Greetings! This week features a significant lineup of football matches across Europe, with several teams vying for trophies.
📺 Upcoming Matches
Here is a look at some key games scheduled (all times U.S./Eastern):
Wednesday, April 23
- WSL: Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace, 2:45 p.m.
- Coppa Italia semifinals: Inter vs. AC Milan, 3 p.m.
- EPL: Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace, 3 p.m.
- La Liga: Getafe vs. Real Madrid, 3:30 p.m.
- CCC: Tigres vs. Cruz Azul, 10 p.m.
Thursday, April 24
- Coppa Italia: Bologna vs. Empoli, 3 p.m.
- La Liga: Atletico Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano, 3:30 p.m.
- CCC: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Inter Miami, 10:30 p.m.
⚽ On the Front Foot
🇮🇹 Milan Rivals Vie for Coppa Italia Final Spot
The final Derby della Madonnina of the season takes place on Wednesday in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinals. Inter Milan and AC Milan are level after a 1-1 draw in the first encounter. While Inter might have been considered favorites and are still pursuing a treble, their recent performances could offer AC Milan an opportunity in this decisive leg.
Inter`s recent 1-0 loss to Bologna in Serie A not only brought Napoli level on points with five games remaining but also raised questions about Inter`s potential to win multiple trophies. With three competitions still in play over the next few weeks, success is not guaranteed in any of them. Wednesday`s match against their city rivals provides Inter a chance to demonstrate their championship capabilities. However, they must overcome Milan – despite Inter`s strong season compared to Milan`s inconsistent one, Inter has not defeated Milan in their four previous meetings this season, including the Supercoppa Italiana final in January.
For AC Milan, the stakes differ. After finishing second last season, they aimed for silverware this campaign. Although the season hasn`t unfolded as planned, they can still achieve success in the Coppa Italia. This tournament is also likely their most viable route to qualify for European competition next season, as they are currently ninth in Serie A, six points adrift of sixth place, which offers a spot in the UEFA Conference League playoff round. Milan will need their key players, including U.S. men`s national team star Christian Pulisic, to step up. Pulisic is currently enduring a seven-game goalless streak for club and country. This game is crucial for Pulisic, both to end his scoring drought and ensure he gets the necessary preparation for the 2026 World Cup hosted in part by the U.S.
Regarding Pulisic`s situation, it`s noted that he has scored 15 goals this season across competitions but hasn`t found the net in his last five matches (Serie A and Coppa Italia), though he has provided assists. Playing European football next season is seen as important for his preparation for the 2026 World Cup. Currently, the Conference League appears more likely than the Champions or Europa League unless the team improves its league position.
The winner of the Milan semifinal will face either Bologna or Empoli in the final. Bologna holds a significant 3-0 advantage from the first leg of their semifinal tie on Thursday.
🔗 Linking Up Play
🇪🇸 Real Madrid Battles to Remain in La Liga Title Race
A demanding run of fixtures continues for Real Madrid on Wednesday as they travel to Getafe, with attention focused on their position in the La Liga title race. Barcelona`s recent 1-0 victory over Mallorca means Real Madrid now trail the league leaders by seven points. The pressure is on Real Madrid to keep pace by securing a win at Getafe, all while the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona looms on Saturday.
Considering the mixed results of Real Madrid`s season, including their quarterfinal elimination in the UEFA Champions League, the prospect of a trophy-less campaign feels more tangible for the star-studded squad than it did previously. Speculation about manager Carlo Ancelotti`s likely departure at the end of the season persists. While he hasn`t confirmed his exit, his pre-match comments on Tuesday, when asked if winning the league and cup double would influence his decision to stay, carried a sense of farewell.
Ancelotti commented that “anything is possible” in football and expressed his lack of resentment, stating he loves his job and his current spell at the club. He added he would like it to continue as long as possible and would be grateful if it ends, showing respect for the club.
Real Madrid will need to navigate Wednesday`s match at Getafe without Kylian Mbappe, who has a short-term injury, though he is being considered for Saturday`s Copa del Rey final. They are favored to claim all three points, but failure to win could effectively end their La Liga title aspirations with only five matches remaining after the midweek fixture.
🔗 Other Top Stories
Here are some other notable football headlines:
- Serie A has postponed all weekend games to Sunday due to Pope Francis` funeral.
- Leeds United and Burnley have secured automatic promotion to the Premier League following recent victories.
- Reports suggest Manchester United are interested in Wolverhampton Wanderers` Matheus Cunha ahead of the summer transfer window.
- NWSL club Bay FC is scheduled to play the Washington Spirit in August at Oracle Park, home of MLB`s San Francisco Giants.
- The latest NWSL power rankings saw a positive week for Bay FC, while the Orlando Pride did not fare as well.
- Millwall remains in contention for promotion to the Premier League. The controversial club could add a distinct edge if they reach the top flight.
💰 Betting Insights
💵 Recommended Bet
Premier League: Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace, Wednesday, 3 p.m.
THE PICK: Arsenal to win 1-0 (+550) – This match is one of Arsenal`s final opportunities to stay competitive in the Premier League title race. Any dropped points would confirm Liverpool as champions with five games remaining. Given how unlikely a title comeback seems, and their likely focus on the UEFA Champions League semifinals, it`s uncertain how much intensity Arsenal will bring to this game. Nevertheless, they are strong favorites against a Crystal Palace side that may rotate players ahead of their FA Cup semifinal on Saturday. The match might not be the most thrilling, but Arsenal should be capable of securing another three points with relative ease.
For additional picks, predictions, expert advice, and the latest betting news, explore CBSSports.com`s betting section.
📺 What`s on CBS Sports Golazo Network
CBS Sports Golazo Network Schedule:
☀️ Morning Footy (Weekdays 8-10 a.m.): The network`s flagship morning show helps fans start their day with highlights, interviews, and major soccer stories. Available in podcast form as well.
3️⃣ Attacking Third (Tuesday, Thursday): This live studio show, an extension of the leading women`s soccer podcast and brand, offers extensive coverage of the NWSL season, USWNT, and European domestic leagues. Catch the live streams on YouTube every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m. ET, with a Sunday summary following the final NWSL match.
⚽ Call it What You Want (Monday and Thursday): A weekly podcast featuring Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola, covering USMNT news and the state of soccer in the United States. Stream live on YouTube every Monday at 1 p.m. ET and Thursday at 6 p.m. ET.
🥅 Scoreline (Daily): Starting Thursday, this daily show is the new destination for catching up on major global football news and results, including match highlights and top goals from the day`s action. Airs seven days a week.
📺 How to watch: CBS Sports Golazo Network is a free 24/7 channel dedicated to covering top soccer competitions worldwide. You can stream for free via the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and Paramount+.
