The Champions League draw was announced on Monday showcasing some wildly interesting matchups that should allow for some fun spectacle come February.
There were undoubtedly some big winners and some big losers. Teams that will love their draw and teams that will have nightmares about their scenario throughout the holiday season. So who are they? Let's have a look.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were back to work in two separate games this week - one in the Champions League and another in the Spanish league.
Both players faced rather unimportant Champions League tilts but had crucial fixtures in Spain to resolve.
The Champions League group stage came to an end on Wednesday, summing up a rather eventful set of groups.
Summarizing the contenders remaining in the tournament is rather predictable these days and by extension, not that interesting. Instead, it is likely of greater value to go through some of the bigger surprises from the groups, including the major disappointments that came about in what has been an eventful tournament thus far.
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to his former self in a performance that was of the highest order as Real Madrid won 4-3 over Shakhtar Donetsk. Not only did the superstar score two goals, but he also created two tallies as well, putting in what is undeniably his finest performance of the season.
Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale?
It seems that Real Madrid is intent on selling one of the two superstars next summer to create some roster flexibility.
The decision seems tough for a couple of reasons. On one had you have the team's all-time leading scorer and talisman. On the other you have a player that is set to be the heir-apparent.