José Mourinho is on a mission to secure another championship title. The current European season is bubbling with tension and excitement outside of the major five leagues, offering thrilling title races which contrast with the English Premier League’s less competitive atmosphere this season due to Liverpool’s dominance.
In Turkey, José Mourinho was brought on board by Fenerbahce last June with the goal of claiming the club’s first league title since 2014 and securing their first Champions League spot in 17 years. If successful, Turkey would be the fifth country where Mourinho has won a league title, adding to his previous triumphs in Portugal, Italy, Spain, and England. Despite a volatile season including a controversial incident with Galatasaray’s coach, Mourinho’s team remains six points behind the league leaders. The Istanbul giants hope to turn the tide by capitalizing on Galatasaray’s recent loss to Besiktas and maintaining their impressive form to challenge for the title.
In Portugal, Sporting Lisbon has been thriving, led by the exceptional goal-scoring prowess of Viktor Gyökeres. His impressive tally of 30 league goals outshines even Europe’s top scorers, surpassing Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. The Swedish striker has been crucial in keeping Sporting Lisbon ahead atop the table amidst managerial changes. They are currently neck and neck with Benfica, and an upcoming face-off between the two giants on May 10 could prove decisive for who clinches the top spot and secures a direct place in the Champions League.
The Netherlands sees Ajax reemerging as a top contender under the guidance of their young Italian coach Francesco Farioli. After a tumultuous 2023-24 season, Ajax looks set to reclaim dominance in Dutch football. The rejuvenated team recently widened their lead with a win over second-place PSV. With seven rounds to go, they are on track for a triumphant return to the top tier of European football.
Elsewhere, Red Star Belgrade in Serbia is achieving unparalleled success, remaining unbeaten in their league with a staggering goal difference and positioning themselves as the standout team of the season. Meanwhile, Young Boys in Switzerland have made a remarkable comeback from last place to vie for the title in a competitive six-team race.
Belgium’s championship playoff group has Genk holding a solid lead, creating much anticipation for their upcoming clashes with Club Brugge. Meanwhile, multi-team title battles have emerged in Poland and Croatia, where new contenders are challenging traditional powerhouses, making for thrilling finales in those leagues.