Weekend Guide-Recap Birthday Edition

Hey Baba!

I've heard it's your birthday. As a real football enthusiast, I decided to give you the best present possible. So take your seat back, and enjoy the best matches we had on our Weekend Recap during the past year.

January 23, Iran – Iraq (AFC Asian Cup)

After the Asian Cup group stage, Iran was one of the favourites for winning the tournament. However, the Iraqis had different plans. With an amazing 90 minutes, four goals in extra time and a great penalty shootout, Iraq sensationally qualified for the semifinals.

March 14, Universidad de Chile – Colo Colo (Chilean Primera División)

Imagine it. It's the biggest derby for your club, in your opponent's stadium. Your team struggles behind but equalizes during the second half. Then, in the additional time, your team gets a penalty. This is the story of this match, and this is how it looks from the point of view of Colo Colo fans. Goosebumps.

March 22, Al Nasr – Al Ahli (Saudi Premier League)

These two teams were in the race for the title all season. Al Nasr took the lead quickly, but a great performance by Al Ahli made the difference. Despite this victory, Al Ahli failed to win any title, finished second in the league, 4 points behind Al Nasr.

April 25, Crvena Zvezda – Partizan Belgrade (Serbian Superliga)

A Goalless draw? That's not a big deal! The derby of Belgrade is always full of passion with its fans and atmosphere. You can see that although a dull result, the game was great. Maybe until your next birthday, you will visit that match! (I know a few guys who can give you some tips).

June 1, Nigeria – Brazil (U-20 World Cup)

So, Baba, I hope you will keep enjoying football, as these talented kids. Keep showing up the beautiful side of the game, and always keep it happy. By the way, Brazil were the runner-ups of the World Cup, I hope that this year you will be the World champion.

Weekend Guide 27.8.2015

Take your seats for the BabaGol weekend recap! We have three tremendous matches for you: a Mexican Clásico match, a top clash in Israel and a visit to an African superpower in Nigeria. Enjoy!

(All times are in CET local time)

Amateur (Like this guy)

What? Cruz Azul – América (Liga MX)

When? Sunday, 00:00

Where? Estadio Azul, Mexico City

Why? Two of the biggest teams in Mexico City will play in El Clásico Joven, the Juvenile Classic. After two defeats at the start of the season, América have won their last four matches and now they are in 3rd place. Cruz Azul are far behind in 14th place, but in this league the top 8 will qualify for the Liguilla, the tournament’s playoffs, so anything is possible.

Key Players: Marc Crosas is one of the biggest names for Cruz Azul. The former hot prospect at Barcelona has had much more success in Mexico than in European football. For, América, you should look out for Argentine forward Darío Benedetto, a real goal machine, with 6 goals in his first 5 league games.

Professional (like this guy)

What? Hapoel Be'er Sheva – Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israeli Ligat Ha'al)

When? Sunday, 19:45

Where? Teddy Stadium, Jerusalem

Why? Two teams with big title aspirations will play on the 2nd matchday of the league. Both of the teams won their first match, but Maccabi Tel Aviv had another great achievement as they qualified for the UEFA Champions’ League group stage. Maccabi Tel Aviv also want to win their fourth consecutive title, while Hapoel Be'er Sheva want to win their first title in 40 years.

Key Players: It's impossible to talk about Maccabi Tel Aviv without mentioning Eran Zahavi, the captain and the league’s top scorer for the last two seasons. One of the main players in Hapoel Be'er Sheva is Ovidiu Hoban, the Romanian national team midfielder, who as well as passing, knows how to score from long-distance.

World Class (like this guy)

What? Wikki Tourists – Sunshine Stars (Nigerian Premier League)

When? Sunday, 17:00

Where? Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi

Why? The race for the Nigerian title is still close with only 5 games left. Enyimba, maybe the best team in Nigeria, lead the league, but these two teams are still dreaming of the title. Wikki Tourists are i 4th place, 7 points off the top spot, while Sunshine Stars are in 2nd place, with a gap of just 2 points.

Key Players: Wikki Tourists’ good season is all about Mubarak Umar. As the team’s forward, Umar is one of the top scorers in the Nigerian league. At Sunshine Stars you can find Tunde Adeniji, the 19 year-old Nigerian youngster, who has the potential to star in Europe one day.