Olympique Lyonnais faces provisional relegation and transfer ban
France football's financial supervisor DNCG has handed the French giants a provisional relegation from Ligue 1 and a transfer ban on Friday due to the club's poor financial situation.
Olympique Lyonnais have been handed a provisional relegation from Ligue 1 and a transfer ban following the club's alarming financial situation. The decision was taken by France football's financial supervisor DNGC (National Directorate of Management Control) after the said ruling on Friday.
Lyon is currently positioned 5th in the Ligue 1 with 18 points in 11 games but if the club fails to improve their accounts by the end of the season, they will be demoted to the second division Ligue 2 regardless of their league finish this season. They will also be banned from signing any new player in the upcoming transfer window in January.
🚨⚠️ Official: Olympique Lyonnais have been handed a provisional Ligue 2 relegation.
The LFP (Ligue de Football Professionnel) has also confirmed that Lyon's payroll will be under supervision. After Lyon co-owner John Textor and other club officials appeared before DNCG in the hearing held earlier this day, the LFP confirmed that Lyon will be sanctioned with "supervision of the payroll and ban on recruiting, demotion as a precautionary measure at the end of the current sports season."
The woes that continue
The 7-time French champions Olympique Lyonnais was purchased by John Textor in 2023 who is the chairman of Eagle Football Group. He also owns the English Premier League side Crystal Palace and holds the largest share of Brazilian outfit Botafogo.
The Eagle Football Group's French wing published a financial statement last week that the John Textor-owned company is in a debt of €463.8 million. Despite their reduction in net losses, the debt is about to rise to almost €500 million.
Eagle Football Group published 1Q 2024/25 revenue, with revenue excluding player trading increasing (vs 1Q 2023/24) by €4m to €37m but player sales decreasing by €61m to €30m. pic.twitter.com/G5so1yFwWj
Lyon's financial state worsened due to the club's huge salary cap as Lyon has reportedly the second-largest wage bill in Ligue 1 despite their failure to finish in the top four since 2020-21.
However, DNCG has addressed the situation with a firm stance and scrutinized the situation. The John Textor-owned Eagle Football Group has time until the end of the season to raise funds and stabilize the club's financial condition as well as deny their relegation to the second division.
The fact that Girondins Bordeaux was handed relegation to the 4th tier of French Football following similar proceedings in 2023 may worry the owners and officials of Olympique Lyonnais.
John Textor's statement
John Textor addressed the issue in the press conference after the hearing ended. He stated:
"I am confident in our figures, and we will bring in several hundred million in cash over the coming months,"
"We earn about €90 million per year from player sales. This will continue, but do not worry, it will not be your favorite player, the best player, if we do not have someone to replace them and perform even better."
However, the American businessman expressed his dissatisfaction over the proceeding, the pressure from outside, and their 'enemies'.
❤️💙📉🇫🇷 John Textor (rétrogradé à titre conservatoire avec Lyon) a toujours la rage contre le PSG ! Pauvres supporters lyonnais 👀 pic.twitter.com/8nU64QPAPn
"The local auditors only looked at the French football club and did not consider the hundreds of millions of dollars coming from various parts of our organization. We are not at all worried about our sustainability."
"I can never be confident in the way a regulatory body considers these things. I believe that the DNCG is independent of some of the pressures that you see, But we have a lot of enemies, you know, on the board of directors, in the league, a big club from Qatar."
The next steps
Ryan Cherki. (Image Courtesy | Football365)
Olympique Lyonnais will have to offload their highly-anticipated youngsters; such as 21-year-old French midfielder Ryan Cherki and 19-year-old Malick Fofana to generate revenues and reduce the salary cap. The said players are expected to be put on the market by the Club in the upcoming winter transfer window in January 2025.
John Texter has reportedly decided to sell the 45% share he holds in PL side Crystal Palace and sell some other shares the Group holds in different clubs. Any measure that generates revenues will be beneficial for the French side as they must raise enough funds to avoid the sanction.
Manchester United edged out Lyon 5-4 in a thrilling Europa League 2024-25 Quarter-final second leg, advancing to the semifinals. Check out the ties with the most goals in a Europa League knockout round.
The Red Devils also became the first-ever European team to score two goals in the 120th minute of a major European match, which completed a supernatural comeback for them at the Theatre of Dreams.
A total of 13 goals from both sides defined their destiny, as Manchester United have sealed their passage to the semis, whereas Lyon's continental journey has come to an end.
In this article, we explore the list of Europa League knockout ties for the most goals scored.
Rangers earned a gloriously chaotic 9-5 aggregate win over Royal Antwerp in the Round of 32, which is still the highest-scoring two-legged tie in the UEFA Cup/Europa League knockout round.
