This week was packed with Spanish teams in the Champions League.as Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Sevilla and Valencia played Tuesday and Wednesday. Though Barclona and Real Madrid were the only ones to pick up three points, fitting as their Clasico match approaches. Both squads remain at the top of their respective groups with ten points each.

While Sevilla and Valencia are not the giants Real and Barça are, Atletico gravely disappointed coming away with only a tie against Astana of Kazakstan. Still Valencia and Atleti are second in their groups, while Sevilla will have to get lucky to advance, especially after getting thumped by Manchester City. 

Even though Messi still hasn’t been cleared to play, Barcelona won handedly against BATE Borisov, 3-0 behind goals from the other two in the holy attacking trinity, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

Apart from Sevilla, Real Madrid arguably had the toughest opponent, although they were not as overmatched. Playing Paris Saint-Germain  at the Bernabeu, it was a nail biter that they could have easily lost. An early goal by Nacho put the home side up 1-0 and by the grace of god they were able to hold the lead. Former Madrid player Angel Di Maria hit a free kick just off the post in the last minute of regulation that could have tied it, but alas it did not go in.

A little bit of everything this week. An expected blowout with Barcelona, a nail biter between Madrid-PSG and a surprise upset with Atlei-Astana. Sometimes the Champs League group games can be a lot like the World Cup ones with the sharks swallowing up the minnows predictably, therefore it was nice to get a little bit of everything across the board.

Photo: Flickr/ Chris Dehr