The Copa Libertadores Final, Villarreal vs Barcelona, Chelsea vs Man United, Real Madrid vs Sevilla, Man United vs Arsenal, and many other fixtures make our list of must-watch ties.

This week's top games

Saturday, November 27

Arsenal vs Newcastle (English Premier League)

Liverpool vs Southampton (English Premier League)

Villarreal vs Barcelona (La Liga)

Juventus vs Atalanta (Serie A)

Venezia vs Inter (Serie A)

Wolfsburg vs Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga)

Bayern vs Arminia Bielefeld (Bundesliga)

Belenenses vs Benfica (Primeira Liga)

Palmeiras vs Flamengo (Copa Libertadores Final)

América vs Pumas UNAM (Liga MX)

Atlas vs Monterrey (Liga MX)

Sunday, November 28

Manchester City vs West Ham (English Premier League)

Chelsea vs Manchester United (English Premier League)

Real Madrid vs Sevilla (La Liga)

Milan vs Sassuolo (Serie A)

Napoli vs Lazio (Serie A)

RB Leipzig vs Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)

Sporting vs Tondela (Primeira Liga)

Saint-Etienne vs PSG (Ligue 1)

Tigres UANL vs Santos Laguna (Liga MX)

León vs Puebla (Liga MX)

Sporting KC vs Real Salt Lake (MLS Cup Playoffs)

Philadelphia Union vs Nashville (MLS Cup Playoffs)

Tuesday, November 30

New England vs New York City (MLS Cup Playoffs)

Newcastle vs Norwich City (English Premier League)

Leeds vs Crystal Palace (English Premier League)

Fiorentina vs Sampdoria (Serie A)

Salernitana vs Juventus (Serie A)

Wednesday, December 1

Watford vs Chelsea (English Premier League)

Everton vs Liverpool (English Premier League)

Aston Villa vs Manchester City (English Premier League)

Real Madrid vs Athletic Club (La Liga)

Inter vs Spezia (Serie A)

Genoa vs Milan (Serie A)

Sassuolo vs Napoli (Serie A)

PSG vs Nice (Ligue 1)

Liga MX Semi-finals (Teams TBD)

Thursday, December 2

Tottenham vs Brentford (English Premier League)

Man United vs Arsenal (English Premier League)

Lazio vs Udinese (Serie A)

Liga MX semi-finals 2 (Teams TBD) 

216 percent increase

Most-watched soccer games on U.S. TV: Nov. 16-22, 2021

Liverpool's commanding 4-0 win against Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday, Nov. 20, was the most-watched soccer game on U.S. TV last week.

The Premier League broadcast of the Reds' victory over the north London giants on NBC generated 877,000 average viewers. In terms of how this result impacted the 2021/22 Premier League table, the Reds are now third with 25 points, and the Gunners are fifth with 20 points.

An average of 525,000 viewers tuned in to CBS to watch the Washington Spirit take down the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL Championship game on Saturday, Nov. 20. The game posted a 216 percent increase from the 2019 NWSL Championship. Moreover, an average of 571,000 viewers tuned in to the final hour of the game, making it the most-streamed NWSL game on Paramount+ this season.

Lastly, TUDN's screening of Cruz Azul's 4-1 win over Monterrey in the Liga MX playoffs on Sunday, Nov. 21, notched the third place on last week's ratings. An average of 512,000 viewers watched striker Rogelio Funes Mori lead Monterrey to the quarterfinals after a two-goal performance.

Most Watched Games, USA, November 16, 22, Liverpool, Arsenal, Washington Spirit, Chicago Red Stars, Cruz Azul, Monterrey, Liga MX, English Premier League, NWSL Championship

What are this week's must-watch games? 

