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Games to Watch: Rivalries in Europe and MLS

Manchester United at Liverpool

9:30 a.m. Sunday (NBCSN, NBC Universo)

The latest edition of English soccer's most famous rivalry comes with some bite. Wayne Rooney's United and Steven Gerrard's Liverpool are fourth and fifth in the Premier League standings. Expect the always-great Anfield atmosphere to be even more electric, as this is Gerrard's last home game against the Red Devils before he moves to MLS and Los Angeles this summer.

Real Madrid at Barcelona

3:50 p.m. Sunday (beIN Sports, beIN Sports Español)

United-Liverpool is big, but there's no soccer rivalry on the planet bigger than this one. Real and Barcelona boast almost all of the game's top stars, and more than enough money to afford them. Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale lead the way for Real; Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suárez headline Barcelona's squad. Oh, and it might matter just a little that they're the top two teams in La Liga, with Barcelona ahead by just one point.

D.C. United at New York Red Bulls

5:00 p.m. Sunday (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)

Sunday's slate of rivalries extends to Major League Soccer as well. The 80th edition of MLS' most-played matchup will put the spotlight on a Red Bulls squad that has suddenly found itself in the shadow of new neighbor New York City FC. But Jesse Marsch's squad is still formidable, especially midfielder Sacha Kljestan and striker Bradley Wright-Phillips. D.C. and U.S. national team defender Steve Birnbaum will be tasked with shutting them down.

Chicago Fire at San Jose Earthquakes

7:00 p.m. Sunday (Fox Sports 1, Fox Deportes)

After nearly two decades playing in ill-fitting football stadiums, the Earthquakes finally christen their own soccer palace: 18,000-seat Avaya Stadium in Santa Clara. Veteran 'Quakes striker Chris Wondolowski remains San Jose's main scoring threat. Chicago counters with Scottish international winger Shaun Maloney and young American playmaker Harrison Shipp.

United States at Denmark

3:00 p.m. Wednesday (ESPN, UniMás, Univision Deportes)

Jurgen Klinsmann reconvenes the national team for the first of a two-game series of friendlies in Europe. Klinsmann has kept his cards close to the vest about who he'll call up, fueling a fiery debate over whether Americans playing in Europe are inherently better than those in MLS. His picks for this roster will make a statement.