By JOHN BOSCHINI

Real Madrid entered the fifth matchday of UEFA Champions League already having qualified for the knockout rounds, so a more subdued performance from the Spanish giants wouldn't have been a complete surprise. That's not quite what happened, though,.

Well just when you thought that our Annus Horribilis couldn't get any worse, UEFA have hit Arsenal with another broadside. The Sky television has had it's effect and the constant harassment by the media will mean that this season has become one of backs against the wall. Never has there been a more obvious case of the media highlighting something that would hurt the club.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is keeping a close eye on the situation at Real Madrid with regards to the future of winger Angel Di Maria.
Di Maria enjoyed a successful debut season at the Bernabeu, however according to reports in Marca, he has infuriated Real Madrid bosses by going public about wanting a pay rise at the club.

They are the imperial power of world soccer, from a Spanish region of rebels and independents, an elite and the deepest example of soccer dominance in years here is a possession stat from their most recent Champions League fixture: roughly 70% Barcelona 30% Arsenal this is more impressive than the Roman Empire's field control at its peak.