BARCELONA-- Real Madrid looked poised to sweep Barcelona away in La Liga after beating them so comprehensively in the Spanish Super Cup in August yet by the end of Saturday's 'Clasico' they could be a remarkable 14 points behind their bitter rivals.
CALIFORNIA- - The loss of one leading player to injury would be cause for panic for most NBA teams but the reigning champion Golden State Warriors have such impressive depth that they have cruised along despite missing a handful of regulars.
LONDON- - Manchester City's stellar season gathered yet more momentum as the runaway Premier League leaders reached the League Cup semi-finals with a penalty shootout victory at Leicester City after a 1-1 draw following extra time on Tuesday.
FRANCE-- Paris St Germain reached the halfway mark of the Ligue 1 season in the driving seat after goals by Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe inspired them to a 3-1 home win against Caen on Wednesday.
WISCONSIN- - Aaron Rodgers' triumphant return from a broken right collarbone lasted all of one week.
