what football is on tonight

Ever had that moment—kids finally asleep, your favorite snacks lined up, remote in hand—when you realize you have no idea what football games are actually on tonight? You start flicking through channels, maybe scrolling your phone, quietly praying you didn’t just miss the kickoff. Tonight (May 13, 2025) is no different. The football world’s buzzing, but schedules are changing faster than my son Jensen changes his mind about what he wants for dinner. Let’s break down exactly who’s playing, where to watch, and dive into all the details you need for a perfect football night in.

What’s Actually On: Tonight’s Football Matches

If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that May is jam-packed with football. Tonight, Europe dominates the calendar, with the UEFA Champions League semifinals taking center stage. At 20:00 BST, Real Madrid faces Manchester City in a do-or-die clash that nearly everyone will want to catch. It’s live on BT Sport 1 in the UK, while folks in the US get it on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network at 3:00 PM EST. Both teams have wildly different philosophies—City’s high press versus Madrid’s clinical counters—so if you like tactical chess, don’t miss this one.

But it’s not just about big cities and million-dollar squads. Over in Serie A, Napoli host Inter Milan in a match that has huge implications for Champions League spots next season. DAZN and ESPN+ are your streaming heroes for these games. Italian football at this point in the season is always nervy—the sort of drama that can send adults pacing the living room. For MLS fans, Western Conference leaders LAFC take on Houston Dynamo at 9:30 PM EDT, streaming on Apple TV+. If you like late drama and unpredictable ref calls, that’s your pick. And let’s not forget the Championship Play-offs back in the UK, with Southampton meeting Leeds United for a place in next season’s Premier League. Lots at stake, and always worth a watch if you’re into gritty, die-for-the-badge football.

Here’s a quick glance at some of tonight’s major fixtures:

These are the heavy-hitters, but if you flick through regional channels, you’ll find plenty of other matches—youth leagues, friendlies, South American Copa Libertadores, and more. When in doubt, a quick check on LiveScore or the official league apps gets you up to speed in seconds.

TV, Streaming, and Catchup: Making Sense of the Choices

Nothing’s more frustrating than realizing the match you wanted is on a streaming service you didn’t know you needed. Every league seems to have its own app or exclusive rights deal. For tonight, if you’re sticking with the Champions League, BT Sport’s got you covered in the UK, while American viewers shuffle between CBS and streaming options like Paramount+. Serie A’s a DAZN mainstay in Europe these days, and ESPN+ is the home for US Serie A fans. MLS is a bit more streamlined—every game is on Apple TV+ this year, so you just need that one subscription and you’re set for all the late-night madness from the States.

Pro tip: Most services offer last-minute trial periods. If you’re just after a single fixture, and don’t want to commit to a lengthy subscription, check out those 7-day free trials. Just remember to cancel so you’re not billed a month on something you barely used. I once forgot and ended up paying for three months of LaLiga TV after Jensen and I tuned in for a single El Clásico.

If you’re someone who loves the pre-match build-up and pundit chats, BT Sport and Sky’s coverage typically kicks off at least an hour before big games. You’ll get all the tactical lineups, injury news, and enough nostalgia montages to keep you busy. Meanwhile, streaming services often let you skip backward and forward—super handy if you need to catch up after a kitchen run or bedtime story detour.

And here’s something not everyone realizes: some radio stations broadcast live commentary if your TV or streaming setup lets you down. BBC Radio 5 Live is a solid pick in the UK, and in the US, SiriusXM FC is the go-to. Plug in your headphones, pace the garden, and let your imagination do the rest.

Finally, if you’re traveling or out of the country, VPNs can unlock access to the home coverage you’d usually get. Just make sure it’s a reliable one—dodgy free VPNs often get blocked by the big streamers, and you don’t want to be stuck with a frozen feed at the worst moment.

Match Previews: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not?