14 - Rangers 9-5 Royal Antwerp is the highest-scoring two-legged tie in the UEFA Cup/Europa League since Helsingborgs 8-6 Heerenveen in the 2007-08 first round. Entertainment. pic.twitter.com/frch3j5pq4
Rangers defeated Antwerp 4-3 in the first leg encounter at the Bosulistadion in Belgium, securing a slender lead in the tie. The second leg turned out to be an absolute rampage as the Scottish side netted four second-half goals at the Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, winning 5-2 and securing their qualification to the next round of the competition.
13 Goals | Porto 10-3 Spartak Moskva (2010/11)
(Image Credit | UEFA)
FC Porto displayed absolute domination over Spartak Moskva in the 2010-11 Europa League quarter-finals, beating them 10-3 on aggregate.
Porto, who also became the eventual champions of the edition, crushed Spartak in the very first leg at home, beating them 5-1 at Estádio do Dragão in Portugal. The second leg also saw the André Villas-Boas-coached Porto side dominating the Russian team, beating them 5-2 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
13 Goals | Lyon 11-2 AZ Alkmaar (2016/17)
(Image Credit | UEFA)
Olympique Lyonnais ran riot over AZ Alkmaar in the 2016-17 Europa League Round of 32, beating the Dutch side 11-2 over two legs.
Lyon defeated AZ 4-1 in the first leg, played away at the AFAS Stadion in the Netherlands. In the return leg at OL Stadium, the French outfit went ruthless against AZ, earning a massive 7-1 victory at home.
13 Goals | Manchester United 8-5 Roma (2020/21)
(Image Source | X)
Last night was not the first time that Manchester United took part in a goals galore, as they thrashed AS Roma8-5 on aggregate in the 2020-21 UEL semi-finals.
Man United practically secured their passage to the final with a magnificent 6-2 win in the first leg, scoring five goals in the second half at Old Trafford. The next game at the Olimpico Stadium in Rome ended in a 3-2 win for Roma. However, United entered the final.
This was also the last time the Red Devils qualified for a European competition final, though they lost to Villareal in a gut-wrenching penalty shoot-out.
13 Goals | Liverpool 11-2 Sparta Praha (2023/24)
(Image Source | X)
Liverpool had a resounding victory over Sparta Praha, beating them 11-2 over two legs in last season's UEL Round of 16.
9 - Liverpool progressed past Sparta Prague 11-2 on aggregate; their biggest margin of victory over a two-legged tie in European football since the 1980-81 campaign against Finnish side OPS (also 11-2 on aggregate, in the European Cup first round). Cruise. pic.twitter.com/ZeTSkpEZoc
In the first leg at Stadion Letná in Prague, the Reds earned a brilliant 5-1 victory, securing a massive four-goal cushion in the tie. In the second leg at Anfield, Liverpool dismantled the Czech side, thrashing them 6-1 at home to qualify for the quarter-finals.
However, the English side's campaign ended after losing to eventual champions Atalanta in the quarters.
13 Goals |Manchester United 7-6 Lyon (2024/25)
(Image Source | Givemesport)
Manchester United and Olympique Lyonnais have gifted us one of the most memorable Europa League knockout ties this season, as the Red Devils were through to the semi-finals after a knife-edge 7-6 victory over two legs in the quarter-finals.
A comeback for the ages at Old Trafford.
Manchester United, who trailed 10-man Lyon 4-2 with six minutes remaining, win 5-4 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate thanks to Harry Maguire's late winner.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) April 17, 2025
Rayan Cherki's last-minute strike salvaged a 2-2 draw at home for Lyon against United in the first leg played at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in France. The return leg was absolute cinema, as Manchester United's 2-0 lead at the break was overcome by Lyon as they scored four until the break of the added extra time.
However, Kobie Mainoo and Harry Maguire netted two goals after the 120th minute to fire Manchester United into the Europa League semi-finals, winning the game by 5-4.
Manchester United are reportedly preparing for a massive summer signing as they eye the services of star Olympique Lyonnais forward Rayan Cherki.
The Red Devils are interested in strengthening their squad, and they have now joined the race to sign the gifted French under-21 forward, after it was reported that Lyon is willing to sell the player for approximately £20 million.
Manchester United are adamant to turn things around
(Image Source | X)
In a difficult ongoing campaign this season, Manchester United have registered a record low point total in the Premier League, sitting on 38 points.
With only 6 games remaining to play for, the call for new talent has never been greater inside the club. Cherki, widely considered one of the most talented players in the world at this moment, has been identified as a top target for the club's Portuguese manager, Ruben Amorim.
The various reports point out Cherki's great talent and his undeniable potential to shape games at the highest level. He has performed marvelously on the field in this season alone, achieving great statistics that would upgrade any team.
Cherki's display has attracted United's scouting department, particularly with the Red Devils' own challenges in creativity and attacking potency.
