The final weekend of February 2026 presents 8 key fixtures , a defining slate of matches across Europe’s top five leagues, where title ambitions and European aspirations are reaching a boiling point. Gameweek 28 features the season’s second Der Klassiker, a pivotal London derby, and other high-stakes clashes that will likely define the narrative of the campaign’s final third.
1. Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich
The second Der Klassiker of the season arrives with Bayern Munich established as the Bundesliga leaders on 60 points, holding an eight-point cushion over second-placed Borussia Dortmund. Dortmund’s pursuit of the summit was slowed by a 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig last weekend, whereas Bayern enters the clash on a four-match winning streak, most recently defeating Eintracht Frankfurt 4-1. While the visitors possess a staggering offensive record with 85 league goals this season, Dortmund’s home resilience at Signal Iduna Park remains formidable, as they have conceded fewer goals at home than any other team in the division. Bayern emerged as 2-1 victors in the reverse fixture last October, and a victory here would likely represent a fatal blow to Dortmund’s title hopes with only eleven weeks remaining.
2. Arsenal vs. Chelsea
Arsenal enters this Sunday’s London derby at the Emirates Stadium as the Premier League leaders, buoyed by a dominant 4-1 North London derby victory over Tottenham last weekend. The Gunners have been the division’s most efficient side, recording 17 wins and a league-high 56 goals so far this campaign. They face a Chelsea side that has experienced a significant resurgence under Liam Rosenior, currently sitting fifth and unbeaten in their last six league matches. Despite their improved form, Chelsea faces a psychological hurdle as Arsenal has already proven superior this term, having knocked the Blues out of the Carabao Cup semi-finals in February.
3. Real Betis vs. Sevilla
The iconic El Gran Derbi takes place this Sunday with Real Betis looking to solidify their standing in the European qualification spots. Betis currently occupies sixth place and enters the match following a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano, while Sevilla recently secured a morale-boosting 1-0 victory over Getafe. Real Betis holds the immediate psychological advantage in this rivalry, having defeated Sevilla 2-0 in their previous meeting this season back in November. While Betis is statistically favored with a 57% win probability, the intensity of this regional clash often leads to tightly contested affairs where both teams are expected to find the net.
4. Roma vs. Juventus
AS Roma welcomes Juventus to the Stadio Olimpico for a critical encounter in the race for Champions League qualification, with third-placed Roma (50 points) holding a four-point lead over fifth-placed Juventus. The Giallorossi have been nearly impenetrable at home, conceding only 16 goals in 26 league matches, and they arrive confident after a recent 3-0 victory against Cremonese. Juventus, by contrast, has struggled with inconsistency on their travels, winning only six of their 13 away fixtures this season. Although Roma has failed to secure a win in their last five meetings with the Bianconeri, Juve’s current attacking struggles and Roma’s defensive stability make this a pivotal moment for the hosts to snap that winless streak.
5. Marseille vs. Lyon
The Choc des Olympiques features a high-stakes battle for the final European spots, as third-placed Lyon (45 points) visits fourth-placed Marseille (40 points) at the Vélodrome. Both teams are desperate to bounce back from disappointing results, with Marseille recently suffering a 0-2 loss to Brest and Lyon falling 1-3 to Strasbourg. Lyon’s attack has been bolstered by the arrival of Endrick, who has netted three goals in five Ligue 1 games since January, while Marseille relies on a formidable home record that has seen them lose only once at the Vélodrome all season. Given that Marseille has demonstrated significant attacking prowess with 48 goals this campaign, this matchup is expected to be a high-scoring showcase between two of France’s most prestigious clubs.
6. Barcelona vs. Villarreal
Barcelona hosts Villarreal at the Spotify Camp Nou in a top-of-the-table clash where the league leaders (61 points) look to maintain their distance from a surging third-placed Villarreal (51 points). The Catalan giants have maintained a perfect home record this season, winning all eleven of their home league matches, and they enter this fixture after a 3-0 victory over Levante. Villarreal has been one of La Liga’s most consistent sides, recently securing back-to-back wins against Levante and Valencia to keep pace with the elite. While Barcelona has won 14 of the last 19 meetings between these sides, Villarreal’s clinical finishing and Barcelona’s need to keep pace with Real Madrid ensure a high-tension atmosphere in Catalonia.
7. Leeds vs. Manchester City
Manchester City travels to Elland Road seeking to narrow the five-point gap at the summit of the Premier League, currently sitting second with a game in hand over Arsenal. The visitors are in strong form, recently beating Liverpool 2-1, but they face a Leeds United side that has gone unbeaten throughout the month of February under Daniel Farke. Leeds has shown defensive resilience lately, drawing with both Chelsea and Aston Villa, though they have lost their last five league meetings against the Citizens. City’s attack, led by Erling Haaland’s 22-goal tally, will be tested by a Leeds team that has proven historically difficult to break down at home.
8. Strasbourg vs. Lens
RC Strasbourg welcomes RC Lens tonight for a fascinating clash between a Resurgent mid-table side and a legitimate title contender. Lens currently sits in second place with 52 points, having led the table until mid-winter before giving up the top spot to PSG after a slip against Monaco. Strasbourg, sitting in seventh, has become a formidable force under Gary O’Neil and is fresh from an impressive 3-1 victory over Lyon. While Lens boasts an elite defensive record, conceding only 0.87 goals per game, Strasbourg’s home attacking prowess and recent form suggest both teams are highly likely to find the back of the net in this Friday night fixture.
The results of these eight fixtures will resonate far beyond this weekend, potentially crowning a clear favorite in the Bundesliga and reshaping the leadership across the Premier League and Ligue 1. As the season enters its final stretch, these matches provide the ultimate test of depth and managerial resolve for Europe’s elite.
