Weekend European Football Review: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich Headlines

April 20, 2025 — ESPN News Services

The European football weekend delivered major drama across LaLiga, the Premier League, and the Bundesliga, with Barcelona surviving a wild comeback, Real Madrid clinging to their title hopes, and Bayern Munich bouncing back domestically.

LaLiga: Barcelona and Real Madrid Keep Title Race Alive

Barcelona mounted a late comeback to beat Celta Vigo 4-3, surviving a major scare at the Olympic Stadium. Raphinha’s stoppage-time penalty completed a stunning turnaround for Xavi’s side.

Real Madrid responded after Champions League disappointment with a 1-0 win over Athletic Club, saved by Federico Valverde’s brilliant 93rd-minute volley.

Madrid stay four points behind Barça with the season entering the final stretch.

Premier League: Manchester City March On, Top-Five Battle Heats Up

Manchester City remain on track for another Premier League title, extending their lead at the top.

Behind them, the battle for third to seventh place is fierce. Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, and Aston Villa are locked in a dramatic race for Champions League qualification. Forest’s recent slump means their clash with Tottenham is now critical.

Bundesliga: Bayern Munich Respond, But Questions Remain

Bayern Munich crushed Heidenheim 4-0, bouncing back after their Champions League elimination.

Despite the comfortable win, criticism grows over Bayern’s struggles against elite opponents this season. The Bundesliga title race remains alive, but concerns about long-term stability persist.

Best Matches of the Weekend

• Brentford 4-2 Brighton (Premier League): Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa starred in a thrilling end-to-end clash.

• Barcelona 4-3 Celta Vigo (LaLiga): One of the season’s wildest finishes, sealed by Raphinha’s 98th-minute penalty.

• Union Berlin 4-4 Stuttgart (Bundesliga): A Bundesliga record eight first-half goals in a chaotic draw.

Best Goals of the Weekend

• Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal vs Ipswich): A brilliant Arsenal team move capped by Mikel Merino’s backheel finish.

• Leopold Querfeld (Union Berlin vs Stuttgart): A stunning 38-yard strike into the top corner.

MVP Performances

• Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa): Scored, assisted, hit the post, and the bar in a dominant showing against Newcastle.

• Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo): A hat trick at Barcelona, but Celta still lost 4-3.

• Lucas Höler (Freiburg): Scored two vital goals to keep Freiburg’s Champions League hopes alive.

Other Key Stories

• Kylian Mbappé’s Tough Week: Eliminated from the Champions League, injured, and his club Caen relegated to France’s third division.

• Serie A Postponed: All Monday fixtures canceled following the death of Pope Francis at age 88.

• Cesc Fàbregas Impresses: Como playing attractive football under Fàbregas, currently 13th in Serie A.