SOCCER
When do some of the world’s ‘top’ soccer leagues start again?
Unlike after ‘normal’ World Cups, the return to club ‘normality’ is just around the corner, with several leagues starting up just after Christmas.
Well, that’s a wrap. The strangest, most controversial and – according to some – most exciting World Cup in recent memory is over. Argentina ended their 36-year wait to get their hands on the trophy thanks to a penalty shootout victory over France in what has been described in some quarters as one of the best World Cup finals ever (despite the French being fairly hopeless for 80 minutes, let’s be honest).
Of course, there are many leagues that we love around the world that have never been away, while others are already back in action. But what about some of the ‘top’ leagues? Such is this particular World Cup, the return to club ‘normality’ is just around the corner.
When do some of the world’s ‘top’ soccer competitions start again?
LaLiga
Matchday 15 kicks off on Thursday, 29 December, with games also being played on the following two days. Second-placed Real Madrid travel to mid-table Real Valladolid on Friday, 30 December, while leaders Barcelona, two points clear at the top, host neighbours Espanyol the following day.
Premier League
The English Premier League returns with Matchday 17, with takes place between 26 and 28 December. Leaders Arsenal host West Ham United on Boxing Day, with defending champions Manchester City, five points behind in second spot, having to wait another 48 hours to get back in action away to Leeds United.
Liga MX
The 2023 Clausura tournament begins on 6 January, with matches also being played on 7-9 January. Necaxa host Atlético San Luis in the first game of the year, Club América are at home to Querétaro the following day, while 2022 Apertura winners Pachuca face Pubela on the 9th.
MLS
The 2023 MLS campaign starts on 25 February, with St Louis SC the latest expansion team to join the league. They’ll play in the Western Conference, with Nashville SC switching to the Eastern Conference. The fixture list is due to be released tomorrow (Tuesday, 20 December).
Ligue 1
Matchday 16 of Ligue 1 in France kicks off with six matches on Wednesday, 28 December, which include Paris Saint-Germain’s home clash against Strasbourg. What are the chances of the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé being involved following their World Cup final heroics nine days earlier? Four further fixtures will be played the following day.
Serie A
The Italian top flight gets back underway with Matchday 16. All matches will be played on 4 January, with the standout fixture seeing Inter host leaders Napoli, who are eight points clear at the top of the table.
Bundesliga
Fans of the Bundesliga will have to wait until the second half of January for their favourite league to start up again. Matchday 16 will be played across 20-22 January, with leaders Bayern Munich playing the first match of the new year away to RB Leipzig.
Champions League
The Champions League round of 16 first legs will take play on 14, 15, 21 and 22 February. The standout ties see Liverpool take on Real Madrid and PSG play Bayern Munich.
Europa League
The Europa League knockout round will be start that very same week, on 16 February. Barcelona and Manchester United will face off for a place in the round of 16.
Europa Conference League
The first legs of Europa Conference League knockout round ties will also take place on 16 February. Lazio, Fiorentina, West Ham and Villarreal are amongst the teams hoping to win the tournament.