Real Madrid solidified their position as the team to beat in LaLiga with a commanding 4-0 victory over Girona. The match was touted as a title decider between the two top teams, but Real Madrid left no doubt about their superiority. Jude Bellingham, who unfortunately had to leave the game early due to an ankle injury, scored two goals to contribute to the win. Brazilians Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo also found the back of the net, further adding to the humiliation for Girona. With this victory, Real Madrid extended their lead to five points at the top of the table. While there are still 14 games left to play, it seems that no other team comes close to challenging Real Madrid’s dominance in LaLiga this season.
In the Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen displayed their prowess as they defeated Bayern Munich 3-0. This victory solidified Leverkusen’s position as the current top team in the league. The highly anticipated clash between the two teams was delayed due to fan protests, but once the game started, Leverkusen took control. Despite Bayern’s initial dominance, Leverkusen quickly turned the tide and dominated the game for long stretches. Josip Stanisic, on loan from Bayern, scored the opening goal for Leverkusen in the 18th minute, and from there, Bayern struggled to respond. Leverkusen’s victory demonstrated their ability to dethrone Bayern and potentially win the Bundesliga for the first time since 2013.
Paris Saint-Germain faced a tough challenge against Lille, one of the strongest teams in Ligue 1 this season. However, despite resting key players ahead of their upcoming Champions League clash, PSG managed to secure a solid 3-1 win. The victory showcased the depth of PSG’s squad, with the usual substitutes stepping up to make a difference. Gonçalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani, who have struggled since joining the team, both scored crucial goals in this match. Fabián Ruiz and Danilo Pereira also played key roles in the victory. Despite the win, PSG displayed some vulnerabilities, especially in defense. If they do not address these issues, it could become a significant problem against top teams in domestic and European competitions.
The weekend also provided positive moments for USMNT players in Europe. Johnny Cardoso made a significant impact for Real Betis, assisting in the opening goal scored by Willian José. Cardoso’s performance highlights the potential for more USMNT players to be involved in European competitions in the future. In the Premier League, Fulham secured their first win of 2024 with Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson playing crucial roles in defense. Their victory propelled Fulham up the league table, and they aim to continue their upward trajectory without the threat of relegation.
After winning the Asian Cup, Qatar’s Akram Afif expressed his desire to play in Europe again. However, he acknowledges that the decision is not solely his own, as his wife also plays a role in making such a significant move. Afif’s ambition reflects the growing interest and talent among players from different regions, including the United States, who aspire to test their skills on the European stage.
Unfortunately, the weekend also brought disappointment for some USMNT players abroad. West Brom’s Daryl Dike suffered a foot injury that forced him to leave the pitch in tears. This injury comes after a series of setbacks for Dike, who has struggled with various injuries since joining West Brom. The severity of Dike’s latest injury is yet to be determined, leaving his future participation uncertain.
Overall, the weekend in European soccer showcased thrilling matches and standout performances from top teams and players. Real Madrid’s dominant win, Bayer Leverkusen’s triumph over Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain’s resilience against Lille were among the highlights. Additionally, USMNT players demonstrated their potential and impact in European leagues. However, injuries continue to be a concern, dampening the excitement for some players. As the season progresses, fans can anticipate more excitement, drama, and memorable moments in European soccer.