This archive report was first published on 15 June 2020.
European Football Returns: Messi Shines, Hazard Concerns, and Bayern on Brink of Coronation ¶
Published on June 15, 2020
Football returned to Spain and Italy this weekend, with Barcelona and Real Madrid leading the charge in La Liga, while Juventus reached the Italian Cup final and Bayern Munich edged closer to a record-extending 30th Bundesliga title.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to the football field, scoring the final goal in a 4-0 win over Mallorca. The six-time Ballon d'Or winner looked sharp with the ball at his feet, and his fresh-faced appearance was a welcome sight for fans.
However, Real Madrid's Eden Hazard gave his team fresh cause for concern as he was replaced on the hour with icing strapped to his right ankle. The Belgium star has endured a trying first season in Spain, and his fitness will require close monitoring with each team playing their remaining 11 matches over just 39 days.
Bayern Munich, meanwhile, are on the brink of coronation, with Hansi Flick's team one win away from capping a whirlwind first season in charge with the Bundesliga title. The club's eighth title in a row is within reach, and more could follow as they still have the latter stages of the Champions League to look forward to.
As football returns to Europe, cardboard cutouts have become a familiar sight at grounds, with Fenerbahce joining a number of clubs in filling the empty stands with supporters' likenesses. The Turkish Super Lig resumed on Friday with games behind closed doors, but the federation is holding out hope that fans could return in the coming weeks if the situation improves.