Cherki draws interest from Red Devils' management
Cherki scored a late equalizer against Man United. (Image Source | X)
At only the age of 21, Rayan Cherki has already become a familiar name in French and world football, and this season was his coming-out party.
His record of 13 goals from 23 appearances for France's U-21 team says volumes about his talent. Although Manchester United is still keen on signing him, the negotiating table will have to wait until the next summer transfer window, especially after facing Lyon in the Europa League.
By the way, Cherki's last-minute equalizer in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Leaguequarter-final matchupsaved Lyon a 2-2 draw at home against United last week.
With Cherki catching headlines in Ligue 1, only time will tell how Lyon will deal with a possible transfer. United's desire is obvious, and if properly negotiated, Cherki's signing at Old Trafford may commence a new era for the club's attacking prowess.
Title Race in Top Five European Leagues: What are the equations?
What are the equations in the title race for the top five European leagues? How many points do the leaders need to secure the title? Sportz Point explores this scenario.
European football has gifted us numerous memorable moments and matches this season, and we can expect more to come in the upcoming months.
The top five European Leagues – Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 have different title chase scenarios as the leagues are entering the final lap, leading the clubs to their fate in the 2024-25 season.
England, Germany, and France have witnessed a one-sided battle for the league title this season, except for Spain and Italy, where the champions might be decided even in the closing matchday this season.
In this article, we will examine the league table scenarios, possible equations for the league leaders to secure the title, and the contention for the continental competitions such as UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League for next season.
Premier League
(Image Source | Givemesport)
Liverpool are currently atop the Premier League 2024-25 table, having bagged 73 points in 30 matches. The Reds are edging closer to the title as Arsenal, the second-placed side, dropped points against Everton in a 1-1 stalemate yesterday.
Liverpool have a chance to extend their lead at the top with a win against Fulham this evening, which will see them going 14 points ahead of the Gunners.
The Mikel Arteta-led side has earned 62 points in 31 games so far. As of now, Liverpool only need 11 points from their last eight games to secure the Premier League title for the 20th time in their history.
Liverpool are just four wins away from being crowned Premier League champions.
If it plays out like that, they could win the title at Anfield vs. Spurs then receive guard of honours from both Chelsea and Arsenal 🤯 pic.twitter.com/MVDmpDzRhi
Nottingham Forest have been a surprise entrant for a top-four finish in the Premier League, charging for a UEFA Champions League berth next season. The Forest are now third with 57 points in 31 games – five points clear of the fourth-placed Chelsea.
Fifth-placed Manchester City (51 points in 30 games) and Aston Villa (51 points in 31 games), now sixth, will throw a tough challenge for the Champions League and Europa League berth, whereas seventh-placed Newcastle United (50 points in 29 games) might surpass City and Villa in the race.
Barcelona are currently atop the table with 67 points in 30 matches, four points clear of Real Madrid with 63 points in the same number of games. The title race might go down to the last matchday as these two teams will meet in the fierce El Clasico, scheduled for May 11th, which could decide the potential champions.
Despite failing to take full advantage of Real Madrid’s slip-up, Barcelona remain 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙑𝙔 𝙁𝘼𝙑𝙊𝙍𝙄𝙏𝙀𝙎 to win the LALIGA title - according to @OptaAnalyst 📊📈 pic.twitter.com/uUQ5lu6uir
Fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao (53 points in 29 games) are already five points ahead of Real Betis, now fifth (48 points in 30 games) with one game in hand. Sixth-placed Villareal (47 points in 28 games) could pose a challenge for both of them for UCL and UEL qualification, with two games in hand to match Betis' tally.
LaLiga 2024-25 Table
Pos
Team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Barcelona
30
21
4
5
83
29
54
67
2
Real Madrid
30
19
6
5
63
31
32
63
3
Atlético Madrid
29
16
9
4
47
23
24
57
4
Athletic Club
29
14
11
4
46
24
22
53
5
Real Betis
30
13
9
8
41
37
4
48
6
Villarreal
28
13
8
7
51
39
12
47
7
Celta Vigo
30
12
7
11
44
43
1
43
8
Rayo Vallecano
30
10
10
10
33
35
-2
40
9
Mallorca
30
11
7
12
29
37
-8
40
10
Real Sociedad
29
11
5
13
27
31
-4
38
11
Sevilla
29
9
9
11
33
39
-6
36
12
Getafe
29
9
9
11
26
25
1
36
13
Girona
30
9
7
14
37
46
-9
34
14
Osasuna
29
7
13
9
33
42
-9
34
15
Valencia
30
8
10
12
34
47
-13
34
16
Espanyol
29
8
8
13
31
40
-9
32
17
Alavés
30
7
9
14
33
44
-11
30
18
Leganes
29
6
9
14
28
46
-18
27
19
Las Palmas
29
6
8
15
33
48
-15
26
20
Valladolid
29
4
4
21
19
65
-46
16
Serie A
(Image Source | X)
Serie A 2024-25 might witness one of the greatest showdowns in the title charge in the league's history, as league leaders Inter Milan dropped points in a 2-2 draw against Parma last night.
