Strasbourg

Months of games, so many ups and downs, goals scored and conceded, and yet it can all still come down to the finest margins in the closing minutes of the last day.

To paraphrase Homer Simpson, the winner is showered with praise; the loser is taunted and booed until my throat is sore.

With one matchday left, the title races in both Serie A and the Premier League are going to the final 90 minutes. Milan and Manchester City have their destinies in their own hands, but Inter and Liverpool are looking to respectively pounce on any stumble.

There is the potential for exceptional drama in Italy and England, but can the Nerazzurri and the Reds have much hope of pulling off the improbable and wrestling the respective title from their rivals?

Stats Perform has taken a look at some of the more dramatic title races from recent history that show anything is possible.

Every goal matters

The Eredivisie provided about as tense a finish as you could imagine in 2006-07, with PSV Eindhoven and Ajax unsurprisingly the main characters.

A strong title defence from Ronald Koeman's PSV began with 18 wins from 21 games, and just one defeat.

However, losing four and drawing four of their next 12 games coupled with Ajax winning five of six leading into the final day meant they were neck and neck on points heading into the last game.

Despite being behind on goal difference, a tremendous effort from PSV saw them pip their rivals after an emphatic 5-1 win over Vitesse, while Ajax could only muster a 2-0 victory over Willem II, losing the title by a single goal.

When goals made no difference in LaLiga

In the same season, Real Madrid made a disappointing start in LaLiga, drawing their first game 0-0 with Villarreal at home before going on to lose seven of their first 21 league matches.

After drawing four games in a row between mid-February and mid-March, title hopes seemed to be over for Fabio Capello's men, only for nine wins in 11 games to send them into the final day level on points with Barcelona.

Barca thrashed Gimnastic 5-1 away from home to do their bit, but Madrid eased to a 3-1 win against Real Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Blaugrana had a significantly better goal difference of +45 compared to Madrid's +26, but that mattered not as the tie-breaker came down to head-to-head record, which was in Los Blancos' favour having beaten Barca 2-0 at home and drawn 3-3 at Camp Nou.

"Agueroooooo!"

Following Sheikh Mansour's takeover of Manchester City in 2008, the club had grown year-on-year and by the 2011-12 season, felt they were ready to mount a challenge at the top of the Premier League.

Roberto Mancini's side started well enough, winning 11 of their first 12 games, but three defeats across December and January dented hopes, while two losses and two draws in a five-game period in March and April all but killed them.

That was until five wins in a row coincided with Manchester United losing to Wigan Athletic and dramatically drawing 4-4 with Everton at Old Trafford.

City beating United on matchday 36 swung things in the Sky Blues' favour, and they went into the last day needing only a win against lowly QPR to seal it.

In typical fashion, they made it hard work for themselves, finding themselves 2-1 down heading towards the 90th minute. United had won 1-0 at Sunderland, which meant City needed two goals or they would have lost the title in agonising fashion.

An Edin Dzeko header made it 2-2, before Mario Balotelli slid in Sergio Aguero for one of the most famous goals in English football history, giving City their first top-flight title since 1969.

The ultimate last day head-to-head

It was like something out of a Hollywood film. All the previous nine LaLiga titles had been won by Clasico giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, but in 2013-14, Atletico Madrid believed they could spoil the party.

Barca were the pacesetters, winning 13 of their first 14 games, while Real Madrid were struggling after losing to both Atletico and Barca.

Diego Simeone led his team to an incredible 16 wins from their first 18 games, but a 0-0 draw with Barca made it look like it would be the tightest of run-ins.

Indeed it was, with Real coming back to the party after an 18-match unbeaten run, though back-to-back defeats to Barca and Sevilla stopped them in their tracks.

Gerardo Martino's Barca were wobbling too, losing three out of seven games between February and March, and then drawing with Getafe and Elche to give Atletico their chance on the final day.

As if it could not have been more dramatic, Atletico went into the last game three points clear, but needing a point to clinch the title, away at Barcelona.

Alexis Sanchez opened the scoring for the Blaugrana, but Diego Godin's header handed the crown to Atletico.

When six were not on the beach

You may not be as familiar with this final day, but it stands as one of the most remarkable in the history of the game.

Never mind two or three, there were six clubs that could still claim the Ligue 2 title going into the final round of matches in 2016-17.

Strasbourg, Amiens, Troyes, Lens, Brest and Nimes all in with a shout with one game remaining, all separated by three points at most.

