5 Worldwide Football Matches You Should Watch This Weekend

With the January transfer window slamming shut this week, all eyes will once again be directed towards matters taking place on the field rather than off it. Furthermore, we find ourselves at an incredibly important point of the season - as the next few months of play could be hugely influential on the end-of-season fortunes of many sides around the world. With this in mind, we take a look at five of the top matches around the world that you don’t want to miss this first weekend of February.

Bayer Leverkusen vs. Borussia Dortmund

The Bundesliga may be looking somewhat one-sided at present, but the race for the runners-up remains very much alive and kicking. Second-place meets third this weekend, as Leverkusen host defending champions Dortmund in a match with all the potential to be a fantastic encounter. Leverkusen hold an advantage in that they are a point clear and of course playing at home, but the Dortmund’s wealth of attacking talent will give the visitors every chance of getting something out of this clash. Both sides have everything to play for so expect plenty of drama and quality on offer here.

Valencia vs. Barcelona

The biggest clash in Spain this week sees Valencia host the unstoppable Barcelona on Sunday. Despite drawing with Real Madrid in midweek, Barca remain eleven points clear at the top of La Liga, and thus will be confident of returning to winning ways at the Mestalla. Valencia though are no pushovers themselves of course, and will be equally hungry for success as they look to mount a push for a spot in the Spanish top four. Much like in Germany, expect some top football on show as two of the country’s top sides go toe-to-toe.

Napoli vs. Catania

While Napoli vs. Catania may lack some of the starpower that other matches possess, it is a game of huge significance regarding the Serie A standings nonetheless. With this game taking place a day before Juventus’ trip to Chievo, Napoli have the opportunity to move level on points with the Old Lady at the top of the Italian Championship. Their stay may be short-lived, but victory for Walter Mazzarri’s men could really ramp up the pressure on their Turin rivals, and thus prove to be a turning point in the race for the 2012/13 Serie A title.

Bursaspor vs. Galatasaray

Leaders Galatasaray face a tough trip to Bursaspor in Turkey this weekend, but there is perhaps a bigger reason as to why this one will steal much of the limelight; that being the potential full debut of Wesley Sneijder. One of the most intriguing deals of the January transfer window saw the Dutchman, frozen out at Internazionale, sign for Gala for a relatively inexpensive price – and he went on to feature as a substitute in the 2-1 win over Besiktas in midweek. The trip to Bursaspor could therefore mark Sneijder’s first start for the Turkish side, as the gifted playmaker looks to put a tumultuous few months of insecurity behind him.

Ivory Coast vs. Nigeria

As well as domestic clashes, this weekend also sees the African Cup of Nations roll on. In arguably the biggest match of the tournament so far, the Ivory Coast will face Nigeria in the quarter-final stage of the competition on Sunday. With the likes of Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel on display, supporters and neutrals alike can look forward to an entertaining contest between two of the continent’s most dominant forces. While it may only be the quarter-final stage, a big win for either side could provide that extra momentum capable of propelling the victor to the final of the tournament and perhaps the trophy itself.