With the majority of title races wrapped up in European football’s most prestigious leagues, focus has shifted to other facets of various divisions as soccer fans go in search of some excitement late on in the campaign.

One league that still has a race of sorts ongoing is La Liga and the leaders can clinch glory this weekend against a quality opponent. In England, there should be thrills aplenty in the two Championship playoffs second leg matches and in a crucial game in the race to remain in the Premier League.

Stateside, the standout clash comes between two teams who are hoping to battle it out for MLS’ Western Conference title.

All kick offs are in Eastern time. Enjoy your weekend and enjoy the games!

Middlesbrough vs. Brentford

Friday May 15, 2:45PM, beIN SPORTS and fuboTV

The momentum is firmly behind Middlesbrough in this playoff tie, as a stoppage time winner at Griffin Park in the first leg of this playoff semi-final makes them the big favorites to progress into the Wembley showpiece.

After taking a first half lead through Jelle Vossen, Boro were pegged back in this one by an Andre Gray goal after the break. But in the dying embers of the contest, Fernando Amorebieta’s deflected goal gave the visitors a 2-1 lead to take back to the Riverside. It’d be naive to suggest this one is over with yet, though.

After all, Brentford were will in this game for long spells. They played with a real intensity throughout this game and although that left them a little open at the back, Mark Warbuton’s side must be confident of going to the North East and creating chances in the second leg. Especially given that there will be big pressure on Boro.

Aitor Karanka will be confident in his team’s ability to see this one out. They have the finest defensive record in the Championship and in players like Vossen and Patrick Bamford, quality attacking options. If they can handle the occasion, it’s tough to see the Londoners turning this one around against a cohesive Middlesbrough side.

Norwich City vs. Ipswich Town

Saturday May 16, 7:15AM, beIN SPORTS and fuboTV

The first leg of this clash between the two East Anglia rivals lived up to the pre-match hype, as Norwich City and Ipswich Town played out a fiery 1-1 draw at Portman Road.

The Canaries went ahead through a Jonny Howson goal, but Paul Anderson’s equalizer gave the hosts something to cling to in the tie. Neither side were able to establish much of a foothold in the latter stages and although Norwich look to have the advantage going back to Carrow Road, there’s very little between these two sides.

Ipswich may even relish going away from home. They are a team who are astute in their ability to soak up pressure and catch opponents out with their incisive, direct style of play. As such, expect Mick McCarthy’s side to be confident of going to the home of their closest rivals and grinding out a result.

While Norwich have been much improved under Alex Neil, at home they have occasionally been a little vulnerable; they’ve lost three times under the Scot’s tutelage, all at Carrow Road. But with a raucous backing and a Wembley spot up for grabs, don’t expect the Canaries to give any quarter in what will be a high-octane encounter.

Sunderland vs. Leicester City

Saturday May 16, 10:00AM, NBCSN and NBC Sports Live Extra

Both Sunderland and Leicester City have taken considerable strides towards Premier League safety in recent weeks, but things are so precarious at the bottom of the table, a defeat for either in this match could quickly plunge either back into trouble.

The onus will be on the Black Cats to go and get the three points as the home side, especially when you consider the final two games of the season for Dick Advocaat’s men are away at Arsenal and Chelsea. Confidence will be high, though; Sunderland are unbeaten in their last three and showed remarkable fortitude to grab a 2-0 win at Everton last time out.

But Leicester are the form team in the Premier League at this juncture. Nigel Pearson’s men have propelled themselves to a solid position with six wins from seven and they know a win here will secure their status as a top flight side next season barring a remarkable run of results.

Much will depend on how Hull City fare at Tottenham Hotspur, but if the Tigers do fall to defeat, both of these team should have enough to stay up. But with a vital three points up for grabs, each set of supporters will be desperate for their men to keep matters very much in their own hands.

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Seattle Sounders

Saturday May 16, 5:00PM

After an excellent start to the season, Vancouver Whitecaps will be looking to cement their status at the top of the Western Conference when they taken on Seattle Sounders.

The Whitecaps have tailed off a little bit in recent weeks after soaring in the opening stages of the campaign. Carl Robinson’s side have let some inconsistency creep into the game, winning two, drawing two and losing two of their last six games. But the Vancouver boss will be hoping the visit of a team like Seattle will spark this talented group back into life.

The Sounders are beginning to rediscover their own groove however and while they are currently four points off the top, they have two games in hand on their upcoming opponents. In Clint Dempsey they boast a forward in stunning form too; he’s bagged seven goals and three assists in the seven MLS appearances he’s made this season.

Seattle did lose their last match against Columbus Crew in a high-scoring encounter and all indications point to another open clash at BC Place. If the hosts can win this one, their title credentials will be given a timely dose of credence.

Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona

Sunday May 17, 1:00PM, beIN SPORTS and fuboTV

After it was confirmed we will have a round of La Liga fixtures this weekend, all eyes will turn to the Vicente Calderon, where Barcelona can wrap up the title if they beat Atletico Madrid.

Winning the championship against Atletico would be perfect for the Blaugrana too. After having their own dreams of glory snatched away by Diego Simeone’s men at the Camp Nou last season on the final day, it would be a triumph of great semblance should they complete the job at the home of the champions this time round.

Although Atletico have little to play for in these final two games and a loss would prevent their fierce local rivals from winning the league, the reigning champions will surely approach this one with their patented ferocity. Simeone would demand nothing less from his players, who will be desperate to finish their own campaign on a high.

Barca are looking irresistible at the moment, though. Confidence will be soaring amongst these players after booking their spot in the Champions League final in midweek and it’s tough to see even Atletico’s stringent back-line halting the attacking majesty of Luis Suarez (who is doubtful for the game due to injury), Neymar and Lionel Messi.