Defending champions Inter Milan are currently topping the table with 68 points across 31 games, having played one game more than second-placed Napoli, who have accumulated 64 points in 30 games. If Napoli ends this week with a win, the gap between these two teams will be just one, leading the teams to walk the wire in the final matchdays.
🚨 After Inter’s draw vs Parma today, the Serie A title race is wide open!
Napoli and Inter are neck and neck — and with only a few games left, neither side can afford to drop points.
The pressure to finish in the top four have also intensified in Italy. With Inter and Napoli confirmed to finish in the top four, third-placed Atalanta (58 points in 30 games), fourth-placed Bologna (56 points in 30 games), fifth-placed Juventus (55 points in 30 games), and sixth-placed AS Roma (52 points in 30 games) will battle it out for the last two UCL berths.
Serie A 2024-25 Table
Pos
Team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Inter
31
20
8
3
69
30
39
68
2
Napoli
30
19
7
4
47
24
23
64
3
Atalanta
30
17
7
6
63
29
34
58
4
Bologna
30
15
11
4
50
34
16
56
5
Juventus
30
14
13
3
46
28
18
55
6
Roma
30
15
7
8
45
30
15
52
7
Lazio
30
15
7
8
51
42
9
52
8
Fiorentina
31
15
7
9
49
32
17
52
9
Milan
31
13
9
9
47
37
10
48
10
Udinese
31
11
7
13
36
42
-6
40
11
Torino
30
9
12
9
35
35
0
39
12
Genoa
31
9
11
11
29
38
-9
38
13
Como
31
8
9
14
39
48
-9
33
14
Verona
30
9
3
18
29
58
-29
30
15
Cagliari
30
7
8
15
31
44
-13
29
16
Parma
31
5
12
14
37
51
-14
27
17
Lecce
31
6
8
17
21
49
-28
26
18
Empoli
30
4
11
15
24
47
-23
23
19
Venezia
31
3
12
16
23
43
-20
21
20
Monza
31
2
9
20
25
55
-30
15
Bundesliga
(Image Credit | Getty)
As of now, only six points separate league leaders Bayern Munich and second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, though Bayern might attain the Bundesliga 2024-25 title and a first trophy for Harry Kane –if they manage to accumulate 13 from the 18 points available.
Bayern Munich are now ahead with 68 points in 28 games, whereas reigning Champions Bayer Leverkusen have managed 62 in the same number of matches, practically confirming their participation in next season's Champions League.
Bayern are leading in the Bundesliga title race. (Image Credit | ESPN)
However, the race for two other UCL berths will draw Eintracht Frankfurt (third, 48 points in 28 games), FSV Mainz (fourth, 46 points in 28 games), RB Leipzig (fifth, 45 points in 28 games), and Borussia Monchengladbach (sixth, 43 points in 27 games) into a battle, looking for places in continental competitions.
Bundesliga 2024-25 Table
Pos
Team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Bayern
28
21
5
2
81
27
54
68
2
Leverkusen
28
18
8
2
63
34
29
62
3
Eintracht Frankfurt
28
14
6
8
55
42
13
48
4
Mainz
28
13
7
8
46
32
14
46
5
RB Leipzig
28
12
9
7
44
35
9
45
6
Mönchengladbach
27
13
4
10
44
40
4
43
7
SC Freiburg
28
12
6
10
38
44
-6
42
8
Dortmund
28
12
5
11
52
43
9
41
9
VfB Stuttgart
28
11
7
10
51
44
7
40
10
Werder
28
11
6
11
45
53
-8
39
11
Augsburg
28
10
9
9
31
39
-8
39
12
Wolfsburg
27
10
8
9
49
41
8
38
13
Union Berlin
27
8
6
13
25
40
-15
30
14
Hoffenheim
28
6
9
13
34
52
-18
27
15
FC St. Pauli
27
7
4
16
22
33
-11
25
16
Heidenheim
28
6
4
18
32
53
-21
22
17
VfL Bochum
28
5
5
18
28
59
-31
20
18
Holstein Kiel
28
4
6
18
39
68
-29
18
Ligue 1
The redesigned Ligue 1 trophy. (Image Source | X)
Paris Saint-Germain have claimed the 2024-25 Ligue 1 title after beating Angers 1-0 last night, ensuring their fourth successive title with 74 points in 28 games. The Luis Enrique-managed side have been crowned champions with six matches remaining and are now 24 points ahead of the second-placed AS Monaco (50 points in 28 matches).
PSG have clinched another milestone, winning the league title without losing a single game so far, and with six matches remaining, they will look to embrace the 'invincible' tag by ending the season without a single defeat.
