There are about two weeks left in the European Soccer Season. Still left to play are the final match weeks in La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1, while the English Premier League and Bundesliga wrapped up league play this past weekend. However, the domestic cups, the FA Cup Final and DFB-Pokal Final are this coming week. Then of course, the following weekend comes the pinnacle of European football. On Wednesday, May 16, the UEFA Europa League final between Olympique de Marseille and Atlético Madrid will play out in Lyon, France. Finally, on Saturday, May 26, the UEFA Champions League kicks off between attack-minded Liverpool FC and defending champions Real Madrid CF in Kiev, Ukraine. The best part of all this action is that FanWide will provide you fans with an optimal viewing experience to enjoy the end of the 2018 European soccer season.
FA Cup Final
The 2018 FA Cup will be played between Chelsea FC and Manchester United FC. (Chelsea FC game watch parties and Manchester United FC game watch parties) Both teams are looking for their first set of silverware this season. Chelsea had an early Round of 16 exit from the Champions League this year, and to make matters worse, this past weekend they suffered a crushing defeat at Newcastle which will keep them out of next year’s Champions League. An FA Cup championship will be important in keeping fans happy for next season
Manchester United fell short this season in the Premier League, not able to keep up with their crosstown rivals Manchester City. Although finishing second and securing a Champions League qualification for next season. Jose Mourinho and the Red Devils had hoped to put up a greater fight for the Premier League trophy. In addition, Man United also suffered a debilitating upset loss to Sevilla FC in Round of 16 in the Champions League. These two historic clubs will fight relentlessly for 90 minutes at the grand Wembley Arena in London for the 2018 FA Cup trophy this coming Saturday.
DFB-Pokal Final
The 2018 DFB-Pokal will be played between FC Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt. (FC Bayern Munich game watch parties and Eintracht Frankfurt game watch parties) This should be an exciting game in Berlin. However, runaway Bundesliga winners Bayern Munich should not have a tough time finishing off Eintracht. Robert Lewandowski and the prolific Bayern offense should be able to break through the Eintracht defense. A lot of goals should be expected for this matchup on Saturday. Despite this, the possibility of a major upset makes this a can’t miss match.
UEFA Europa League
The UEFA Europa League will be played between Atlético Madrid and Olympique de Marseille. (Atlético Madrid game watch parties and Olympique de Marseille game watch parties) Atlético Madrid, originally a 2018 Champions League team finished third in their group which relegated them to the Europa League for the rest of the year. Their disappointing early exit can easily be made up for by winning this year’s
Europa League. Also, Atlético hope to win this trophy in order to keep star Frenchman Antoine Griezmann. Griezmann has been heavily linked in a FC Barcelona move this offseason.
Olympique de Marseille will battle in Ligue 1 this Saturday to try and gain Champions League qualification by finishing in third place. But, they will have another chance at it the following week in their Europa League final match. Marseille fans hope their set-piece specialist and leader, Dimitri Payet can will them to a Europa League championship.
UEFA Champions League
The Champions League Final is the crown jewel of club soccer. This year, Liverpool FC will take on Real Madrid CF. (Liverpool FC game watch parties and Real Madrid CF game watch parties) Each year fans will flock to the host city or their favorite sports bar to watch the best teams of the year duke it out for 90 minutes. This year, US fans can use FanWide to find a viewing party to enjoy the match.
Liverpool finished 4th in the Premier League this season which just makes them eligible for the UCL next year. However, they are certainly not settling for qualification. They are hungry for their first Champions League trophy since 2005. Their breakout star, Premier League Player of the Year, African Player of the Year, and Premier League Golden Boot Winner, Mohamed Salah will look to challenge Europe’s best for the Golden Boot in all competitions while carrying his team to a Champions League title. Liverpool’s front three comprised of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane have scored the most goals in Europe this season. If they can keep their defense intact, their offense should have no problem bringing the Reds over the finish line.
On the other side stands Cristiano Ronaldo and two years in a row defending champions Real Madrid. Los Blancos are the favorites to win this matchup. They come in with a very skilled and experienced squad who knows how to win trophies. A three-peat in the UCL would be historic for manager, Zinedine Zidane, and his team. Although the spotlight will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid have shown in the semifinals of this competition that they do not need him for success.
Just something to chew on: Real Madrid’s last Champions League Final loss came in 1981, to Liverpool.
We are certainly in for a thrilling finish to this soccer season. Hopefully, it is all just a setup for this summer’s 2018 World Cup. (2018 World Cup game watch parties) Remember to look to FanWide for all you soccer watch party needs. Soccer fans, prepare to be entertained.