Barcelona and Real Madrid will play in a week's time in the Copa del Rey final but there are few unique storylines heading into the tie. Here is a look at some of those unique angles.
The Spanish League title race is the closest it has been in years and things got a lot more interesting this past weekend as the top three contenders managed to overcome big tests and won.
The Champions League quarterfinals draw will take place on Friday. The remaining teams are arguably all contenders so it should be interesting to see which sides will face stiff competition along the way. Here are the four matchups that we want to see in the Champions League quarterfinals.
Real Madrid was defeated 2-1 on Wednesday falling behind in the La Liga title race against Atletico Madrid. The game took place at the Estadio Roman Sanchez Pizjuan in Seville.
Real Madrid's Spanish League title hopes were dealt a huge blow on Wednesday when the team was defeated 2-1 at Sevilla. Meanwhile Barcelona managed a 3-0 win over Celta Vigo while Atletico Madrid walked away with a 1-0 win over Granada.
It was a truly classic Clasico after 45 minutes. With end to end action and tremendous pace, it seemed like one for the ages. But the second half fell way below the expectations set by the first half. The game turned ugly and dull to the point of boredom? Why? Because of one man - Alberto Undiano.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will undoubtedly be the central focus when Real Madrid and Barcelona face off in the Champions League on Sunday. However, every superhero needs his sidekick and each superstar has a wealth of those on their respective clubs. Who are the other major offensive leaders on Real Madrid and Barcelona?
And then there were eight. The final eight teams in the Champions League have been revealed and it has become increasingly clear that this tournament will be one of the most hotly contested in years. Which team is the favorite to win the tournament?
The biggest soccer event will take place this weekend when Real Madrid and Barcelona face off in arguably the most crucial game of the year for both sides. Barcelona is four points behind Madrid and would be seven behind if it lost; a draw would keep the team four points behind the lead and not help the side's hopes of retaining its crown. For Real Madrid, a win would not only take down its biggest rivals, but get rid of its most difficult game remaining on the Spanish League schedule.
Bayern Munich will head to the quarterfinals of the Champions league after taking down Arsenal 3-1 over the course of three legs. Many have anointed this team the favorite to repeat as Champions and it is hard to ignore that possibility. Under Pep Guardiola, the team has found efficiency in its passing and use of speed that has somehow eclipsed even the loftiest form under Jupp Heynckes. But is the success sustainable this year? Or is there another team that can take down the mighty Bavarians.
Real Madrid's 6-1 drubbing against Schalke 04 on Wednesday was major moment for Los Blancos. They ended the German curse by picking up just their second win in 25 matches in Germany and have essentially booked a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals for the fourth straight season.
The Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi debate has gone on for years due to the fact that the two players are arguably the best in the world and play for the fiercest rival clubs in the sport.
Real Madrid will look to continue its strong play when it takes on Schalke 04 on Wednesday in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.
Despite an unbeaten run of 26 straight games, the Spanish giants have won only one time in their last 24 matches in Germany and struggled mightily a year ago against Borussia Dortmund. Madrid lost 2-1 against Dortmund in the group stage before being destroyed 4-1 in the first leg of the UCL semifinal.
How do the two sides match up?
The Spanish League title race got very interesting this past weekend when Barcelona and Atletico Madrid both managed to drop all three points while Real Madrid pulled ahead with a huge win.
