We have one final, albeit quiet, weekend in Europe before heading into a summer break that will still be chalk full of action with the Copa America and Olympic tournaments taking place throughout the summer months. Frankly, there’s not much on the line but seasons are coming to a wrap in Spain and Italy so here’s what we’re watching:
Saturday
Juventus v Monza – Noon on Paramount+
Weston McKennie was an unused substitute for the first time this season as Juventus fell behind 3-0 to Bologna before scoring three goals in the final fifteen minutes to salvage a draw. Tim Weah came on at the half and was on the field for Juventus’s comeback that leaves them in fourth place, tied with Bologna but trailing on goal differential. Despite winning the Copa Italia, Juventus have really struggled down the stretch with just one win in their past eleven matches and they will likely finish the season in fifth place, the final Champions League spot in Serie A this season. Fortunately, they have a five point lead on sixth place Roma so their qualification is not in doubt heading into the final weekend. They will face twelfth place Monza as the clubs wrap up their season and head into the summer.
AC Milan v Salernitana – 2:45p on Paramount+
Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah both started last weekend with Pulisic drawing the foul for Milan’s only goal but the team fell to Torino 3-1. Milan remain in second place, which is where they will finish the season regardless of their result against last place Salernitana this weekend. It’s been arguably the most successful season of Pulisic’s career and Musah has finished the season strong as well the two American’s will be playing for a new manager next season as Stefano Pioli will be leaving the club after five years.
Real Madrid v Real Betis – 3p on ESPN Deportes and ESPN+
Johnny Cardoso started and played the full 90’ as Real Betis lost to Real Sociedad and fell out of the Europa League race. Betis are guaranteed to finish the season in seventh place which will qualify them for Europa Conference League qualifying. They finish their season against a Real Madrid side that has had the league title wrapped up for some time. Johnny has shown well since joining Betis in January, starting nearly every match for his side and consistently performing at the level.
Sunday
Celta Vigo v Valencia – 10:15a on ESPN+
Luca de la Torre received his first start since his time off from injury in March but did come off at the half (he hasn’t exceeded 45’ in any match since his injury on March 10) as Celta Vigo defeated Granada to move into 14th place. Celta Vigo are officially safe despite flirting with relegation through most of the season. Despite injury interrupting the last two months of his season de la Torre is at nearly 2,000 minutes heading into the final weekend as he played a regular role for the club throughout the majority of their season.