Palmeiras take on Flamengo this Saturday at 3 p.m. ET live on beIN Sports, Fanatiz USA, fuboTV, and Sling TV in the Copa Libertadores final

And then we were down to two! The Copa Libertadores final is upon us, with Saturday set to see one club crowned the champions of South America. This match will be an all-Brazilian affair, with the last two champions – Palmeira, who won it in 2020, and Flamengo, who lifted the title in 2019 – set to battle it out at the stadio Centenario in Montevideo in Uruguay. Flamengo find themselves in second in the Brasileirão table and appear destined to finish as runners-up behind league leaders Atletico Mineiro. With Gabriel "Gabigol" Barbosa, the competition's top scorer, leading the line, Rubro-Negro will head into this clash with confidence. However, it should be noted that Palmeiras are the defending champions and will look to become the first team to win back-to-back Copa Libertadores titles since Boca Juniors 20 years ago!

Palmeiras, Flamengo, Copa Libertadores Final, Broadcast Listings

Chelsea vs Man United this Sunday at 11:30 a.m. ET live on Peacock 

This will be Man United's first Premier League game since sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and what a game it will be! The Red Devils head into this tie on the back of their 2-0 win over Villarreal, a victory overseen by caretaker manager Michael Carrick. Ralf Rangnick is reportedly set to take over at the Red Devils, but this will not be done in time for the weekend game, meaning the inexperienced Carrick will lead the team at Stamford Bridge. Thomas Tuchel will look to tear apart his counterpart as Chelsea aim to maintain their exceptional form. With Man City taking on West Ham in the upcoming round, a slip-up from the Cityzens could see the Blues stretch their lead at the top. However, the London giants must first overcome the Red Devils if they wish to pull this off.

Chelsea, Manchester United, Broadcast Listings, English Premier League

Real Madrid vs Sevilla this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET live on ESPN+

This is the standout fixture in La Liga this weekend. First-placed Real Madrid take on third-placed Sevilla in a battle between two of this season's Primera Division title hopefuls. Los Blancos boast a mere one-point lead over Real Sociedad, meaning Ancelotti's men have no room to rest in this tie. A slip-up could see them surrender the no.1 spot in the blink of an eye, but with seven wins from their last eight outings, all roads point to a Real Madrid victory. Sevilla, meanwhile, head into this fixture on the back of their 2-2 draw with Deportivo Alaves, but a memorable victory at the Santiago Bernabeu would see them leapfrog Los Merengues – and possibly go top of the table if Real Sociedad drop points.

Real Madrid, Sevilla, La Liga, Broadcast Listings

Elsehwere, Barcelona will be taking on Villarreal in what will be Xavi's second game in charge in La Liga. The Spanish tactician began things with a 1-0 win over Espanyol but drew nil-nil at home to Benfica in the UEFA Champions League over the midweek. Do not miss this Saturday showdown!

This week in women's football, November 26, December 2, FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifying, International Friendly, USWNT, Australia, Canada, England, Germany

An international break has dawned upon women's football. Learn how you can watch the most exciting upcoming international matches.

NWSL Championship viewership numbers

An average of 525,000 viewers tuned in to CBS to watch the Washington Spirit take down the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL Championship game on Saturday, Nov. 20. The game posted a 216 percent increase from the 2019 NWSL Championship. Moreover, an average of 571,000 viewers tuned in to the final hour of the game, making it the most-streamed NWSL game on Paramount+ this season.

UEFA Women's World Cup Qualifying

The UEFA Women's World Cup qualifying is underway. These are the most anticipated games during this international break and how to watch them around the world.

Saturday, Nov. 27

England vs. Austria at 7:30 a.m. ET

Monday, Nov. 29

Northern Ireland vs. Austria at 2 p.m. ET

Tuesday, Nov. 30

Denmark vs. Russia at 12 p.m. ET

Portugal vs. Germany at 1 p.m. ET

Sweden vs. Slovakia at 1 p.m. ET

England vs. Latvia at 2 p.m. ET

Belgium vs. Poland at 2:30 p.m. ET

Spain vs. Scotland at 3 p.m. ET

France vs. Wales at 3:10 p.m. ET

How to watch USWNT vs. Australia and Mexico vs. Canada

There will be women's football international action outside UEFA Women's World Cup Qualifying. The Matildas will host the USWNT twice in the next five days and Canada will face El Tri Femenil twice as well. 

