While the race for the English Premier League title and the German Bundesliga are still very much on, the French and Italian titles may be decided this weekend. Holders PSG and Juventus can mathematically clinch their respective titles this weekend. Here are the scenarios in each league.
Juventus set to clinch eighth straight title
This season has been the familiar story Juventus dominating Serie A, only to fail to win the Champions League. The Bianconeri suffered a shock 3-2 aggregate defeat against Ajax in the quarter-final of Europe’s elite competition.
The fact that Juventus can mathematically clinch their eighth straight Scudetto this weekend with a win against Fiorentina this weekend also seems irrelevant.
However, Massimiliano Allegri’s team face just that scenario. In truth, Juventus have had the Italian title in the bag for a long time. They have simply been far better than any other team in Serie A, despite arguably suffering their worse season under the stewardship of the highly-rated Allegri.
Napoli have once again been the team from Turin’s closest challengers. However, that has been in name only, as Carlo Ancelotti’s men are a massive 17 points behind the reigning champions in the Italian top-flight. The men from Naples will once again clinch a Champions League spot for next season. Once again, though, that was all too predictable.
Juventus are major favourites to put the title to bed on Saturday evening with a victory over the Viola, who have experienced a mediocre campaign.
PSG to record yet another Ligue One title
Much like Juventus in Serie A, PSG have dominated Ligue One from start to near finish. The big-spending French side once again failed to deliver in the Champions League.
It is back to Ligue One business on Sunday night, as the reigning French champions host former title challengers Monaco at the Parc des Princes. PSG have had the title sewn up for another season for some time now.
However, they have failed to mathematically clinch it on three occasions, failing to beat Strasbourg, Lille and most recently Nantes. In fact, Thomas Tuchel’s side suffered defeat against Lille and Nantes in their last two league outings.
Lille have enjoyed a fantastic campaign in Ligue One and currently sit second in the French top-flight table. However, they are 17 points behind the perennial French title winners. The highlight of the Lille’s super campaign was no doubt the 5-1 home win over the team from the French capital.
They can do little to stop the Parisians claiming the title, though and will now have to be content with a place in the Champions League next season.
Barcelona cruising to La Liga title
Reigning La Liga champions Barcelona are cruising to the Spanish top-flight title. The Catalan giants are nine points ahead of second place Atletico Madrid heading into this weekend’s clash with Real Sociedad at the Nou Camp. Ernesto Valverde’s side are still in contention for the treble, even if they will not be able to seal the Spanish title with a win over the team from San Sebastian this weekend.
Will PSG and Juventus’ domestic dominance continue for years to come?