PSG have won the 2024-25 Ligue 1. (Image Credit | Getty Images)
If Les Parisiens complete an unbeaten league season, they will join a special group of clubs from Europe's top five leagues that have achieved this feat. This group includes Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, Juventus in 2012, Arsenal in 2004, AC Milan in 1992, Perugia in 1979, and Preston North End in 1889.
However, the race to qualify for next season's UCL will go down to the wire between six teams who are differentiated by only four points – AS Monaco (50), Olympique de Marseille (49), Olympique Lyonnais (48), OGC Nice (47), Lille OSC (47), and RC Strasbourg (46).
Ligue 1 2024-25 Table
Pos
Team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
PSG
28
23
5
0
80
26
54
74
2
Monaco
28
15
5
8
54
35
19
50
3
Marseille
27
15
4
8
54
36
18
49
4
Lyon
28
14
6
8
54
38
16
48
5
Nice
28
13
8
7
52
35
17
47
6
LOSC
28
13
8
7
42
30
12
47
7
Strasbourg
27
13
7
7
45
35
10
46
8
Brest
28
13
4
11
44
43
1
43
9
Lens
27
11
6
10
31
30
1
39
10
Auxerre
27
9
8
10
38
39
-1
35
11
Toulouse
27
9
7
11
35
33
2
34
12
Rennes
27
10
2
15
38
37
1
32
13
Nantes
28
7
9
12
33
47
-14
30
14
Angers
28
7
6
15
26
46
-20
27
15
Reims
27
6
8
13
29
41
-12
26
16
Le Havre
27
7
3
17
29
57
-28
24
17
St-Étienne
27
6
5
16
28
63
-35
23
18
Montpellier
27
4
3
20
21
62
-41
15
(*all stats are accurate as of the time of publishing this article.)
Paulo Fonseca suspended for 9 months following a heated clash with referee in a Ligue 1 game
Olympique Lyonnais manager Paulo Fonseca has been suspended by the LFP for 9 months, following a clash with the referee during a heated Ligue 1 match against Brest on Sunday.
Olympique Lyonnais manager Paulo Fonseca has been suspended with a nine-month ban from football after his furious argument with match referee Benoit Millot, during Lyon's 2-1 victory against Brest on Sunday, March 2nd.
Fonseca's side was winning that match with a 2-1 lead over Brest on Sunday. Despite Lyon being the winner of the match,Paulo Fonseca left fuming with the match official in the last stages of the game and was sent off for his shocking outburst on the officials.
As a result of his action, Fonseca has been slammed with a nine-month ban and will be prohibited from accessing the bench, the dressing rooms, the officials, and participating in any official event before, during, or after matchesuntil November 30th.
The French Professional Football League (LFP) declared an official statement on Wednesday, stating, "Fonseca will be barred from accessing the bench, the officials' dressing rooms, and participating in any official functions before, during, or after matches until November 30."
This unprecedented and shocking punishment will see the club forced to play without their manager on the touchline for the rest of this season and until several months into the 2025-26 campaign as well.
24th day of Ligue 1 McDonald's: Olympique Lyonnais – Stade Brestois 29 of Sunday March 2, 2025 Behavior of Mr. Paulo FONSECA, coach of Olympique Lyonnais.
Firm suspension before, during and after the match of access to the bench, the officials' locker rooms and all official functions, until November 30, 2025 inclusive.
In addition, until September 15, 2025 inclusive, this suspension will be accompanied before, during and after the match, by a ban on access to the players' locker rooms, the pitch, the tunnel and all corridors leading to the aforementioned areas.
The sanction takes effect immediately.
What happened?
(Image Credit: Express Co. Uk)
After coming from 1-0 down to take a 2-1 lead, it looked like Lyon would surrender a share of points when Millot awarded a penalty to Brest in the last minutes of the game due to a handball.
After a VAR check, the decision was overturned, but that did not stop Paulo Fonseca, who had furiously confronted the referee and received a red card for his troubles.
He did not stop fuming after the card and appeared to push his head into that of the Millot's and he was dragged away by some of his players.
After only 5 games in charge, Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has been served a 9-month ban.
Millot found Fonseca's behaviour "intimidating", as told French sports daily L'Equipe:
I didn’t even have time to announce the final decision, which turned out to be not awarding a penalty,
"There seemed to be a slight contact of the nose, to be precise.
"It was a particularly intimidating, aggressive attitude, which one can hardly imagine from a professional coach.
Following this incident, Fonseca apologized for his actions and acknowledged that he was wrong to react in the manner which he did. Speaking to DAZN, with quotes shared via ESPN, he said:
I just want to say that I am sorry for what I did. I should not do it. Maybe we do things that are not right. I am Sorry,
Fonseca also wrote a letter to match officials to express his remorse. Lyon owner John Textor also praised Fonseca for his acknowledgment of his own mistake. He posted on his social media:
“I stand with you today, and always. You made a mistake…Your apology was sincere…and your punishment is clearly too severe. You are the right man for OL and we shall persevere.”