The first game between Australia and the USA will take place at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Friday, Nov. 26 at 11 p.m. ET. This will be the third meeting between the USA and Australia this calendar year. The teams played twice at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Also, over 35,000 tickets have been sold for the game, which will be the largest ever crowd to watch Australia at home.

The second game between the two nations will take place in Newcastle, Australia, on Tuesday, Nov. 30, at 4:05 a.m. ET. 

On the other hand, Canada and Mexico will also compete in a doubleheader during the international break. The first game is set to kick off on Saturday, Nov. 27, at 12 p.m. ET at Estadio Banco de Guayaquil in Quito, Ecuador. 

The second match will be played at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes in Mexico City on Tuesday, Nov. 30, at 5:30 p.m. ET.

Biggest stories of the week

Cristiano Ronaldo sets new record with goal in Villarreal win

Cristiano Ronaldo found himself in the history books once more after getting on the scoresheet in Manchester United's win over Villarreal on Tuesday night. The 36-year-old Portuguese superstar was gifted a massive goal after a defensive mistake by the host, inspiring the Red Devils to progress to the knockout stage from their group with a game to spare. The former Juventus star's strike made him the first ever player to score in each of an English club's first five matches of a single European Cup or Champions League season - excluding qualifiers. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho subsequently ensured that the win was a comfortable one for the Premier League outfit by scoring his first goal for the club later on in the encounter.

Mourinho rewards teenage striker with touching gift after Roma win

Jose Mourino certainly has his fair share of critics, and his sometimes combative style with colleagues and the press certainly doesn't help his case.

However, the self-described "Special One" has again shown that under that seemingly abrasive exterior is a thoughtful individual.

Last week, Roma, who have had their share of struggles this season, avoided a third straight loss by beating Genoa.

The star on the night was a young striker named Felix Afena-Gyan. The Ghanaian youngster, who turned 18 at the beginning of the year, first arrived in the Eternal City this past March.

He received his first senior call-up under Mourinho in October, and less than a month later, came off the bench to score two goals to fire Roma to a 2-0 win over Genoa.

According to reports, prior to the match, Mourinho had promised the youngsters he'd buy him a pair of pricey kicks should he score.

Well, clearly motivated by this, the teenage starlet scored not one, but two goals - and thus, as promised, received his prize from his very proud manager.

Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema found guilty in Valbuena sex-tape blackmail case

Karim Benzema's long-standing blackmail court case has finally received a verdict, and unfortunately for the Frenchman, it is bad news!

The Real Madrid superstar has been found guilty of conspiring to blackmail former teammate Mathieu Valbuena with a sex tape involving the Olympiacos ace, which was stolen from his phone. As punishment, the Blancos sensation has been handed a one-year suspended jail sentence and has been slapped with a €75,000 fine for his role in this criminal plot.

This case dates back to 2015 when Valbuena, who shared a dressing room with Benzema in the national team set-up, fell victim to an extortion attempt, with criminals threatening to release a sexually-explicit video featuring the 37-year-old and his partner if they were not paid off. 

Benzema eventually ended up approaching his countryman about the tape, which sparked this whole situation. Karim argues that he was merely trying to help his teammate "manage" the issue but was inevitably accused of being the middleman in this scam, which involved a childhood friend of the former Lyon striker.

Karim's lawyers have vowed to appeal this verdict, saying: "We are quite flabbergasted by this judgment. An appeal is necessary. He will be exonerated at the height of this appeal."

Premier League stars dominate as FIFA announces nominees for The Best Awards

FIFA has announced the candidates shortlisted for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2021, with 22 representatives from the English Premier League included across both the men's and women's categories. The nominees' shortlist was publicized on Monday following deliberations by two expert panels, and the winners will reportedly be revealed at an online ceremony on 17 January 2022.

For the umpteenth time, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo headlined the nominees for The Best FIFA Awards, with Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski also getting the nod to compete for the honor of the Men's Player of the Year. All in all, it was Chelsea who scored the most representation with 10 spanning across both the men's and women's list. 

Who are the players shortlisted for The Best Men's Player of the Year?

