Once a Loon, always in action: weekend viewing guide for Dec. 19-21

Chacón and Aarau face a promotion test in Liechtenstein

  • Match: FC Vaduz vs. FC Aarau
  • Date and time: Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at 1:15 p.m. CT
  • Former Loon: Thomás Chacón
  • How to watch in Minnesota: Fans can stream Swiss Challenge League matches on OneFootball. Some matches are also available for free via the Swiss Football League official website (registration required).

This is the final match before the Swiss winter break, and Aarau is currently in a fierce battle for automatic promotion back to the Super League. A victory on the road in Vaduz would ensure they stay within striking distance of the top spot through the holidays. Thomás Chacón has been a key creative outlet for Aarau lately, and his vision will be needed to unlock a Vaduz defense that is traditionally difficult to break down at home.

Iwe and Waldhof Mannheim host Ingolstadt

  • Match: SV Waldhof Mannheim vs. FC Ingolstadt 04
  • Date and time: Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at 7 a.m. CT
  • Former Loon: Emmanuel Iwe
  • How to watch in Minnesota: German 3. Liga matches are rarely televised in the U.S., but you can often find live streams or highlights on German Football (YouTube) or the official MagentaSport platform.

Waldhof Mannheim is currently locked in a mid-table battle in the 3. Liga and will be looking to secure three points at the Carl-Benz-Stadion. Emmanuel Iwe has been a frequent presence on the wing since his move to Germany, and his explosive pace remains his biggest asset. Facing an Ingolstadt side that is technically sound but vulnerable to quick transitions, Iwe could be the key to stretching the defense and creating the goal-scoring opportunities Mannheim needs to climb the standings before the winter break.

Miller and Wycombe face a tough Bolton test

  • Match: Wycombe Wanderers vs. Bolton Wanderers
  • Date and time: Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at 9 a.m. CT
  • Former Loon: Tyler Miller
  • How to watch in Minnesota: This League One clash is available to stream on Paramount+ as part of the EFL’s international broadcast package. You can also listen to live audio or purchase a match pass via WanderersTV (Wycombe’s official streaming service).

Adams Park will be the site of a high-stakes League One encounter as Tyler Miller and Wycombe Wanderers host a promotion-chasing Bolton side. Miller has solidified his role as the starting goalkeeper, and his veteran experience in high-pressure situations has been a calming influence for the Wycombe backline. Bolton’s attack is one of the most prolific in the division, so Miller will likely be kept busy. A clean sheet against such a formidable opponent would go a long way in proving Wycombe can compete with the league’s elite.

Bristow and Tranmere head to Boundary Park

  • Match: Oldham Athletic vs. Tranmere Rovers
  • Date and time: Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at 9 a.m. CT
  • Location: Boundary Park, Oldham, England
  • Former Loon: Ethan Bristow
  • How to watch in Minnesota: This match is typically available to stream via iFollow Tranmere. Fans in Minnesota can purchase a one-game match pass to watch the live broadcast directly from the club’s platform.

This weekend finds Ethan Bristow and Tranmere Rovers making the short trip to Boundary Park for a clash that always carries a bit of extra weight in the North West. Bristow has been a fixture on the left side of the defense, providing the sort of recovery speed and crossing ability that originally brought him to the attention of the Loons. Tranmere is currently pushing for consistency as they look to climb the table, and a result away from home against a physical Oldham side would be a massive boost heading into the dense holiday schedule. Bristow’s defensive discipline against Oldham’s direct style will be key to securing a clean sheet on the road.

Arriaga and Levante fight for safety in a La Liga showdown

  • Match: Levante UD vs. Real Sociedad
  • Date and time: Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. CT
  • Former Loon: Kervin Arriaga
  • How to watch in Minnesota: This match will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.

Following a disappointing cup exit earlier this week, Levante must refocus entirely on their survival in the Spanish top flight. They are currently hovering just above the relegation zone, and every home match is now a “must-win” scenario. Kervin Arriaga has become a vital physical presence in the Levante midfield. His ability to break up the play and win duels will be crucial against a Real Sociedad side that excels at retaining possession and dictating the tempo of the game.

Bran and Michel play for the Apertura title

  • Match: LD Alajuelense vs. Deportivo Saprissa (2nd leg)
  • Date and time: Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. CT
  • Former Loon: Alejandro Bran
  • Loon on loan: Kenyel Michel
  • How to watch in Minnesota: You can stream this match via ViX or Fubo (Latino Package). It is also frequently carried on ESPN Deportes.

This is the big one. Following a 2-2 draw in the first leg where both Alejandro Bran and Kenyel Michel found the back of the net, Alajuelense returns to their home stadium for the deciding match of the Apertura Final. The atmosphere at “The Cathedral” will be electric as they face their fiercest rivals with the trophy on the line. After their heroics in the first leg, all eyes will be on the two former Loons to see if they can produce another moment of magic to clinch the championship for La Liga.

Tani and Villarreal host the league leaders

  • Match: Villarreal CF vs. FC Barcelona
  • Date and time: Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. CT
  • Former Loon: Tani Oluwaseyi
  • How to watch in Minnesota: Catch the action live on ESPN+ or ESPN Deportes.

In what is arguably the match of the weekend in Spain, 3rd-place Villarreal hosts league-leaders Barcelona at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Tani Oluwaseyi has been a revelation this season, providing a different dimension to the Villarreal attack with his verticality and strength. While Barcelona’s high-pressing system is difficult to play through, Tani’s ability to run in behind could be the exact tool Villarreal needs to exploit a Barca defense that occasionally leaves itself exposed on the counter.

Note on Sam Nicholson: Sam Nicholson is currently sidelined with a long-term knee injury and is not expected to be in the squad for Motherwell’s match against Dundee FC. He likely won’t return to full training until early 2026, so we have omitted that match from this weekend’s preview.