The Real Madrid vs Manchester City tie has everyone talking. Madrid’s run in the Champions League is almost supernatural—statistically, they’ve reached the semifinals 12 times in the past 15 years. City, meanwhile, broke goal-scoring records in their domestic campaign, but have a reputation for getting nervy in Europe’s crunch moments. With Haaland leading the line for City and Vinicius Jr dazzling at Madrid, there’s no shortage of individual brilliance on display. The midfield battle—think Rodri against Modric—is worth tuning in for all by itself.

Over in Serie A, few matchups crackle like Napoli versus Inter. Napoli’s attacking trio has been tearing it up, with Osimhen averaging a goal every 89 minutes this season, but Inter’s defensive unit is a fortress led by Bastoni and Onana in goal. This game could swing on a single mistake or a moment of genius—classic Italian football. Fun fact: the last five league meetings between these sides averaged just 1.4 goals. Expect a lot of tactical fouling, defensive blocks, and yes, some theatrical dives.

The Championship Play-off between Southampton and Leeds is pure chaos in the best way. Both teams dropped out of the Premier League last year, and getting back up means millions in TV revenue. Players leave everything on the pitch during these playoffs, and if you love an underdog story, this is your event. One stat that jumped at me: in the last 12 years, only four top seeds actually made it back up via the playoff. Upsets happen here.

If you fancy something late-night, the MLS boasts unpredictability, wild fan atmospheres, and some emerging talent. LAFC looks to repeat last season’s championship form, while Houston is keen to upset the odds. MLS tries to keep things competitive—salary caps, drafts, and the occasional celebrity-owner tweet. Even if it’s not as technically sharp as the top European leagues, you’ll get commitment and the prospect of a 90th-minute screamer.

Other leagues might fill your screen too—Copa Libertadores group stages run tonight, bringing South American passion and often bizarre weather delays. Feyenoord play Ajax in the Eredivisie, and there’s a sprinkling of French Ligue 1 action, though nothing with big title implications. For fans who like to keep tabs on big talents before they explode onto the world stage, scanning through these less-hyped leagues is worth the effort.

Football Night Tips: Snacks, Setups, and Winning the Evening

You can have all the fixtures lined up, but a true football night needs the little extras. At our place, snacks are non-negotiable. My go-to: loaded nachos and, if Jensen’s on side, homemade popcorn for the second half. If you want to avoid kitchen trips once the whistle goes, prep in advance. Set drinks on a cool tray, and don’t forget napkins—the quick grab for a chip when a goal goes in tends to make a mess.

Seating matters too. Forget the old sofa-vs-armchair debate: arrange your spot so your view of the TV is clear, and you’ve got quick access to the snack stash. If you’re watching with kids, especially on a school night, set clear rules beforehand about what quarter or half they’re allowed to stay up for. Jensen knows Champions League semis are the exception, but just don’t tell his mum I caved yesterday.

Tech-wise, check your stream or TV signal at least 10 minutes before kickoff. Wi-Fi dropouts or surprise app updates have ruined many a big night. If you’re using a sound system, crank it for that stadium atmosphere—nothing gets you in the zone like the roar of a crowd before kickoff. And dim the lights a bit, just enough for that cinematic vibe, but keep the remote within reach.

If you’re juggling multiple games, try the split-screen feature on smart TVs or tablets. Some platforms, like DAZN, even offer “multi-view” modes, so you can keep up with all the drama. For big nights when the phone keeps buzzing with group chats, switch it to silent and pretend you’re at the stadium—no spoilers via WhatsApp allowed.

Finally, make a little bet with friends, just for pride or who buys the next round of snacks. It spices up the games that would otherwise pass you by (trust me, nothing makes a nil-nil between two mid-table sides more interesting than bragging rights on the line). Check the weather if your game’s in Liverpool or Manchester—rain can spice up even the dullest fixture.

Football isn’t just about the ninety minutes. It’s anticipation, ritual, joy, stress, and—if you’re like me—making memories with your kids. Tonight’s line-up gives you plenty of options, and whether you’re picking Real Madrid for the history, Napoli for the chaos, or just tuning into the MLS for something new, you’ve got the tools and info you need. Kick back and enjoy, you’ve earned it.