What to look out for across Europe as several title races go down to the wire

 

While the Premier League’s fight for Champions League spots and Serie A’s title race dominate headlines, several thrilling title deciders across Europe’s lesser-known leagues are set to unfold this weekend.

 Here’s a rundown of the key battles outside the ‘Big Five’ leagues.

Saturday’s Title Showdowns: Three-Horse Races and a Hungarian Dynasty at Risk

Seven leagues beyond the top tier wrap up this weekend, with two featuring three teams still in contention for the crown.

In the Austrian Bundesliga, Sturm Graz, Wolfsberg, and Austria Vienna are locked in a dramatic title fight. Sturm Graz face Wolfsberg, needing just a point to claim the championship. A Wolfsberg victory, coupled with an Austria Vienna win over BW Linz, could see Austria Vienna snatch the title due to their superior three-way head-to-head record. RB Salzburg, meanwhile, could secure second and a Champions League qualifying spot with a win over Rapid Vienna if Wolfsberg or Austria Vienna falter.

In Hungary, Ferencvaros are one point from a seventh consecutive title. A draw or win against Gyor will secure their 36th domestic crown. However, a loss could hand the title to Puskas Academy, who trail by three points but must beat Diosgyor and hope Ferencvaros stumble.

In Israel, Maccabi Tel Aviv hold a two-point lead over Hapoel Be’er Sheva. Maccabi face Beitar Jerusalem, who are chasing a European spot, while Be’er Sheva take on Hapoel Haifa, with fourth place still in play.

In Poland, Lech Poznan lead Rakow by one point. Lech, Conference League quarterfinalists in 2022/23, host midtable Piast Gliwice, while Rakow face Widzew Lodz. Jagiellonia Bialystok, meanwhile, need just a point against Pogon Szczecin to secure third place and a European berth.

see also: Today's Best 5 PICKS to PLAY!!!!!

In Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (USG) are one win from their first top-flight title in 90 years, leading Club Brugge by a point in the title playoffs. USG face Gent, who have struggled in the playoffs, while Club Brugge, winners of five of the last seven titles, host Antwerp. Brugge must outscore USG to claim their 20th championship.

In Denmark, Midtjylland trail FC Copenhagen by one point in a near-identical repeat of last season’s dramatic finish. Copenhagen host Nordsjaelland, and Midtjylland face Randers, both opponents vying for European spots. A Copenhagen win secures their 16th title, but the tight race promises a thrilling conclusion.

see also:Manchester United hit with £10M penalty from Adidas!

In Croatia, a three-way battle sees Rijeka and Hajduk Split challenging Dinamo Zagreb, who have lost the title just once in two decades. Rijeka, level on points with Dinamo and holding the head-to-head advantage, need a win to claim only their second league title. Dinamo can clinch it with a victory if Rijeka slip. 

Hajduk Split, facing relegated Sibenik, need a win and dropped points from both Rijeka (vs. Slaven Belupo) and Dinamo (vs. Varazdin). If all three finish level on 63 points, Hajduk’s superior three-way head-to-head would see them crowned champions.

This weekend promises edge-of-the-seat drama as these European leagues crown their champions.