However, Lyon published an official press release regarding his incident, denouncing the 'severity'of the sanction. The official statement said:
Olympique Lyonnais acknowledges the extreme severity of the unprecedented sanction, and the unusual speed, of the disciplinary committee concerning Paulo Fonseca.
The club deplores that its coach was not judged on his actions alone, an emotional reaction, without any clear intention of physically attacking the referee. In light of a sanction that seems to be dictated by a deleterious context affecting French refereeing, OL announces from now on that it is studying all possible solutions for appeal. More than ever, the club is united and focused on its sporting objectives.
With Lyon currently sitting sixth in Ligue 1, they have an outside chance of landing the UEFA Champions League football this season. The French will be forced to do so without their manager now.
Football Calendar in 2025: Here are the Dates of Biggest Football Matches in 2025
Football in 2024 includes creating milestones, late dramas, superb goals, and glorious comebacks; however, a thrilling 2025 is waiting ahead for all the Football Fanatics in the world as the "Biggest Football Matches" are concerned. So, mark down the key dates of the Biggest and most popular Football Matches of 2025 in your calendar.
Football in 2024 includes creating milestones, late dramas, superb goals, and glorious comebacks. It was a year to remember for football fans around the world. But the excitement doesn't stop here, as there are more to come in 2025 in terms of the biggest and most popular football matches are concerned. So, hurry up! Mark down the key dates in your calendar.
Here are the key dates of the biggest and most popular matches in 2025, including fierce derbies and the games that could change the respective league table entirely or result in promotions in the coming months are as follows:
Biggest Football Matches in January 2025:
Liverpool 2-2 Manchester United, a thrilling contest!!
Liverpool Vs. Man United ended in a 2-2 draw. Image | Goal.Com India
Nottingham Forest are looking sharp! And they are definitely aiming to beat Liverpool fc at home on 14th January, to remain active in the title challenge race. Elsewhere, in Champions League top European Clubs will battle for the ultimate European glory. Manchester City and PSG are odds to be relegated, and Atletico Madrid could overtake Bayer Leverkusen and confirm their place in the next round.
UEFA Europa League could also provide shocks as Rangers might surpass struggling Man United and confirm their berth for the next round if they manage to beat Red Devils, and Galatasaray could find themselves below Ajax in the table if Ajax manages to beat them.
From the Cup's point of view, Arsenal will face Manchester United in an F.A. Cup encounter and again the Gunners will go face to face with mighty New Castle United at the Carabao Cup Semi-final 1st leg on 8th January, and Tottenham will go head-to-head against Liverpool on 9th January. On 15th January, Tottenham will face Arsenal, in a high-voltage North-London Derby.
Key Dates of the Biggest Football Matches in January 2025
Date
Match
Competition
Venue
05 January
Liverpool vs. Manchester United
English Premier League; Northwest Derby
Anfield
05 January
Monaco vs. Paris St. Germain
French Ligue 1; Trophee des Champions
Parc des Princes
08 January
Atalanta vs. Napoli
Italian Serie A; Match
Gewiss Stadium
08 January
Arsenal vs. Newcastle United
Carabao Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg; Match
Emirates Stadium
09 January
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool
Carabao Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg; Match
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
10 January
Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayer Leverkusen
German Bundesliga; Match
Signal Iduna Park
11 January
Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. Bayern Munich
German Bundesliga; The Original Klassiker
Borussia-Park
12 January
Arsenal vs. Manchester United
F.A Cup; Match
Emirates Stadium
14 January
Nottingham Forest vs. Liverpool
English Premier League; Match
The City Ground
15 January
Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur
English Premier League; North London Derby
Emirates Stadium
19 January
Juventus vs. AC Milan
Italian Serie A; Match
Allianz Stadium
21 January
Atlético Madrid vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Match
Wanda Metropolitano
21 January
SL Benfica vs. FC Barcelona
Match
Estádio da Luz
22 January
Paris St. Germain vs. Manchester City
Match
Parc des Princes
23 January
Manchester United vs. Rangers
Match
Old Trafford
25 January
RB Leipzig vs. Bayer Leverkusen
German Bundesliga; Match
Red Bull Arena Leipzig
25 January
Manchester City vs. Chelsea
English Premier League; Match
Etihad Stadium
26 January
Napoli vs. Juventus
Italian Serie A; Match
Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
30 January
AS Roma vs. Eintracht Frankfurt
Match
Stadio Olimpico
30 January
Ajax vs. Galatasaray
Match
Johan Cruyff Arena
Biggest Football Matches in February 2025:
A Month of Fierce Rivalries!!
