There was plenty of action across European leagues during the weekend and here some of the winners and losers.
AC Milan
Gennaro Gattuso’s side needed a win to remain in the Champions League places when they welcomed Lazio during the weekend. Their narrow 1-0 win was enough to ensure that this happened and more so in front of their own fans. Roma’s win against Udinese would have seen them drop to fifth, but they have shown a fighting spirit this season to deserve their position. On a different day, the result would have been different but Frank Kessie’s goal ensured that they remained on course to finish the season in the top four.
Nicolas Pepe
Nicolas Pepe was instrumental for Lille in their 5-1 thrashing of league leaders PSG. For him, this was a continuation of what he has been doing all season as he now has 19 goals in the league to his name. He was on target for the hosts whilst assisting two others for his colleagues Gabriel and Jose Fonte. The Ivorian star has contributed 20 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this term and soon big clubs will be out for his signature.
Sevilla
Sevilla made a comeback to La Liga’s top four after winning their local derby against Real Betis by a 3-2 scoreline. Goals from Munir El Haddadi, Pablo Sarabia and Franco Vazquez were enough to see to it that they took all three points. The win ensured that they moved back to the top four with 52 points ahead, of Getafe who have 51 points. If they continue on this trajectory then they could very well finish in the top four and guarantee themselves Champions League football next season.
Losers
Thomas Tuchel
PSG’s head coach Thomas Tuchel suffered the biggest defeat during his time at the club when they fell 5-1 at the hands of Lille. A win here would have seen them lift the trophy, but that will have to wait longer from the look of things. Questions around his suitability to lead the club have been raised in the past and those murmurs will be louder if he does not arrest the situation soon enough. It must be remembered that they have been knocked out of the Champions League and, whereas they will win the league, that will not be considered success at his current club by their standards.
PSG
PSG are facing the toughest time of their season with injury to key players getting in the way of what would have been a fantastic campaign. They failed to win for the second consecutive time for the first time this season. They could have easily lifted the Ligue 1 trophy were it not for their draw at home against Strasbourg the last time out. When they had an opportunity to make amends during the weekend they suffered a major defeat away to second-placed side Lille. Will they bounce back in the coming days?
Juventus
The Old Lady have had a season to remember but they have not looked very convincing in their recent travels. This is partly due to the fact that they have rested players in readiness for the Champions League second leg. They suffered a 2-1 defeat away to SPAL during the weekend in a fixture that could have seen them lift the trophy had they won. They have a comfortable gap with Napoli in second place and they will have to wait longer before they can confirm their title.