5 games to watch: Atleti and Barca clash for first in La Liga

Here are five of the best matches around Europe this weekend, including Atletico Madrid and Barcelona playing for first in La Liga.

Following the international break, the European domestic season resumes, with some great matches from Ligue 1, La Liga, Serie A, and the Premier League. All four leagues offer games that will determine who qualifies for the Champions League and who has to settle for Europa League.

5. Lyon vs. Saint-Etienne — Friday, Nov. 23, 3 p.m. ET (BeIN Sports)

In the first game on the Ligue 1 schedule this weekend, Lyon host Saint-Etienne. Lyon enter the game in fourth place, one point better than Saint-Etienne. While Paris Saint-Germain are running away with the Ligue 1 title again, the race for the Champions League and Europa League spots is still wide open. Only four points separate second-place Lille and sixth-place Marseille. Lyon have picked up 10 points in their last four games to move up the table. Memphis Depay has played great again this season for Lyon, scoring five goals and adding five assists. Saint-Etienne have won two straight, with Wahbi Khazri leading the club with six goals this season.

4. Bournemouth vs. Arsenal — Sunday, Nov. 25, 8:30 a.m. ET (NBCSN)

After 12 games, Arsenal are fifth in the Premier League with 24 points. While that start might not be surprising, their opponent on Sunday, Bournemouth, have had a surprising start. The Cherries are sixth in the Premier League with 20 points. However, the Cherries have lost two straight games and are in danger of dropping into the middle of the table. Bournemouth will rely on Callum Wilson, Joshua King and Ryan Fraser to create chances. The trio has combined for 13 goals this season. Arsenal need to win if they are going to keep pace with the four teams ahead of them in the table. After losing their first two games of the season, the Gunners won eight straight games before settling for back to back 1-1 draws. Arsenal’s success is based around Mesut Ozil. When the German playmaker is on top of his game, he is one of the best creators in the world. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have combined for 12 goals this seasons and will lead the line for the Gunners.

3. Lazio vs. AC Milan — Sunday, Nov. 25, Noon p.m. ET (ESPNews)

The race for the final Champions League spot in Serie A again appears like it will come down to the final days of the season. Last season, Inter Milan beat Lazio are the final day of the season to qualify for Champions League. This season, Lazio are trying to avoid the same fate. On Sunday, Lazio host AC Milan in a game that could determine which club finishes fourth in Serie A. Lazio currently hold a one-point edge over Milan and a three-point lead over Roma. With the race for fourth so tight between the three clubs, the games between each other are even more important. At the end of the season, only one team will qualify for Champions League, while the other two clubs will play in the Europa League.

2. Tottenham vs. Chelsea — Saturday, Nov. 24, 12 p.m. ET (NBC)

One point separates London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham. The Blues enter the weekend in third place with 28 points, one point and place ahead of Spurs. However, the two teams could switch places in the table if Tottenham beats Chelsea.

Chelsea are undefeated in their first season under Maurizio Sarri but are coming off of a disappointing scoreless draw against Everton. The Blues have had a strong start defensively under Sarri’s system, keeping six clean sheets and conceding only eight goals. Additionally, Sarri has been able to resurrect the careers of Ross Barkley, and more importantly, Alvaro Morata. In his first season with Chelsea, Morata looked terrible, unworthy of the massive fee the Blues paid more him. Under Sarri, Morata has scored five goals this season, playing well beside Eden Hazard, who has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season.

Tottenham have won six of their last seven games but have struggled at Wembley this season. Spurs have lost two of their four home games this season. Mauricio Pochettino has done a good job this season manage his team despite being hit with several injuries. With Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli now healthy, Spurs attack should be even more dangerous. Harry Kane is again having a good season, finding the back of the net six times.

1. Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona — Saturday, Nov. 24, 2:45 p.m. ET (BeIN Sports)

Only one point separates Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the top of the La Liga table. With the two teams playing in Madrid on Saturday, the table could look very different by the end of the weekend.

Barcelona are first with 24 points but are coming off of a 4-3 against Real Betis. Lionel Messi returned from a broken arm and scored a brace against Betis but Barcelona will be without Ivan Rakitic who will serve a suspension after being sent off. However, the loss of Rakitic should be offset by moving Arturo Vidal into the starting XI. Samuel Umtiti will also return to the starting lineup after missing six games with a knee injury.

Atletico are unbeaten over their last nine games but their inability to score in their away games are preventing them from being first in the table. In their six away games, Atleti have scored only five goals. While Diego Simeone’s team have found the back more often at home, they are still struggling to get goals. Diego Costa has struggled this season, failing to score in any of the nine La Liga games he has played in this season. Simeone will likely have to make changes to his usual back four. Injuries could prevent Diego Godin, Stefan Savic, Jose Gimenez, and Lucas Hernandez from playing against Barcelona.