Technically, the drama was not really with the winner of the title, but the other automatic promotion spot that was up for grabs, with Strasbourg able to hold on to top spot following a nervy 2-1 win against Bourg-Peronnas, but it was a 96th-minute strike from Emmanuel Bourgaud sealing a 2-1 win at Stade Reims for Amiens that provided unbelievable drama, taking the aptly named Unicorns from sixth to second.

I did not think I would be advising Inter and Liverpool to go into their games with an "Amiens mindset", but there we are.

The 18-year-old scored PSG's opener as they recorded their sixth win in eight league games this season, remaining ahead of Monaco on goal difference at the summit. 

With Warren Zaire-Emery having already netted this term, PSG are the only team in the top five European leagues to have two goalscorers born in 2006 or later this campaign.

Meanwhile, only two starters – Willian Pacho (92.5%) and Milan Skriniar (96.5%) – bettered Mayulu's passing accuracy of 92.3% and only Joao Neves (18) contested more than his 16 duels. 

"He's showing he has great potential, personality, and skills," Luis Enrique told DAZN of Mayulu. 

"He's very effective in the box. He scored tonight but could have had two more. I'm very happy for him.

"He's a player for the future, I'm very satisfied that he stayed in Paris. We'll have a lot of joy with him."

Luis Enrique's side, fielding a young lineup that includes fellow teenagers Desire Doue and Zaire-Emery, have now scored 25 goals in eight league matches.

"There must be matches with tension, and for young players to develop, I believe they need to feel our trust in them and have the chance to play in these types of games," he added. "I think that's what we have demonstrated since last season."

Marco Asensio, Bradley Barcola and Lee Kang-in also scored during the match, showcasing the team's well-rounded attacking prowess.

"My goal is to develop the team. In the past, the team relied on individual talent but that’s no longer the case. We have many players who can score, but I don't care who scores or makes the assists," Luis Enrique said.

"What matters to me is that everyone contributes to both attack and defence. The objective is to win titles and to play in the best possible way."

PSG will next face PSV on Tuesday in the Champions League, having been beaten by Arsenal last time out in the competition. 

PSG are unbeaten in the league and sit second in the standings behind Monacho, who have a two-point lead.

The reigning champions have drawn two of their seven games so far, including their last outing against Nice, though both stalemates have come away from home. 

They have also lost one of their opening two Champions League games, being outclassed by Arsenal in their 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, meaning they are winless in two outings in all competitions.

The manager, who would not comment on media reports that he has extended his contract at PSG until there is official confirmation from the club, remained upbeat as his side prepare for Saturday's home game with Strasbourg.

"The start of the season in general has been very positive, even more positive than I imagined," Luis Enrique said at a press conference on Friday.

"Throughout the season, it is not a linear process, there are better moments and less good moments. We haven't had any bad spells yet.

"We would like to win every game, but that is not possible in football."

The Strasbourg game comes after an international break where many of PSG's players were in action, and the manager accepts this will be a factor in the match.

"We have to bear in mind playing time with international teams, travel time, and fatigue. So, of course, that is going to have an effect on the team on the pitch tomorrow," he added.

"We need to win tomorrow, but it will not be easy. It is never easy to come back after the international break."

The international break can also have its positive sides. One player who has struggled at PSG this season but shone for his country is forward Randal Kolo Muani, who scored both goals in France's 2-1 win in Belgium on Monday.

"That is certainly good news for me as a coach, to see our international players getting good results, produce strong performances, scoring goals, defending well," Luis Enrique said.

"The better they play for their national teams, the better for me."

Strasbourg are seventh in the standings, seven points behind PSG, but they have lost only once this season, and Luis Enrique expects a tough but open game.

"They score goals, they press high, they are dangerous, they are not worried about one-on-one situations," the Spaniard said.

"It will certainly be really difficult, well contested, and I think both teams will have chances."

They leapfrogged Monaco, who drew earlier in the day, thanks to goals from Senny Mayulu, Marco Asensio, Bradley Barcola and Lee Kang-in on Saturday.

PSG midfielder Mayulu, who had struck the post moments before, broke the deadlock in the 18th minute after finding himself unmarked in the box and unleashing a powerful shot that soared into the roof of the net.

Asensio extended the lead just two minutes after the break, standing in the right place to deftly knee in a rebound from goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who had parried Desire Doue's attempt.

While PSG dominated the match, Strasbourg seized their opportunity when Sekou Mara pulled one back in the 58th minute.

Barcola was denied a penalty by a VAR review but stroked in their third goal moments later before Saidou Sow was handed a reprieve after putting the ball into his own net, only for play to be pulled back for an offside in the build-up.

