Inter will be hoping that Napoli slip up and give them a chance to capitalize on any mistakes. They have been consistent throughout the season and will be looking to finish strong in order to secure back-to-back titles. The pressure is on both teams as they head into the final matchday of the season.
🏴 Championship Playoff final: Sheffield United vs. Sunderland
In England, the Championship Playoff final is set to take place on Saturday as Sheffield United takes on Sunderland. The winner of this match will earn promotion to the Premier League, a highly coveted prize for both clubs. Sheffield United will be looking to bounce back after being relegated from the Premier League last season, while Sunderland will be hoping to return to the top flight after years of disappointment in the lower divisions.
Both teams will be giving it their all in this winner-takes-all match, as the stakes are high and the rewards are great. It promises to be an exciting and intense encounter as both teams battle it out for a chance to play in the Premier League next season.
🇪🇸 La Liga: Real Madrid vs. Leganes
In Spain, Real Madrid will face Leganes in a La Liga match on Saturday. Real Madrid will be looking to finish their season on a high note as they prepare for next week’s Champions League final against Barcelona. Leganes, on the other hand, will be looking to end their season on a positive note and secure their place in the top flight for next season.
Real Madrid will be the favorites in this match, but Leganes will be determined to put up a fight and cause an upset. It promises to be an exciting match as both teams battle it out for three points in their final game of the season.
🇺🇸 NWSL and MLS action
Over in the United States, the NWSL and MLS will also have some exciting matchups this weekend. The Houston Dash will take on Bay FC in the NWSL, while the Philadelphia Union will face Inter Miami in the MLS.
Both leagues have been providing fans with some thrilling matches throughout the season, and this weekend promises to be no different. Fans can expect some high-quality soccer as the teams battle it out for crucial points in their respective leagues.
🏴 EPL matches
On Sunday, the English Premier League will also have some exciting matches as Nottingham Forest takes on Chelsea, and Manchester United faces Aston Villa. These matches will be crucial for both teams as they look to secure their positions in the league table and finish the season on a high note.
Overall, this weekend promises to be a thrilling one for soccer fans around the world, with plenty of high-stakes matches and intense competition. Make sure to tune in and catch all the action as the season comes to a close in various leagues across Europe and the United States.
That’s all for now. Enjoy the weekend’s action and we’ll see you next time!
There’s one dramatic, though unlikely, scenario that is still on the table – if Napoli lose and Inter draw, a one-game playoff at a neutral venue in the coming days would decide the title. While this situation may seem far-fetched, it is not the first time such a scenario has been considered in the world of sports.
World’s richest game
Sheffield United and Sunderland will take to the pitch at London’s Wembley Stadium on Saturday for soccer’s richest game, in which a spot in the Premier League – and around $300 million – awaits the winner. The glory of playing in the top flight goes hand-in-hand with the financial incentive of playing in the sport’s most lucrative league, much of it down to the broadcast revenue the Premier League generates and then splits up amongst its teams every season.
Either Sheffield United or Sunderland will benefit from the start of the Premier League’s new domestic broadcast deal for next season, which increases the earnings from around $228 million to about $295 million, though either way it is a dramatic departure from the prize money for participating in the Championship. The highest payment for Championship clubs was at least $65 million, a fee reserved for “first year” relegated clubs.
There is plenty at stake outside of the financial incentive for two teams with contrasting stories. United were only relegated from the Premier League a year ago and are on the cusp of an instant return, reaching the playoff final by sticking with a squad and manager that experienced their last season in the top flight. Sunderland’s journey to Saturday’s game, though, has been a winding one – they followed up their relegation from the Premier League in the 2016-17 season with another relegation from the Championship in the 2017-18 campaign and spent four years in League One.
Saturday’s Championship promotion playoff kicks off a weekend full of them at Wembley, which will host the League One equivalent between Charlton and Leyton Orient on Sunday and the League Two playoff between Wimbledon and Walsall on Monday.
Top Stories
🏆 Spurs win UEL: Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester United in a not-so-entertaining Europa League final that finally brought Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought to an end and offered the latest reminder of the Red Devils’ shortcomings. Plus, has the result reframed the conversation around Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou and United’s Ruben Amorim?
🇺🇸 USMNT roster: Christian Pulisic was left off of the USMNT’s roster for their pre-Gold Cup friendlies after a grueling season, leaving head coach Mauricio Pochettino with a youth-focused roster ahead of his final tournament before the 2026 World Cup.
🔚 Modric’s Real Madrid exit: Luka Modric will leave Real Madrid after the Club World Cup, ending a 13-year spell that included four league titles and six Champions League triumphs.
🆕 U.S. Open Cup draw: The quarterfinals for the U.S. Open Cup are set, with regional matches taking center stage as the last eight teams begin to map out the road to the Oct. 1 final.
⚽ Messi’s favorite goal: Lionel Messi selected his goal in the 2009 UEFA Champions League final, when Barcelona beat Real Madrid, as his favorite of his career.
The Back Line
Best bets
Championship Playoff — Sunderland vs. Sheffield United, Saturday at 10 a.m. ET on Paramount+
💰 THE PICK: Over 2.5 goals (+140):
Look, I would not aim to put a lot on this. But at +140, why not sprinkle a little? Three of their last four meetings have hit the over and five of their last seven have as well. Sure, it’s a final, and that could lead to prioritizing defense. But they have given up their fair share of goals, especially when you compare them to the likes of Leeds United and Burnley, who both finished above them.
When it comes to soccer, the Championship is often seen as more fun than the Premier League in many ways. With so much on the line in each match, the excitement and unpredictability of the Championship can make it a thrilling experience for fans. And when it comes to finals, the chaos and drama that unfolds can be truly exhilarating.
One of the key factors that sets the Championship apart from the Premier League is the level of competition. In the Championship, every team is fighting tooth and nail for promotion to the top flight, which creates a sense of urgency and intensity in every match. The unpredictability of the league means that any team can beat any other on any given day, making for a truly exciting and competitive environment.
Another aspect of the Championship that makes it so enjoyable is the atmosphere at the games. Championship clubs often have passionate and dedicated fan bases who create a vibrant and electric atmosphere at matches. The smaller stadiums and closer proximity to the action can make for a more intimate and engaging experience for fans.
When it comes to finals, the stakes are even higher in the Championship. Whether it’s the playoff final or a crucial end-of-season match, the tension and drama that unfolds can be truly gripping. The do-or-die nature of these matches can lead to some truly unforgettable moments and heart-stopping drama.
For fans looking to get in on the action, there are plenty of ways to stay informed and engaged with the Championship. From expert tips and predictions to the latest betting news, platforms like CBSSports.com offer a wealth of information to help fans make the most of their Championship experience.
In conclusion, while the Premier League may get most of the attention, the Championship offers its own unique brand of excitement and entertainment. From the fierce competition to the passionate fan bases and thrilling finals, there’s no shortage of reasons why the Championship is more fun than the Premier League in many ways. So if you’re looking for a soccer experience that’s full of drama and excitement, look no further than the Championship.
