La Liga

Atletico Madrid was close to one of its trademark wins against Barcelona — Diego Costa scored on a set piece and the defense shut the door on the other end.

Then Ousmane Dembélé stepped up with a great equalizer in the 90th minute to cap an intense top-of-the-table 1-1 draw at the Wanda. 

Barcelona came into the match with a one-point lead over Sevilla and Atletico atop the LaLiga table (Real Madrid far back in sixth after losing 3-0 earlier in the day). 

For all the reported leaks in the footballing world right now — Cristiano Ronaldo rape allegations, Financial Fair Play improprieties, Sergio Ramos testing positive for a banned substance — one leak is more surprising than any other this season. The one in Real Madrid’s defense. In particular, Thibaut Courtois stats with Los Blancos after a shocking 3-0 loss to Eibar on Saturday.

When it comes to transfer rumors and Paris Saint-Germain, you never get further than the superstar front three of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani. 

Real Betis became the first side to score four at the Camp Nou in league play since 2003, and the Seville-based club registered its first victory at the legendary stadium in two decades during Sunday’s rip-roaring 4-3 encounter in Catalonia. 

Betis raced to a 2-0 first half lead, and every time Barcelona managed to pull a goal back in the second half, the Béticos found a response.  

Diego Godín is one of the world’s greatest defenders, a terrifying monster who gobbles up attackers like the Cookie Monster eats cookies. He’s not a flashy player with step-overs for days like Cristiano Ronaldo, unnecessary flair like Neymar or blazing speed like Kylian Mbappé, but make no mistake Godín is one of the world’s best players, and a perfect example of what he means to Atlético Madrid was on display on Saturday with this Godin goal vs Bilbao.

When Lionel Messi broke his arm against Sevilla back on Oct. 20, the prognosis was that he’d need three weeks to recover. By the time Barcelona hosts Real Betis on Sunday, that timeframe will’ve been achieved. But will Messi actually suit up for the Blaugrana with the assurance of November’s international break directly following the game, giving Messi an extra two weeks of rehabilitation before the titanic clash with Atlético Madrid at the Wanda on Nov. 24?

A look at five games this weekend that should provide excellent drama both in the U.S. and in Europe. We're focusing on the best soccer on TV this weekend.

MLS and USL are in the midst of the 2018 playoffs, while the Premier League has another Top 6 clash to highlight its Saturday lineup. Meanwhile, the train wreck that is Real Madrid at the moment gets to find out how the team responds after dismissing coach Julen Lopetegui.

Best Soccer On TV This Weekend

1. USL Semi-Finals: Louisville City vs. New York Red Bulls 2

It’s been 11 days since Lionel Messi broke his right arm against Sevilla during Barcelona’s 4-2 LaLiga victory, an injury that ruled the Argentine star out for three weeks.