5 games to watch: Title races heating up down the stretch run

Here are five of the best matches from Europe this weekend, headlined by the Liverpool and Tottenham.

With the final international break of the season over, the club season resumes. The top players return to their teams for the stretch run of the season. Most leagues across Europe have 10 or fewer games remaining. Those games will determine who wins the championship in Bundesliga and the Premier League. While Champions League and Europa League spots will be determined in Ligue 1, La Liga and Serie A.

5. Alaves vs. Atletico Madrid — Saturday, March 30, 3:45 p.m. ET (beIN Sports)

Honorable mention: Sevilla vs. Valencia — Sunday, March 31, 10:15 a.m. ET (beIN Sports)

With Barcelona 10 points ahead of second place Atletico Madrid with 10 games to play, the title race is likely over. On Saturday, Atletico play fifth-place Alaves, who are chasing the final Champions League spot. Alaves are unbeaten over their last six games, picking up 12 points to move within two points of Getafe. The thought of a spot in the Champions League was unthinkable for Alaves in 2013 when they were in the third division. Six years later, Alaves will likely be playing in Europe next season. However, for Alaves to qualify for the Champions League, they need to get at least a point from Atletico.

Right below Alaves in the table are Sevilla and Valencia. The two clubs meet in Seville on Sunday. Sevilla are looking to get back into the Champions League. Getafe are three points ahead of Sevilla and six points ahead of Valencia. A win for Sevilla will give them a strong shot to jump Getafe and Alaves by the end of the season. Valencia are looking to cement their position in Europe next season. If Valencia are going to jump the three clubs in front of them, they need to win on Sunday.

4. Ajax vs. PSV — Sunday, March 31, 10:45 a.m. ET (ESPN+)

Honorable mention: Braga vs. Porto — Saturday, March 30, 11:30 a.m. ET (GOL TV)

The two biggest games outside of the big five leagues come from the Netherlands and Portugal.

In the Eredivisie, the title race could be determined as first place PSV go to Amsterdam to play second-place Ajax. PSV moved five points ahead of Ajax after Ajax lost to AZ Alkmaar in their last game. A win on Sunday will lock up their second straight title and fourth in the last five years. Ajax need to win to have any hope of winning back the title. Sunday’s game could be the highest scoring game of the weekend. PSV and Ajax have combined for 167 goals in the first 26 games of the Eredivisie season. In the first meeting this season, PSV won 3-0. However, Ajax were without their captain and arguably best player, center-back Matthijs de Ligt.

The Portuguese league has been dominated by Porto, Benfica, and Sporting, who have combined to win 82 of 84. Porto and Benfica are tied for first with 63 points. On Saturday, Braga host Porto. Braga are third in the table five points behind Porto and Benfica. Porto won the first meeting this season, needing an 88th-minute goal to pick up the victory. The Dragons need a win to keep pace with Benfica in the title race.

Braga are looking to become the first team outside of the big three to win the title since 2001. Already five points back, Braga need to win to have any hopes of winning the title. Even if Braga win, they could still sit five points behind Benfica. However, they would be within two points of Porto. The top two teams in Portugal qualify for the Champions League and if Braga have any hope of getting into the top two spots, they need to win on Saturday.

3. Roma vs. Napoli — Sunday, March 31, 9:00 a.m. ET (ESPN+)

The title race in Serie A is long over. Juventus have run away with the title, holding a 15 points lead over Napoli. However, the races for the Champions League and Europa League spots are incredibly tight. On Saturday, Roma host Napoli at Stadio Olimpico. Napoli are a safe bet to finish in the top four. The Donkeys are 13 points off fifth-place Roma. Napoli can put a serious dent in Roma’s Champions League dreams if they win on Sunday. Roma are four-point behind AC Milan for the final Champions League spot after losing two of their previous three games. Another loss would not only hurt Roma’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League but also their Europa League games. Roma are two points ahead of Lazio and Atalanta and three points ahead of Torino. Only two of the four clubs will qualify for the Europa League. If Roma lose, they could potentially drop to eighth in the table.

2. Inter Milan vs. Lazio — Sunday, March 31, 2:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

A season ago, the final Champions League spot was determined in the final week of the season, with Inter Milan defeated Lazio to finish fourth. On Sunday, Inter host Lazio at the San Siro. This season, the two clubs are again battling for European positions. Inter Milan are third in the table with 53 points but need to keep winning if they are going to remain in the top four. Lazio are tied for sixth in the table with Atalanta. The Eagles are six points back of AC Milan for the final Champions League spot. The top six teams in Italy qualify for Europe, meaning Lazio have to pick up points if they are going to jump ahead of Atalanta. A loss for Lazio could keep the capital club from playing in Europe.

1. Liverpool vs. Tottenham — Sunday, March 31, 11:30 a.m. ET (NBCSN)

Despite losing only one Premier League game this season, Liverpool are only two points ahead of Manchester City in the title race. The Reds are chasing their first league title since 1989-90 season. However, the Citizens have a game in hand on the Reds.

On Sunday, Liverpool host Tottenham at Anfield in a game between two of the eight clubs remaining in the Champions League. Liverpool need to win on Sunday if they are going to remain ahead of City. However, even if Liverpool win out, it might not be enough. The Reds need help if they are going to win the league title. Spurs are looking to play the role of spoiler and potentially prevent Liverpool from winning the title. If Tottenham lose, Liverpool will need City to lose two of their last eight games.

Tottenham dropped out of the title race after picking up only one point in their last four games. The recent poor run not only dropped out of the title race but have put them in a race for the final two Champions League spots. Only four points separate Spurs and sixth-place Chelsea. A loss to Liverpool could potentially drop Tottenham out of the top four. With fifth-place Manchester United on fire lately, Tottenham cannot afford to drop points.