Barcelona 3 Villarreal 0

Some quick thoughts after a routine yet essential win for Xavi's Barcelona over Emery's Villarreal.

Looking Ahead Vol. 9

After an engrossing week of action on the continent, it’s back to domestic football on the weekend. As well as Der Klassiker, it’s also Arsenal hosting Liverpool, while Xabi Alonso makes his top flight managerial debut with Bayer Leverkusen and Jorge Sampaoli returns for his second stint at Sevilla.

Looking Ahead Vol. 8

Club football returns with one of its busiest stretches as the World Cup looms ever closer in the horizon. Derbies in Manchester and North London take top billing this weekend, while there is also Mourinho taking Roma to his old stomping ground in Milan amongst other interesting storylines across Europe’s Big Five leagues.

Looking Ahead Vol. 7

Some big games in Italy, the Madrid derby, the Ruhr derby and Lyon hosting PSG are amongst the many interesting games lined up this weekend.

Looking Ahead Vol. 6

There may be no football in England this week, but there is still plenty to look forward to including Marco Rose returning to Dortmund with his new side Leipzig, Monaco taking on Lyon and a crucial game in the race for La Liga's top four.

Looking Ahead Vol. 5

In a weekend packed full of narrative and excitement, I pick 15 games across the big five leagues, including the Milan derby, the Merseyside derby, United against Arsenal, alongside many others.

Looking Ahead Vol. 3

Italy takes centre stage this weekend with three big clashes in Serie A, while there is a big derby in the South coast of France.

Looking Ahead Vol. 2

United hosting Liverpool is the big fixture of the weekend, while there is also the West London derby, the two richest teams in England taking on each other and Atalanta hosting Milan to look forward to.

Looking Ahead Vol. 1

It's the first weekend where all five of Europe's Big Leagues are in action this season, which means its time to pick out some great fixtures to follow.