16 October 2017
European football kicked back into action across Europe last weekend after the international break and it was a time of mixed results for Juve's Champions League group stage opponents. Here's a run-down of the action as we look towards Wednesday's return of the Champions League:
SPORTING ADVANCE IN PORTUGESE CUP
Juve's opponents on Wednesday night, Sporting CP, had little trouble in their Portugese Cup match away to Oleiros.
Joao Palhina and Mattheus had the visitors up 2-0 at halftime while Palhina added his second to make it 3-0 with Rafael Leao finishing the scoring late on in the match. The home side would score a couple of goals late on, but Sporting CP ran out 4-2 winners to move on in the cup.
OLYMPIACOS SECURE WILD WIN
Greek champions Olympiacos secured a much-needed win on Saturday coming from behind to defeat Panionios 4-3 in Athens. Srdjan Spiridonovic opened the scoring for Panionios before Olympiacos roared back with two goals from Karim Ansarifard and another Pape Abou Cisse to take a 3-1 at halftime.
Panionios incredibly found goals in the 83rd and 84th minutes from Masoud Shojaei and Fiorin Durmishaj to equalize before an 87th minute penalty from Konstantinos Fortounis secured an important three points for Olympiacos.
The win moves the Greek side to back within four points of the top.
BARÇA EARN IMPORTANT POINT AT WANDA METROPOLITANO
Barcelona dropped their 100% record in La Liga over the weekend, but it was hardly a disappointing result as Ernesto Valverde's side drew 1-1 away to Atletico Madrid.
Young midfielder Saul opened the scoring for Atletico in the 21st minute and the Rojiblanco looked to be heading for three points until Luis Suarez headed his side level in the 82nd minute.
With Valencia's 6-3 win over Real Betis, the gap at the top of the La Liga table tightens to four points.