A.C Milan will face Inter Milan on 2nd February. Image | Sports Betting South Africa
Top Derbies that are included in February are Marseille vs. Lyon, AC Milan vs. Inter Milan, Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid, Paris St. Germain vs. Monaco and Juventus vs. Inter Milan. Atletico has the chance to surpass Real Madrid and could find themselves at the top of the La Liga table.
In Carabao Cup, Newcastle will face Arsenal at home and Tottenham will be going Anfield to face one of their toughest matches of the season against Liverpool.
Key Dates of the Biggest Football Matches in February 2025
Date
Match
Competition
Venue
01 February
Arsenal vs. Manchester City
English Premier League; Match
Emirates Stadium
02 February
AS Roma vs. Napoli
Italian Serie A; Match
Stadio Olimpico
02 February
Marseille vs. Lyon
French Ligue 1; Choc des Olympiques
Stade Vélodrome
02 February
AC Milan vs. Inter Milan
Italian Serie A; Derby della Madonnina
San Siro
06 February
Newcastle United vs. Arsenal
Carabao Cup Semi-Final 2nd Leg; Match
St. James' Park Stadium
07 February
Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Carabao Cup Semi-Final 2nd Leg; Match
Anfield Stadium
09 February
Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid
Spanish LaLiga; Madrid Derby
Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
09 February
Paris St. Germain vs. Monaco
French Ligue 1; Match
Parc des Princes
15 February
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich
German Bundesliga; Match
BayArena
16 February
Juventus vs. Inter Milan
Italian Serie A; Derby d’Italia
Allianz Stadium
16 February
Lazio vs. Napoli
Italian Serie A; Match
Stadio Olimpico
22 February
Manchester City vs. Liverpool
English Premier League; Match
Etihad Stadium
23 February
Bayern Munich vs. Eintracht Frankfurt
German Bundesliga; Match
Allianz Arena
23 February
Lyon vs. Paris St. Germain
French Ligue 1; Match
Groupama Stadium
25 February
Nottingham Forest vs. Arsenal
English Premier League; Match
The City Ground
Biggest Football Matches in March 2025:
Teams can turn the League Table in their favour! Last UEFA Nations League for Ronaldo and Modric??
Possibly The Last Nations League for Modric and Ronaldo. Image | Novi List
Inter could overtake Napoli, Dortmund could surpass Leipzig and move into the Champions League spot; Barcelona could overtake Atletico Madrid and move into 2nd spot; Inter has the chance to surpass Atlanta and could find themselves at the top of Serie A. Chelsea will face Arsenal on 15th March at Emirates Stadium, popularly known as " The London Derby".
Some of the biggest international matches scheduled for March are the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals between European Football Super Giants. This could be possibly the last Nations League for Ronaldo and Modric.
Key Dates of the Biggest Football Matches in March 2025
Date
Match
Competition
Venue
01 March
Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Bayer Leverkusen
German Bundesliga; Match
Deutsche Bank Park
02 March
Atlético Madrid vs. Athletic Club Bilbao
Spanish LaLiga; Match
Wanda Metropolitano
02 March
Napoli vs. Inter Milan
Italian Serie A; Match
Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
08 March
Manchester United vs. Arsenal
English Premier League; Match
Old Trafford
15 March
RB Leipzig vs. Borussia Dortmund
German Bundesliga; Match
Red Bull Arena Leipzig
15 March
Arsenal vs. Chelsea
English Premier League; London Derby
Emirates Stadium
16 March
Atlético Madrid vs. FC Barcelona
Spanish LaLiga; Match
Wanda Metropolitano
16 March
Paris St. Germain vs. Marseille
French Ligue 1; Le Classique
Parc des Princes
16 March
Atalanta vs. Inter Milan
Italian Serie A; Match
Gewiss Stadium
23 March
Spain vs. Netherlands
Quarter-Finals
TBD
23 March
France vs. Croatia
Quarter-Finals
TBD
23 March
Portugal vs. Denmark
Quarter-Finals
TBD
23 March
Germany vs. Italy
Quarter-Finals
TBD
30 March
Monaco vs. Nice
French Ligue 1; Derby de la Côte D’Azur
Stade Louis II
30 March
Lille vs. Lens
French Ligue 1; Derby du Nord
Decathlon Arena Pierre Mauroy Stadium
30 March
Real Betis vs. Sevilla
Spanish LaLiga; Seville Derby
Estadio Benito Villamarin
30 March
Napoli vs. AC Milan
Italian Serie A; Match
Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
Biggest Football Matches in April 2025:
A month of Fierce and Local Derbies!!!
Manchester will face Manchester United at Old Trafford. Image | Manchester Evening News
Manchester City has a chance to avenge home defeat at Old Trafford against their arch-rival in Manchester Derby. Other local derbies include Merseyside Derby, Bavarian Derby, LondonDerby, Der Klassiker, Derbydella Capitale, West London Derby, Derby Rhone-Alpine and Derby Breton.
