Here`s a look at the significant midweek football action across Europe, with several teams vying for trophies.
Midweek Fixtures
Here are the key football matches scheduled for midweek (All times U.S. Eastern):
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Wednesday, April 23
- WSL: Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace, 2:45 p.m.
- Coppa Italia Semifinals: Inter vs. AC Milan, 3 p.m.
- EPL: Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace, 3 p.m.
- La Liga: Getafe vs. Real Madrid, 3:30 p.m.
- CCC: Tigres vs. Cruz Azul, 10 p.m.
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Thursday, April 24
- Coppa Italia: Bologna vs. Empoli, 3 p.m.
- La Liga: Atletico Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano, 3:30 p.m.
- CCC: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Inter Miami, 10:30 p.m.
Coppa Italia Semifinal: Inter vs. AC Milan
The final Derby della Madonnina of the season is set for Wednesday in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinals. Inter and AC Milan are tied 1-1 from the first leg. While Inter were initially seen as favorites and are pursuing a treble, their recent form has been shaky, potentially offering AC Milan an opportunity.
Inter`s recent 1-0 defeat to Bologna saw them drop points in Serie A, casting doubt on their ability to challenge on multiple fronts. With three trophies potentially within reach in the coming weeks, the Coppa Italia semifinal presents a chance for Inter to demonstrate their championship credentials. However, despite a strong season overall compared to Milan`s inconsistent one, Inter have failed to beat their rivals in their four previous encounters this campaign, including the Supercoppa Italiana final in January.
For Milan, the stakes are different. After finishing second in Serie A last season, they aimed for trophies. Although this season hasn`t met expectations, the Coppa Italia offers a chance for redemption. This tournament is also Milan`s most likely route to European qualification, as they currently sit ninth in Serie A, six points off a potential UEFA Conference League spot. Key players will need to perform, including Christian Pulisic, who is in a seven-game goal drought for club and country. Francesco Porizo highlights the importance of this match for Pulisic, both to end his scoring slump and prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
Porzio writes: “Pulisic, who has scored 15 goals this season across all competitions, is currently in a difficult period, not having scored in the last five Serie A and Coppa Italia matches. However, he has provided two crucial assists recently. It`s vital for Pulisic to play European football next season to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. As things stand, the Conference League appears more likely than the Champions or Europa League, unless the team reacts in the last stint of a disappointing season.”
The winner of the Inter-Milan tie will face the winner of the other semifinal between Bologna and Empoli, whose second leg is on Thursday. Bologna holds a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg.
La Liga: Real Madrid Chase Barcelona
Real Madrid face another busy match on Wednesday as they visit Getafe in La Liga. Following Barcelona`s 1-0 win over Mallorca on Tuesday, Real Madrid now trail the league leaders by seven points. They must win at Getafe to keep pace in the title race, all while preparing for Saturday`s crucial Clasico in the Copa del Rey final.
Given Real Madrid`s inconsistent season, highlighted by their Champions League quarterfinal exit, a trophy-less campaign seems increasingly possible for the team. Speculation about Carlo Ancelotti`s potential departure at the end of the season persists. Although he hasn`t confirmed it, his recent pre-match comments sounded like a potential farewell when asked about winning the league and cup.
Ancelotti commented: “In football, anything is possible. I`m not surprised by anything that can happen. I hold no grudges. I love this job – I loved it the first time here, and I`m enjoying this second spell. I hope it continues as long as possible. If it ends one day, I`ll be grateful and salute this club, nothing more.”
Real Madrid will be without Kylian Mbappe for the Getafe match due to a short-term injury, though he might be fit for the Copa del Rey final. Real Madrid are favorites to win, but failure to secure three points could effectively end their La Liga title aspirations with only five games remaining after this fixture.
More Football News
- Serie A postpones games: Serie A matches scheduled for Saturday were moved to Sunday due to Pope Francis` funeral.
- Premier League Promotion: Leeds United and Burnley secured automatic promotion to the Premier League with victories on Monday.
- Manchester United Target Cunha: Reports suggest Manchester United are interested in Wolves` Matheus Cunha for the upcoming summer transfer window.
- Bay FC Plays at Oracle Park: NWSL club Bay FC will host the Washington Spirit at Oracle Park, home of baseball`s San Francisco Giants, in August.
- NWSL Power Rankings: Bay FC saw a positive move in the latest NWSL power rankings, while Orlando Pride had a less favorable week.
- Millwall Promotion Push: Millwall continues their bid for Premier League promotion, potentially bringing a controversial presence to the top flight if successful.
Betting Insights
Best Bet
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Premier League: Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace, Wednesday, 3 p.m.
PICK: Arsenal to win 1-0 (+550) – This match offers Arsenal a slim chance to remain in the Premier League title race; dropping points would confirm Liverpool as champions. Given the unlikelihood of winning the league and their focus on the Champions League semifinals, it`s uncertain how much intensity Arsenal will bring. However, they are still favored against a Crystal Palace side potentially resting players ahead of their FA Cup semifinal. Expect a functional rather than thrilling performance, with Arsenal likely securing the win.
For additional picks, predictions, expert analysis, and the latest betting information, visit the betting section.
CBS Sports Golazo Network Content
- Morning Footy (Weekdays 8-10 a.m.): The network`s main morning show helps fans start their day with highlights, interviews, and top soccer stories. Also available as a podcast.
- Attacking Third (Tuesday, Thursday): A live studio show and podcast dedicated to women`s soccer, covering the USWNT, NWSL, and European leagues. Streams live on YouTube Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. ET, with a Sunday wrap-up.
- Call it What You Want (Monday and Thursday): A weekly podcast covering the USMNT and American soccer. Streams live on YouTube Mondays at 1 p.m. ET and Thursdays at 6 p.m. ET.
- Scoreline (Daily): The latest news and results from global football, match highlights, and goals. Airs seven days a week starting Thursday.
- How to watch: CBS Sports Golazo Network is a free 24/7 channel covering top soccer competitions worldwide. Stream for free on the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and Paramount+.