  • Karim Benzema (France / Real Madrid)

  • Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium / Manchester City)

  • Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal / Juventus / Manchester United)

  • Robert Lewandowski (Poland / Bayern Munich)

  • Lionel Messi (Argentina / Barcelona / Paris Saint-Germain)

  • Neymar (Brazil / Paris Saint-Germain)

  • Erling Haaland (Norway / Borussia Dortmund)

  • Jorginho (Italy / Chelsea) N'Golo Kante (France / Chelsea)

  • Kylian Mbappe (France / Paris Saint-Germain)

  • Mohamed Salah (Egypt / Liverpool) 

Who are the players shortlisted for The Best Women's Player of the Year?

  • Stina Blackstenius (Sweden / BK Hacken)

  • Aitana Bonmati (Spain / Barcelona)

  • Lucy Bronze (England / Manchester City WFC)

  • Magdalena Eriksson (Sweden / Chelsea FC Women)

  • Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway / Barcelona)

  • Pernille Harder (Denmark / Chelsea FC Women)

  • Jennifer Hermoso (Spain / Barcelona)

  • Ji So-yun (Korea Republic / Chelsea FC Women)

  • Sam Kerr (Australia / Chelsea FC Women)

  • Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands / Arsenal WFC)

  • Ellen White (England / Manchester City WFC)

  • Alexia Putellas (Spain / Barcelona)

  • Christine Sinclair (Canada / Portland Thorns) 

Who are the coaches shortlisted for the The Best FIFA Men's Coach of the Year award?

  • Antonio Conte (Italy / Inter / Tottenham Hotspur)

  • Hansi Flick (Germany / Bayern Munich / German national team)

  • Pep Guardiola (Spain / Manchester City)

  • Roberto Mancini (Italy / Italian national team)

  • Lionel Sebastian Scaloni (Argentina / Argentinian national team)

  • Diego Simeone (Argentina / Atletico Madrid)

  • Thomas Tuchel (Germany / Chelsea)

Other key headlines from the world of football  

REPORT: Manchester United seal deal with highly-rated German coach

According to reports by various sources, it seems that Manchester United have finalized their search for a permanent boss for the remainder of the season. An article published by The Athletic hints that the Red Devils have reached an agreement with Ralf Rangnick, the current sporting director for Lokomotiv Moscow. 

While his name may not be as known as some of the other options mentioned by the media, the man was behind the creation of the whole structure that included teams such as RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, and more. Added to that, he has been mentioned as a major influence for coaches such as Julian Nagelsmann, Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, and even Ralph Hassenhuttl.

Rangnick's appointment would see him leave his position as sporting director for Lokomotiv Moscow to embark on a six-month stint as boss for the Red Devils. If things go as the team's board wants, the coach would be offered an extension to continue as the team's manager. But the English side seem to be thinking on a larger scale, as they are considering keeping Rangnick around as the team's new sporting director for the next two years once his six-month spell as coach comes to an end.

Huge blow: Key Chelsea player could be out for the rest of the season after suffering injury in Juve win

Chelsea took on Juventus in the recent round of UEFA Champions League fixtures, and while the title holders marched to a convincing 4-0 victory at Stamford Bridge, that win did not come without its downsides.

First of all, influential midfielder N'Golo Kante was forced off with a knee injury, which came as a huge concern to Thomas Tuchel as the Premier League leaders take on Man United this weekend in the English top-flight. However, the more alarming issue was that involving Ben Chilwell.

The in-form English left-back went down in serious pain with only 19 minutes left on the clock, with the former Leicester man needing assistance as he limped off the pitch and down the tunnel. According to reports out of Britain, the Blues quickly suspected that he suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage. If that's the case, then the 24-year-old will unfortunately be sidelined for the rest of the 2021/22 season.

Serie A leaders Napoli dealt big blow

Napoli's recent loss to Inter came at a huge price, as key striker Victor Osimhen suffered a nasty facial injury. The Nigerian is now set to reportedly miss at least three months of action following an extensive surgery required to address the multiple fractures to the cheekbone and orbital bone he sustained following a clash of heads with Inter defender Milan Skriniar.

In addition, given that the AFCON is just around the corner, it's highly unlikely Osimhen will be able to play for Nigeria during the January tournament.