Key Dates of the Biggest Football Matches in April 2025
Date
Match
Competition
Venue
02 April
Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur
English Premier League; Match
Stamford Bridge
02 April
Liverpool vs. Everton
English Premier League; Merseyside Derby
Anfield, Liverpool
05 April
FC Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich
German Bundesliga; Bavarian Derby
WWK Arena
05 April
Manchester United vs. Manchester City
English Premier League; Manchester Derby
Old Trafford
06 April
Atalanta vs. Lazio
Italian Serie A; Match
Gewiss Stadium
06 April
AS Roma vs. Juventus
Italian Serie A; Match
Stadio Olimpico
12 April
Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund
German Bundesliga; Der Klassiker
Allianz Arena
13 April
Lazio vs. AS Roma
Italian Serie A; Derby della Capitale
Stadio Olimpico
13 April
Monaco vs. Marseille
French Ligue 1; Match
Stade Louis II
19 April
Fulham vs. Chelsea
English Premier League; West London Derby
Craven Cottage
20 April
Real Madrid vs. Athletic Club Bilbao
Spanish LaLiga; Match
Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
20 April
Saint-Étienne vs. Lyon
French Ligue 1; Derby Rhone-Alpine
Stade Geoffroy-Guichard
20 April
Rennes vs. Nantes
French Ligue 1; Derby Breton
Roazhon Park
26 April
Eintracht Frankfurt vs. RB Leipzig
German Bundesliga; Match
Deutsche Bank Park
27 April
Inter Milan vs. AS Roma
Italian Serie A; Match
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
Biggest Football Matches in May 2025:
Arsenal Vs. Liverpool- "League Decider"! EL Clasico!! Champions League Final!!!
Allianz Arena in Munich will host the Champions League Final on 31st May. Image | FC Bayern Munich
The match between Liverpool Vs. Arsenal on 10th May has already been considered a " League Decider" by several pundits. "El Clasico", is also scheduled on 11th May, which is going to be played at Bernabeu, as Real Madrid are aiming to avenge their home defeat against Barcelona. The month will be ending with the UEFA Champions League Final.
Key Dates of the Biggest Football Matches in May 2025
Date
Match
Competition
Venue
03 May
Chelsea vs. Liverpool
English Premier League; Match
Stamford Bridge
03 May
RB Leipzig vs. Bayern Munich
German Bundesliga; Match
Red Bull Arena Leipzig
04 May
Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Club Bilbao
Spanish LaLiga; Basque Derby
Estadio Anoeta
10 May
Liverpool vs. Arsenal
English Premier League; Match
Anfield
10 May
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Borussia Dortmund
German Bundesliga; Match
BayArena
10 May
Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach
German Bundesliga; The Original Klassiker
Allianz Arena
11 May
FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid
Spanish LaLiga; El Clásico
Estadio Olímpico Lluís Companys
11 May
Monaco vs. Lyon
French Ligue 1; Match
Stade Louis II
14 May
Espanyol vs. FC Barcelona
Spanish LaLiga; Catalan Derby
Stage Front Stadium
18 May
Chelsea vs. Manchester United
English Premier League; Match
Stamford Bridge
18 May
AS Roma vs. AC Milan
Italian Serie A; Match
Stadio Olimpico
18 May
Inter Milan vs. Lazio
Italian Serie A; Match
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
21 May
Final
Match
San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao
25 May
Nottingham Forest vs. Chelsea
English Premier League; Match
The City Ground
25 May
Athletic Club Bilbao vs. FC Barcelona
Spanish LaLiga; Match
San Mamés
31 May
Final
Match
Munich
Biggest Football Matches in June 2025:
A month dedicated to the FIFA Club World Cup!
The FIFA Club World Cup will be starting from 14th June. Image | Yahoo Sports
Top Clubs from all over the world will battle for the greatest glory of World Club Football. Legendary European Club Teams like Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Juventus, Porto, Benfica and Top South American Club Teams like Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense and Major Asian Club Team like Al-Hilal and many more will battle for the ultimate glory.
Key Dates of the Biggest Football Matches in June 2025
Date
Match
Competition
Venue
16 June
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atletico de Madrid
Match
Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles
25 June
SL Benfica vs. FC Bayern Munchen
Match
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
27 June
Juventus F.C vs. Manchester City
Match
Camping World Stadium, Orlando
14 July
Final
Match
Metlife Stadium, New York
So, that concludes the key dates of the Biggest Matches in 2025. Go ahead! Mark the dates on your calendar so that you don't miss any of the thrilling games from the list mentioned above. And let me know what your favourite club or International Team is in the comment box. For more updates and accurate pieces of information, kindly follow Sportz Point!
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