The score still was not done though, as substitute Lee coolly slotted into an empty net before Pape Diong halved the deficit once again from a corner in stoppage time.

Data Debrief: PSG find their groove

Despite going unbeaten so far in the league this season, Luis Enrique's side have still come under criticism for their performances of late, having gone on a three-match winless run in all competitions before this win. 

PSG have won each of their first four home games of a Ligue 1 season for the fourth time in the 21st century though, after 2017-18 (17 under Unai Emery), 2018-19 (15 under Thomas Tuchel) and 2021-22 (seven under Mauricio Pochettino) - they have won the league on each of those occasions.

But Strasbourg certainly put up a fight - they had 16 shots to PSG's 18, with eight of those on target, just two less than their opponents. They also accumulated 2.22 expected goals (xG), while their hosts registered 3.63.

The first round of matches will take place on the weekend of August 22-23, with the season set to conclude on May 23 next year.

PSG were awarded their seventh top-flight title in eight seasons after the 2019-20 campaign was abandoned and decided on a point-per-game basis due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The abandonment move has since been questioned amid other elite divisions in Europe successfully resuming their seasons behind closed doors.

An LFP vote sealed Amiens and Toulouse's relegation, with Lorient and Lens promoted from Ligue 2 in their place.

Lorient host Strasbourg on the opening weekend, while Lens are on the road at Nice.

The first Classique of the season comes in the third round of fixtures, with PSG welcoming Marseille to the Parc des Princes in mid-September. The return is billed for February 7.

Marseille start at home to Saint-Etienne, with Bordeaux and Lille hosting Nantes and Rennes respectively.

Lyon begin on the road at Montpellier, with the first of their always feisty clashes against Marseille coming at Groupama Stadium on October 4. The rivalry is then scheduled to resume at the Stade Velodrome on February 28.

Ligue 1 2020-21 – Opening weekend fixtures in full:

Lorient v Strasbourg
Nimes v Brest
Dijon v Angers
Bordeaux v Nantes
Monaco v Reims
Montpellier v Lyon
Nice v Lens
Lille v Rennes
Marseille v Saint-Etienne
PSG v Metz

The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) confirmed on Friday the game had been postponed following advice from local authorities.

There was no immediate indication of a new date for the game, which is the first in Ligue 1 to have been pulled from the schedule.

The decision came just three days after French sports minister Roxana Maracineanu stated Ligue 1 matches would not be affected by measures to combat the spread of the virus.

At a news conference on Tuesday, Maracineanu said league games would take place because the majority of spectators would be travelling from local areas where there have been no confirmed outbreaks of COVID-19.

However, she did indicate PSG's Champions League last-16 second leg against Borussia Dortmund next Wednesday could have to be played behind closed doors.

On Thursday, the European Parliament relocated a plenary session to Brussels rather than Strasbourg due to health risks.

There have been 420 confirmed cases of the virus in France, according to the World Health Organisation - the third highest for a European country, behind Germany and Italy.

Asked about the coronavirus in a news conference, PSG coach Thomas Tuchel said: "Personally, I'm not afraid but I'm not comfortable. It's worrying.

"I hope we're doing everything we can to protect the players by being careful. It's clear that we know that in Italy, games are played without fans. In Switzerland I think they don't play at all. I would say that type of news makes me uncomfortable.

"There are times when I don't think about it at all because we're working. We do what we can, and we don't have any influence on other things. If a decision is made about the fans [against Dortmund] we have to accept it.

"Do we want to play with our fans? Yes, always, of course. We are stronger with them, that's clear. On Wednesday, we'll need everyone in good shape. The coaches, the team, the physiotherapists and the fans too. I hope to have all our fans, that's clear."

Italy has seen widespread postponement of sporting events, including Serie A matches, as authorities attempt to delay the spread of the disease. 

Juventus versus Inter was one of six matches from last week to be called off and rearranged for this weekend. They will be held behind closed doors in line with a government decree that says all sporting events are to be held without fans present until April 3. 

In England, the Premier League is expected to meet with the government and broadcasters on Monday to discuss contingency plans should the proliferation of the coronavirus accelerate in the UK.

Every division has something riding on the final days of the season, whether it be top spot, European qualification, or relegation.

Ahead of what is set to be a dramatic conclusion to the Premier League, LaLiga, Ligue 1, Serie A and the Bundesliga campaigns, we look at the state of play in each league.

PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester City wrapped up the Premier League title with three games to spare, making them the first team in the competition's history to win the title despite being as low as eighth on Christmas Day.

