Top games to watch this week
Friday, October 22
Arsenal vs Aston Villa (English Premier League)
Kansas City vs Gotham FC (NWSL)
Saturday, October 23
Chelsea vs Norwich City (English Premier League)
Brighton vs Manchester City (English Premier League)
Bologna vs AC Milan (Serie A)
Bayern Munich vs Hoffenheim (Bundesliga)
Arminia Bielefeld vs Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga)
Tondela vs Porto (Primeira Liga)
Sporting CP vs Moreirense (Primeira Liga)
América vs Tigres UANL (Liga MX)
Guadalajara vs Cruz Azul (Liga MX)
Philadelphia Union vs Nashville SC (MLS)
Minnesota United vs LAFC (MLS)
Colorado Rapids vs Portland Timbers (MLS)
Sunday, October 24
West Ham vs Tottenham (English Premier League)
Manchester United vs Liverpool (English Premier League)
Barcelona vs Real Madrid (La Liga)
Atlético Madrid vs Real Sociedad (La Liga)
Roma vs Napoli (Serie A)
Inter Milan vs Juventus (Serie A)
Vizela vs Benfica (Primeira Liga)
Olympique Marseille vs PSG (Ligue 1)
Ajax vs PSV (Eredivisie)
Monday, October 25
Getafe vs Celta de Vigo (La Liga)
River Plate vs Argentinos Juniors (Argentine Primera Division)
Tuesday, October 26
Chelsea vs Southampton (Carabao Cup)
Arsenal vs Leeds United (Carabao Cup)
AC Milan vs Torino (Serie A)
Borussia Dortmund vs Ingolstadt (DFB Pokal)
Wednesday, October 27
Burnley vs Tottenham (Carabao Cup)
Preston North End vs Liverpool (Carabao Cup)
West Ham vs Man City (Carabao Cup)
Rayo Vallecano vs Barcelona (La Liga)
Real Madrid vs Osasuna (La Liga)
Juventus vs Sassuolo (Serie A)
Cagliari vs Roma (Serie A)
Empoli vs Inter Milan (Serie A)
Nice vs Olympique Marseille (Ligue 1)
Borussia Mönchengladbach vs Bayern München (DFB Pokal)
Thursday, October 28
Celta de Vigo vs Real Sociedad (La Liga)
Levante vs Atlético de Madrid (La Liga)
Napoli vs Bologna (Serie A)
Monterrey vs América (CONCACAF Champions League Final)
Racing Louisville vs Gotham FC (NWSL)
Most-Watched Soccer Game in U.S. TV: Oct. 12-18, 2021
NBC's Premier League broadcast of Brentford-Chelsea on Saturday, Oct. 16, scored a 0.44 viewership rating after averaging 760,000 viewers. Wing-back Ben Chilwell's volleyed goal just before halftime and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy's six saves helped separate the Blues from the Bees. The close victory helped Chelsea maintain the first position in the league after eight matchdays.
A CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying match between the United States and Costa Rica was the second most-watched game on U.S. television. The USMNT defeated Los Ticos 2-1 at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday, Oct. 13. Wing-back Sergino Dest and forward Tim Weah were key in the Stars and Stripes' win that averaged 651,000 viewers.
NBC Sports Network's screening of Tottenham's 3-2 victory over Newcastle at St. James' Park came in third place with 483,000 average viewers. The Spurs' three first-half goals were enough to edge out the Toons away from home. Leicester City's 4-2 home win against Manchester United came close to securing a spot in the top three games watched on U.S. TV last week. The broadcast on NBCSN reached 480,000 average viewers.
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What are the must-watch games this week?
Barcelona vs Real Madrid this Sunday at 10:15 a.m. ET live on ESPN+
El Clasico is back! For the first time since Lionel Messi's departure, Barcelona will step onto the pitch to face bitter rivals Real Madrid in what should be an interesting showdown. With their iconic Argentine—the top scorer and assist maker in El Clasico history—gone, Koeman will have to look elsewhere for inspiration, namely Ansu Fati and summer signing Memphis Depay. Los Blancos, on the other hand, have been in excellent form, and would have been top of the table had they played and won last weekend – their clash with Athletic Club was postponed. Karim Benzema, one of the favorites for the Ballon d'Or, has been unstoppable this term and will want nothing more than to put Barcelona to the sword once again. Do not miss this clash.
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Man United vs Liverpool this Sunday at 11:30 a.m. ET live on NBC Sports, Telemundo, fuboTV, Sling, and SiriusXM FC
Sorry, El Clasico, but this is the standout fixture for the weekend. England's two most successful clubs will battle it out on Sunday in a highly-anticipated Old Trafford clash as Man United aim to regain form in the Premier League ahead of a tricky fixtures lists. Solskjaer's side have failed to win their last three matches, losing 1-0 to Aston Villa and drawing 1-1 with Everton at home before the international break. Their most recent outing was a heavy 4-2 defeat at Leicester but they have since bounced back, beating Atalanta 3-2 in Europe. Liverpool, on the other hand, have been nothing short of rampant, smashing Watford over the weekend before beating Atletico in the UEFA Champions League. Given United's poor form, many predict this match to end in victory for Klopp's side, but it will be interesting to see Mohamed Salah go head-to-head with Cristiano Ronaldo nonetheless.
