The 2020-21 European international football competitions got underway last week, with the Champions League getting the lion’s share of attention as it usually does.

The second-tier competition, the UEFA Europa League, doesn’t tend to get as much press as its big brother, but features tons of the continent’s top clubs in a huge battle for European glory.

So, what teams are in a position to walk away from this year’s Europa League as Champions? Here are the top three contenders.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham, a fixture in the Champions League over the past several seasons, is in a prime position to compete for the UEFA Europa League title this season after a disappointing 19-20.

Jose Mourinho has a roster with some of the best talents in the continent, including a deadly attack consisting of striker Harry Kane, winger Heung-min Son, and attacking midfielder Dele Alli. Add in interesting additions like Gareth Bale and defensive help from players like new addition Sergio Reguilon, and Mourinho’s side is beginning to take on the look of a contender.

Whether all of the new pieces fit together well will determine their ultimate fate, but Spurs’ roster should have them in the competition until the end.

AC Milan

AC Milan has had a rough spell of it recently, but the squad continues to improve and they could take a big step by competing for Europa League glory this season.

The attack certainly isn’t the problem, as the ageless Zlatan Ibrahimovic has combined brilliantly in a team featuring tons of young attacking talent. Gianluigi Donnarumma has stayed loyal to his club despite recent turmoil, providing them with one of the world’s top goalkeepers in net.

The key to this team’s success will be if its defense is able to turn a corner and keep games manageable. If they are able to do so, we might see AC Milan lift a European trophy for the first time since the days of Kaka, Pirlo, and company.

Real Sociedad

It might surprise you to see Spanish side Real Sociedad here, but Imanol Alguacil’s team has a real shot to end up in the finals of the competition this season.

Real Sociedad is in first place in La Liga, and it’s easy to see why. David Silva, recently added to the team from Manchester City, has joined up with an exciting young attack with players such as Spanish international Mikel Oyarzabal and Swedish international Alexander Isak.

La Real is a deep, talented size who will surprise many that have never seen them play before. Could they become a dark horse champion?

The post Analyzing the 2020-21 Europa League Top Contenders appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Martin Odegaard was one of the breakout sensations of La Liga this season at Real Sociedad on loan from Real Madrid. The young Norwegian midfielder tallied four goals and six assists in 31 La Liga appearances, cementing his name as one of Europe’s top young talents.

While Real Madrid had originally agreed with Real Sociedad that Odegaard would be on loan for the Basque club for two seasons, the team has reportedly informed Real Sociedad that they will be recalling Odegaard for the 2020-21 season.

Odegaard, who became the youngest player to ever see the field for Real Madrid’s senior team back in 2015 at the age of 16 years and 157 days old as he came on as a substitution in a home thrashing of Getafe, will finally return to the club he signed for a half of a decade ago after spending most of the past few seasons on loan.

Odegaard played the 2016-17 season for Real Madrid’s B team before heading to Heerenveen, Vitesse, and Real Sociedad on loan during the past three seasons.

After his outstanding performance for La Real this season, who finished 6th in La Liga, the Blancos have decided that it is finally his chance to feature for their senior team.

Odegaard is expected to begin preseason training with Real Madrid in the next weeks.

The post Real Madrid Set to Bring Martin Odegaard Back From Loan at Real Sociedad appeared first on SportzBonanza.

This weekend’s action in Spain’s La Liga resulted in a big change at the top of the table, as Real Madrid moved to the #1 spot after a big 1-2 win at Real Sociedad on Sunday night.

Real Madrid’s win drew them even on points with FC Barcelona, and Real Madrid’s superior head-to-head record in the team’s two meetings this season meant that they will head into the final eight matches of the season as the slim leader in the standings.

Barcelona was tripped up in a 0-0 draw at Sevilla on Friday night, as they were unable to break through and get a goal against Julen Lopetegui’s men.

Real Madrid saw their opportunity and seized it on Sunday night in San Sebastian in a tough battle against a Real Sociedad team that has aspirations to finish in European positions in the table this season.

After a scoreless first half, Los Blancos took a 0-1 lead in the 50th minute after Vinicius Jr. was awarded a controversial penalty after being lightly touched in the box and falling to the ground. Sergio Ramos then easily fooled Alex Remiro and transformed the spot kick.

Twenty minutes later, Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema doubled his team’s lead. While Real Sociedad was able to pull a goal back before the final whistle blew, they were unable to find an equalizer and Real Madrid walked away with all three points.

Madrid will look to continue their good run of form at home against Mallorca on Wednesday, while Barcelona will look to keep pace at home against Athletic Club.

The post Real Madrid Beats Real Sociedad 2-1, Takes Over Top Spot in La Liga appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The 2020-21 European international football competitions got underway last week, with the Champions League getting the lion’s share of attention as it usually does.