All three relegation places were also decided with three games remaining – a Premier League record – with Fulham joining Sheffield United and West Brom in dropping down a division.

That leaves just the European spots to fight for, and it is shaping up to be an entertaining end to the English top-flight season in that regard. Manchester United are guaranteed a top-four finish, but five other teams – Leicester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and West Ham – are in the mix for the two other Champions League berths with two rounds of games to go.

There is also the small matter of the Europa League places for the teams finishing in fifth and sixth, as well as a spot in the inaugural Europa Conference League, which goes to the team in seventh, meaning everyone from 10th-placed Leeds United to Leicester in third have something to play for. That includes Arsenal, who have not missed out on European football of some sort in 25 years.

LALIGA 

The Spanish title race appeared to take a dramatic twist on Sunday as Real Madrid leapfrogged Atletico Madrid at the summit for around 20 minutes. However, Atleti scored two late goals to beat Osasuna, meaning they are two points ahead of their city rivals heading into the final round of games.

Atleti, who have led the way at the top for 29 matchdays, now need to match Madrid's result against Villarreal when they travel to relegation-threatened Real Valladolid on the final day of the season. It is worth noting that Los Blancos have the superior head-to-head record, so a draw would not be enough for Atleti if Madrid win.

Barcelona are officially out of the title race, meanwhile, but they are assured of a top-four finish along with Sevilla. Real Sociedad and Real Betis occupy the Europa League spots, while Villarreal are in a Europa Conference League berth, though just one point separates the three teams so that could all yet change.

To complicate matters, Villarreal could still qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League final against Manchester United.

At the bottom end of the division, Eibar are already relegated and they will be joined by two of Valladolid, Elche or Huesca. Valladolid must beat Atletico in their final game to have a chance of staying up, while the onus is on Elche to better Huesca's result as they are level on points but have an inferior head-to-head record.

LIGUE 1

The Ligue 1 title battle is also going right down to the wire in a three-way dogfight. After a thrilling race that has lasted the course of the season, underdogs Lille lead heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain by one point with one matchday left.

Monaco have won seven of their previous eight games and are three points off leaders Lille, though they require both Les Dogues and PSG to slip up on the final day, as well as beating Lens. Should it come down to goal difference, PSG hold a big lead over their two title rivals.

Incredibly, PSG are still not yet technically assured of a Champions League place as Lyon in fourth are only three points worse off, although it would take a defeat for the reigning champions and victory for Lyon, plus a goal swing of 16, for them to miss out.

Monaco's opponents Lens, incidentally, also have plenty to play for at the weekend as they are sixth – enough for Europa Conference League qualification – but can still be caught by Rennes in seventh, while they could yet overtake Marseille in fifth if results go their way.

At the opposite end of the table, there may only be one spot left to be settled in the bottom three – Dijon and Nimes are both already down – but six teams are still very much in danger of the drop. Nantes occupy the relegation play-off spot, with Lorient, Brest and Strasbourg just a point better off, and Bordeaux and Reims only two points clear.

SERIE A

With Inter being crowned Scudetto winners for the first time in 11 years at the start of the month, the biggest storyline in Serie A regards Juventus' top-four fate. The dethroned champions, who had finished top nine years running before this season, are currently down in fifth.

Juve are one point behind Napoli and Milan in the two spots directly above them, while Atalanta are three points better off in second and have the better head-to-head record against the Bianconeri.

Andrea Pirlo's side are therefore in need of favours on the final day in what is poised to be a nail-biting finale in terms of those Champions League places. Lazio will finish sixth, so they are assured of Europa League football next term, while Roma hold a two-point advantage over Sassuolo in the Europa Conference League position.

Parma and Crotone are both down already and one of Benevento or Torino will join them, the latter currently three points outside of the relegation zone and with a game in hand to play on Benevento.

BUNDESLIGA

RB Leipzig provided Bayern Munich with some stern competition for a while, but the Bavarian giants' quality eventually told and they are Bundesliga champions for a ninth year running.

It's not only the title race that's done and dusted in Germany, in fact, as RB Leipzig are certain of second place, and both Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg will join them in the Champions League next season.

Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen, meanwhile, will finish in fifth and sixth respectively regardless of events later this week.

However, Union Berlin have work to do if they are to finish seventh for a place in the Europa Conference League play-offs as Borussia Monchengladbach are a point further back, while Stuttgart and Freiburg are two behind with a game to go.

Seven-time German champions Schalke will be competing in the second tier of German football next season, but Cologne and Werder Bremen are hanging on in there, sitting two and one point behind Arminia Bielefeld respectively in 15th place.