Inter Milan vs Juventus this Sunday at 2:45 p.m. ET live on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, and fuboTV
Defending Serie A champions Inter Milan are gearing up for an epic Sunday fixture, with the Nerazzurri set to host bitter Italian rivals Juventus. Inzaghi's men have been faring well in their title defense, but with Napoli boasting a perfect record and sitting seven points ahead, Martinez and Co. cannot afford to slip up. Then there is the Old Lady, with Allegri's men trailing the league leaders by a whopping 10 points. Defeat at the San Siro will likely mean the end of their title aspirations, but with the Bianconeri regaining form after their horrible start to the campaign, Juventus will be keen on grabbing a crucial victory.
Marseille vs PSG this Sunday at 2:45 p.m. ET live on beIN Sports, Fanatiz, fuboTV, and Sling
And finally we have Le Classique! Marseille and PSG will face off in what should be a thrilling affair as Jorge Sampaoli's side look to prevent Les Parisiens from running away with the title. Pochettino's crew currently boast a nine-point lead at the top, and with Lionel Messi netting a brace in the midweek UEFA Champions League win over RB Leipzig, the visitors will enter this clash with tons of confidence. However, Les Phocéens have also been excellent this season and will look to build on their recent 4-1 victory over Lorient. Tune in to beIn Sports, Fanatiz, fuboTV, and Sling to catch the action live in the United States.
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Carli Lloyd's last game with the USWNT headlines the upcoming week in women's soccer. Learn how you can watch Lloyd's final international game as well as other exciting matchups around the world.
Carli Lloyd's last dance with the USWNT on Fox Sports 1
USWNT legend Carli Lloyd will hang up her U.S. women's national team jersey on Tuesday, Oct. 26.
The No. 1 USA and No. 18 Korea Republic will meet in an international friendly double-header. The first game was screened live on ESPN2 and TUDN on Thursday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m. ET. The second will broadcast live on Fox Sports 1 on Tuesday, Oct. 26, at 8 p.m. ET.
Lloyd is set to make her last appearance for the USWNT, which would see her end her international career with 316 caps. The 37-year-old will look to keep her goalscoring international form up after netting six goals in two matches against Paraguay in September.
International friendly between Mexico vs. Argentina on TUDN
TUDN.com and the TUDN App will stream Mexico's international friendly game against Argentina on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 5 p.m. ET. The two sides meet for the seventh time. Mexico lead the all-time record with four wins to Argentina's two.
FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifying games on beIN Sports Extra & Paramount+
Five of the most sought-after UEFA Women's World Cup Qualifying games in October will stream live on beIN Sports EXTRA and Paramount+ from Friday, Oct. 22, through Tuesday, Oct. 26.
BeIN Sports Extra will show a match between France and Estonia. On the other hand, Paramount+ will stream four games. Including a clash between Norway and Belgium on Tuesday, Oct. 26.
BeIN Sports Extra
France vs. Estonia on Friday, Oct. 22, at 3:10 p.m. ET
Paramount+
England vs. Northern Ireland on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 12:05 p.m. ET
Germany vs. Israel on Tuesday, Oct. 26, at 9:55 a.m. ET
Norway vs. Belgium on Tuesday, Oct. 26, at 12:50 p.m. ET
Latavia vs. England on Tuesday, Oct. 26, at 1:20 p.m. ET
Two NWSL games featuring Gotham FC on Twitch
NJ/NY Gotham FC will face Kansas City on Friday, Oct. 22, and Racing Louisville on Thursday, Oct. 28. Gotham FC needs one win from the two games to secure a playoff spot.
Both games will be available on Twitch under the NWSL official channel.
Biggest stories of the week
Milan set unwanted record following UCL loss to Porto
For Milan, it's been a case of two different stories in their domestic and continental campaigns thus far this season. The Rossoneri are one of two teams who have yet to lose a match in Serie A - the other being league leaders Napoli - and have quickly established themselves as early contenders for the Scudetto.
In the Champions League, it's another story. Back in the competition for the first time in eight years, it's safe to say that things have been nothing short of a disaster for Stefano Pioli's side. Milan opened proceedings with a 3-2 loss to Liverpool, followed by a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid.
As such, their match against Porto was a crunch one. Indeed, the winner of the Porto-Milan tie on matchday three could see their fortunes reversed drastically, and go from being pretty much out of the competition to possibly making a late push for second spot. Unfortunately, things didn't go Milan's way as they ended up losing 1-0 to Porto.
