Soccer Matches You Won’t Want To Miss Heading Into the International Break

The third and final International break is fast approaching, with European club action ceasing play from Monday, March 20, to Tuesday, March 28. Below I’ve picked out the five matches you don’t want to miss heading into the international break.

Eredivisie – Ajax vs. Feyenoord

Although it’s not in the top 5 leagues in Europe, the Dutch Eredivisie still features some of the best squads in the world. This match features two of the most historic Dutch sides and always brings the intensity.

Heading into their match on Sunday, March 19 at 9:30 am EST, Feyenoord and Ajax currently hold the top two spots in the top flight in the Netherlands, as Ajax currently trails their rivals by three points. There are less than 10 games remaining until a victor is crowned, and this match could be the deciding factor.

La Liga – Real Madrid vs. Barcelona

In their fourth meeting of 2022-2023, Real Madrid and Barcelona face off for the second and final time in the La Liga campaign. Barcelona currently leads the season series with a 2-0-1 record, as Real Madrid will look to even things up when they meet on Sunday, March 19, at 4:00 pm EST.

The historic El Clasico always proves to bring excitement, and I think we can expect the same as the two rivals currently sit atop the La Liga table. Although Madrid have struggled as of late and sit 9 points behind their Catalan rivals, this match will be highly contested by both teams and truly is anyone’s game.

Serie A – Roma vs. Lazio

Although there isn’t much at stake in this game, the two top clubs in Rome meet each other for the second edition of this year’s Rome derby. After suffering a 1-0 defeat in their first match, Roma will look to even things up against the inter-city rival Lazio in their matchup on Sunday, March 19, at 1:00 pm EST.

Although neither team has enjoyed their best seasons, both teams are still vying for a Champions League spot, as Lazio currently sits in 3rd and Roma in 5th.

Although they sit two spots below their rival, Roma sits only two points behind Lazio and could reclaim a Champions League spot with a victory. Both clubs still have 12 matches left on their Serie A schedules, but a victory in the Rome derby would certainly go a long way for either squad.

Serie A – Inter Milan vs. Juventus

A year ago, this was the matchup to watch in Serie A. Although it doesn’t currently hold the same weight as it used to, this match will still be one to watch, as both Inter Milan and Juventus remain as some of the best clubs in Italy. After a 2-0 defeat in their opening match, Inter Milan will look to turn things around when they meet Juventus on Sunday, March 19, at 3:45 pm EST.

Neither team are in the championship conversation, as 2nd place Inter Milan still trail league leaders Napoli by eighteen points, but 7th place Juventus are looking to continue their climb up the standings after they were hit with a points deduction for violating Serie A rules. Juventus currently sit 10 points out of a Champions League spot. They will need to remain nearly perfect in their final 12 matches if they want to compete in the European competition next season.

Liga Portugal – Braga vs. FC Porto

Rounding out my list is a match between two of the powerhouses in Portugal. Currently sitting in 2nd and 3rd in Liga Portugal, FC Porto, and Braga will meet for the second time following Porto’s dominant 4-1 victory earlier in the season.

Although neither team is really in the title conversation, as Benfica sits ahead by 8 points with only 10 matches remaining, these two squads are in a fierce race for the 2nd and final Champions League spot. Braga sits two points behind Porto and could overtake 2nd place with a win. With this much at stake in Liga Portugal, this is surely a match that you won’t want to miss.

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