufficient competences to take on that challenge."

Ajax are not keen on seeing their successful tactician leave the Dutch top-flight, but according to the rumors, they will not stand in his way if he decides to move on to a new challenge. Whether that will take place, only time will tell, but Man United fans have great reason to be excited over Ten Hag's recent admission.

Other key headlines from the world of football 

Mbappe hails Messi as the best player in the world after two-goal haul in PSG 4-1 Club Brugge

After PSG's 4-1 win over Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League, a game which saw Messi net a brace, the 2021 Copa America winner was lavished with praise by superstar teammate Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman spoke to the media after the game and even went as far as hailing La Pulga as the best player in the world, having been present during his 2021 Ballon d'Or win.

"It's easy to play with Lionel Messi. He's the best player in the world. He won the Ballon d'Or a few days ago. He scored two goals today, he is happy, and I hope he will help us in the future," the 2018 World Cup winner said, as per Marca.

While this comment might catch a few off guard given that Mbappe is a long-standing Cristiano Ronaldo fan, this is not the first time the former Monaco sensation has spoken in admiration of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner. In fact, it is possible for one to appreciate both the Portuguese icon and the Argentine legend!

Müller makes history with opening goal for Bayern against Barça

Los Culés conceded twice during the first half of the game at Allianz Arena, with Thomas Müller getting the opening goal moments before the 35-minute mark. Müller put to good use an assist by Robert Lewandowski, and scored with a lobbed header over Marc-André Ter Stegen and beating Ronald Araújo's effort to clear the ball.

The German footballer made history with this goal, as there has been no other player in UEFA Champions League history to have found the back of the net more often than him when facing Los Blaugranas (8 goals in 7 matches). Furthermore, the 2014 World Cup winner reached the 50-goal mark in Europe's prestigious club competition.

Ancelotti reveals Benzema's probable return date after injury setback vs Real Sociedad

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has come clean on when he is expecting striker Karim Benzema back in action following his injury in Saturday's clash with Real Sociedad. The Frenchman was forced off after just 16 minutes with a hamstring injury, although his side would go on to win the night's proceeding inside the San Sebastian Stadium.

"Karim had a problem in the first half with a slight pain and we didn't want to force it. We'll look at over the next few days and he might not be available for Tuesday's game [against Inter] but he could be back for Sunday's game [against Atlético],"the Italian boss admitted.

Indeed, Benzema has been a key part of Real Madrid's success this season, registering 17 goals in all competitions and providing seven assists in the domestic league campaign. With the fate of the Whites in the Champions League secured, the striker will hope to step up his recovery journey and feature against Atletico Madrid, come Sunday.