Prior to the game, Milan were hoping to avoid losing back to back away games in Europe for the first time in 2012. In losing 1-0 in Portugal, they've not only done just that but also have set another unwanted record.
Indeed, for the first time in club history, Milan have lost their opening three matches in the Champions League. It remains to be seen if they'll be able to turn things around when they welcome Porto for matchday four in a few weeks' time.
Rashford "unhappy" with Solskjaer after Man Utd manager's comment on the Englishman's activism
Given the current on-the-pitch crisis Man United are currently experiencing, the Red Devils could do without a behind-the-curtains row. Unfortunately, key player Marcus Rashford is reportedly said to be unhappy with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, which might raise a few concerns if true.
Despite enjoying a lovely comeback, scoring two goals in his first two games since returning from injury, not everything is rosy with Marcus at Old Trafford as the Three Lions attacker is said to be unhappy with his manager. His issue with the Norwegian gaffer has little to do with football; instead, the 23-year-old took a disliking with recent comments made by Ole in regards to his activism.
The Man United man has become one of football's biggest role models, as his campaign to tackle child hunger in the United Kingdom has garnered worldwide applause. However, the Englishman has faced criticism, with those angered by his campaign often using the phrase "stick to football".
Here is where Solskjaer's comments come into play. When speaking to the media, the Theatre of Dreams boss offered his player a piece of advice. Unfortunately, it caused a bit of a stir.
"He is coming into the best age for a footballer and he's got a challenge on his hands here at Manchester United – and has a challenge on his hands to play for England," Ole said. "Marcus has done some remarkable and fantastic things, but now he maybe needs to prioritise his football."
According to David Ornstein of the Athletic, one of England's most reputable journalists, Rashford was left unhappy by the gaffer's choice of words. There is an acceptance in the player's camp that Ole meant no harm, meaning there is no reason to sound the alarm bells as of now. However, given that the club are already struggling on the pitch, Solskjaer will need to bury this issue under the bridge quickly.
Manchester United: Ronaldo sets new Champions League record with goal in comeback win over Atalanta
It was a rollercoaster of emotions at Old Trafford on Wednesday night as another thrilling night of Champions League football concluded with Manchester United emerging victorious. It was a typical game of two halves but, in the end, Cristiano Ronaldo stole the headlines once more with a brilliant winner that fired the Red Devils from fourth to first in Group F in the space of 53 minutes. The 36-year-old Portuguese striker became the first player in history to score against 38 different clubs in the European competition by scoring the decider in his side's 3-2 win over their opponents from Italy. Goals from Mario Pasalic and Merih Demiral gave Atalanta the upper hand in the first half but Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire pulled the Red Devils back into the game in the second half before Ronaldo's subsequently sealed the win.
Other key headlines from the world of football
Chelsea set new Premier League record with Brentford win
Chelsea have set an all-new Premier League record after securing a win in Saturday's tough derby clash with newly-promoted Brentford. The Blues snatched a 1-0 victory to become the first club from the English capital to win seven consecutive away London derbies in English Football League history.
In the end, the Blues defense could not be trumped as the Premier League giants secured their sixth win of the season and leaped to the top of the Premier League table once more. Thomas Tuchel's men have currently lost only one out of the eight games played so far and have conceded just three goals during the period too.
Messi's 'panenka' penalty the difference as PSG secure comeback win vs RB Leipzig
Lionel Messi showed his class once again to inspire Paris Saint-Germain to what was a vital win in Tuesday night's UEFA Champions League group stage clash with RB Leipzig. The 34 years old attacker sealed a remarkable turnaround for Les Parisians who fought back from a goal down to seal all three points despite having opened the scoring.
Although it took just nine minutes for Kylian Mbappe to fire the host in front, Andre Silva's 28th minute strike ensured that the scoreline was par before the break. Nordi Mukiele then fired the visitors in front by scoring in the 57th minute before Lionel Messi grabbed the equalizer 10 minutes later. In the end, the former Barcelona talisman emerged as the savior with a penalty falling the way of PSG following a foul on Kylian Mbappe in the 74th minute. The Argentine attacker then stepped up to calmly dispatch a panenka down the middle to put his team ahead and seal the victory.
UCL: All the records set as Liverpool beat 10-man Atletico Madrid
Liverpool sealed a thrilling victory over Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, a result which saw both sides make history, but for different reasons. First of all, Mohamed Salah, who grabbed a brace, become the first man in Liverpool's history to score in nine successive matches across all competitions. Antoine Griezmann, who netted his team's two goals, became the first player in UEFA Champions League's history to score twice and be sent off, having received a red card after catching Roberto Firmino in the head with his boot.
And finally, this win saw the Merseyside giants inch closer to their impressive unbeaten record of the 80s. Klopp's men are now unbeaten in 21 matches in all competitions (W15 D6), their longest run since May 1989 under Kenny Dalglish (24).