The second-tier competition, the UEFA Europa League, doesn’t tend to get as much press as its big brother, but features tons of the continent’s top clubs in a huge battle for European glory.

So, what teams are in a position to walk away from this year’s Europa League as Champions? Here are the top three contenders.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham, a fixture in the Champions League over the past several seasons, is in a prime position to compete for the UEFA Europa League title this season after a disappointing 19-20.

Jose Mourinho has a roster with some of the best talents in the continent, including a deadly attack consisting of striker Harry Kane, winger Heung-min Son, and attacking midfielder Dele Alli. Add in interesting additions like Gareth Bale and defensive help from players like new addition Sergio Reguilon, and Mourinho’s side is beginning to take on the look of a contender.

Whether all of the new pieces fit together well will determine their ultimate fate, but Spurs’ roster should have them in the competition until the end.

AC Milan

AC Milan has had a rough spell of it recently, but the squad continues to improve and they could take a big step by competing for Europa League glory this season.

The attack certainly isn’t the problem, as the ageless Zlatan Ibrahimovic has combined brilliantly in a team featuring tons of young attacking talent. Gianluigi Donnarumma has stayed loyal to his club despite recent turmoil, providing them with one of the world’s top goalkeepers in net.

The key to this team’s success will be if its defense is able to turn a corner and keep games manageable. If they are able to do so, we might see AC Milan lift a European trophy for the first time since the days of Kaka, Pirlo, and company.

Real Sociedad

It might surprise you to see Spanish side Real Sociedad here, but Imanol Alguacil’s team has a real shot to end up in the finals of the competition this season.

Real Sociedad is in first place in La Liga, and it’s easy to see why. David Silva, recently added to the team from Manchester City, has joined up with an exciting young attack with players such as Spanish international Mikel Oyarzabal and Swedish international Alexander Isak.

La Real is a deep, talented size who will surprise many that have never seen them play before. Could they become a dark horse champion?

The post Analyzing the 2020-21 Europa League Top Contenders appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Martin Odegaard was one of the breakout sensations of La Liga this season at Real Sociedad on loan from Real Madrid. The young Norwegian midfielder tallied four goals and six assists in 31 La Liga appearances, cementing his name as one of Europe’s top young talents.

While Real Madrid had originally agreed with Real Sociedad that Odegaard would be on loan for the Basque club for two seasons, the team has reportedly informed Real Sociedad that they will be recalling Odegaard for the 2020-21 season.

Odegaard, who became the youngest player to ever see the field for Real Madrid’s senior team back in 2015 at the age of 16 years and 157 days old as he came on as a substitution in a home thrashing of Getafe, will finally return to the club he signed for a half of a decade ago after spending most of the past few seasons on loan.

Odegaard played the 2016-17 season for Real Madrid’s B team before heading to Heerenveen, Vitesse, and Real Sociedad on loan during the past three seasons.

After his outstanding performance for La Real this season, who finished 6th in La Liga, the Blancos have decided that it is finally his chance to feature for their senior team.

Odegaard is expected to begin preseason training with Real Madrid in the next weeks.

The post Real Madrid Set to Bring Martin Odegaard Back From Loan at Real Sociedad appeared first on SportzBonanza.

This weekend’s action in Spain’s La Liga resulted in a big change at the top of the table, as Real Madrid moved to the #1 spot after a big 1-2 win at Real Sociedad on Sunday night.

Real Madrid’s win drew them even on points with FC Barcelona, and Real Madrid’s superior head-to-head record in the team’s two meetings this season meant that they will head into the final eight matches of the season as the slim leader in the standings.

Barcelona was tripped up in a 0-0 draw at Sevilla on Friday night, as they were unable to break through and get a goal against Julen Lopetegui’s men.

Real Madrid saw their opportunity and seized it on Sunday night in San Sebastian in a tough battle against a Real Sociedad team that has aspirations to finish in European positions in the table this season.

After a scoreless first half, Los Blancos took a 0-1 lead in the 50th minute after Vinicius Jr. was awarded a controversial penalty after being lightly touched in the box and falling to the ground. Sergio Ramos then easily fooled Alex Remiro and transformed the spot kick.

Twenty minutes later, Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema doubled his team’s lead. While Real Sociedad was able to pull a goal back before the final whistle blew, they were unable to find an equalizer and Real Madrid walked away with all three points.

Madrid will look to continue their good run of form at home against Mallorca on Wednesday, while Barcelona will look to keep pace at home against Athletic Club.

The post Real Madrid Beats Real Sociedad 2-1, Takes Over Top Spot in La Liga appeared first on SportzBonanza.