10 to Track (Sun., 10/28/17)

1. Toluca vs. Morelia – Liga MX

5^th hosts 6^th.  Just two games to go for these two here in the Torneo Apertura.  The top eight league teams will advance to the Liguilla – postseason tournament.  These two are likely in.  Morelia could get jumped by the two teams below them if they lose their last two.   Morelia leaps into a three-way tie for 3rd place.   Toluca drops to 7th.   RESULT:   Morelia   0-1

B.  Vitesse Arnhem vs. PSV Eindhoven – Dutch Eredivisie

4^th host 1^st here, and PSV has yet to lose at home in league this season.   Only the top two will qualify for 2019 Champions League.   Arnhem slips to 5th.   RESULT:   PSV   2-4

3. Club Brugge vs. Sint-Truidense – Belgian Jupiler League

1^st hosts 4^th.  Top six league teams make it to the playoffs for the Champions league berth or berths.

Something’s always bugged Noob.  They’re from Bruges.   What’s up with “Brugge”?  Turns out the village that comprises all the land that’s been reclaimed from the sea is a village-town named Zeebrugge.  RESULT:   4-1

   Port of Zeebrugge

4. Sampdoria vs. Chievo Verona – Italian Serie A

This was a 6/7 matchup when Noob scouted this league a few days back.  But then then C.V. got thumped by AC Milan and now are mired in 10^th.   Still, Sampdoria remains in line for a Europa League berth for next year as the standings are now.  Could they climb into C.L. contention?   Sampdoria holds at 6th, C.V. slides a notch.   RESULT:   Sampdoria   4-1

  C’mon, Dude, have a little faith.

5. Zenit St. Petersburg vs. Lokomotiv Moscow – Russian Premier

#2 vs. #1, bring out the borscht!  This league’s season nears its halfway point.  Either of these two would have to have a serious falling off to not get one of the league’s three Champions League berths for next year.  But the third of those have to play early round matches while the other two duck that.  And CSKA Moscow isn’t too far behind.   A new number one!   RESULT:   Lokomotiv   0-3

6. Siroki Brijeg vs. Zrinjski Mostar – Bosnia and Herzegovina Premier

3^rd hosts tied for 1^st.  Fine, whatever.   Noob needs to get off his chest in the hopes of exorcizing it.  I cannot think of this nation without also thinking about a certain deceased actor.   And now it’s a three-way tie for first!   RESULT:   S.B.   3-1

  Don’t look so surprised.  Noob can’t be the only one who gets Herve Villechaize on the brain.

7. Kashiwa Reysol vs. Kawasaki Frontale – J1 League

Just four matches to go in this league.  Kawasaki is one of the two who is almost certain to get a top Champions League berth.  3^rd place gets to go, too, but has to play in earlier rounds.  Kashiwa is right in the thick of it with two other teams for that slot.   Near disaster for Kawasaki, but they get a goal at 90′ to stay in the title hunt.   RESULT:   2-2

8. Hebei Chinese Fortune vs. Guangzhou Evergrande – Chinese Premier

Evergrande has already won the league title with two matches to go.  H.C.F., however, is in 3^rd and trying desperately to hold of a slew of contenders for that final Champions League berth.   RESULT:   HCF   3-0

  Hebei’s head coach or elderly Anton Chigurh having finally figured out out to smile and part his hair?

9. Jeonbuk vs. Jeju United – South Korea K League Classic

#1 vs. #2!  And Noob hasn’t even finished his borscht yet.  Jeonbuk has already qualified for Champions League next year.  Jeju is all but in now, too.   RESULT:   Jeonbuk   3-0

10. Independiente de Santa Fe vs. La Equidad – Liga Aguila

1^st hosts 5^th place.  La Equidad is in the top quartile of the league by virtue of having earned draws in nearly -half- their matches this season.  Independiente has fewer than almost any team there.  Quirky!   RESULT:   0-0

  Just what are you getting at?