There was some football action Tuesday but now it's time for the big boys to play. And these are some enticing domestic matchups in the top two leagues in the world, featuring four major European cities and four big clubs with big reputations. It doesn't get any better than this. Madrid. Barcelona. Munich. Berlin. Mouth-watering stuff, isn't it? Let's look at Spain first with the contest that will cap this big night.
That's right, it's Spain's two biggest cities with Madrid and Barcelona represented. In one corner, you have the Champions League finalists from last season in Atletico Madrid while in another you have the reigning Spanish champions, Barcelona. It's a late-night start at the Nou Camp that has caused the city of Barcelona to extend the Metro hours so supporters can get home.
Who can forget last season with the Atleti knocked out Barca from the Champions League, helping pave the way for Real Madrid to lift the coveted trophy. The Blaugrana have not since this matchup features a contrast in styles, with Atleti content to see Barca maintain possession.
Said Barca coach Luis Enrique: "They are still masters of the counter attack and set pieces. They’re candidates for every trophy, so we’ll have to get things right against them."
After two draws, Atletico have fired in nine goals in two routs to actually match Real for best goal differential at plus-9. Adding to that figure is a challenge that Atletico is well aware of.
Said captain Diego Godin: "Barcelona at home are a very tough opponent so we must give 120 percent effort - not only are they very strong in attack but also in their defence. We did things well in our opening two games but did not win, but we must believe in our efforts and direction."
The other storyline is how Neymar has been criticized for "taking the Mickey" (as the hated Brits say) during a weekend stroll at Leganes. He won't have the chance to do so Wednesday against battle-tested Atletico.
One city is known for the world's best beer drinking festival. The other has been described by those in the know as "hip, vibrant and constantly evolving." It's Munich and Berlin and it's a true culture clash between Bavarian traditions and the cosmopolitan cool of the capital city.
On the pitch, this clash has been more one-sided with Bayern Munich losing once in the last 25 meetings with Hertha Berlin, and that was when Jurgen Klinsmann coached Bayern and brought in Landon Donovan as a substitute. Both those Bundesliga buffoons have been banished to toiling in anonymity in the United States.
There is reason to believe in Hertha this time despite our odd new slogan of "We Try. We Fail. We Win." We are off to our best start with a perfect record of three wins in three games to join Bayern on top of the table after Matchday 3. Its's the first time since 1963 that two Bundesliga clubs that have started with three wins will meet in the fourth match. Carlo Ancelotti is treating this like a huge encounter, with Thomas Muller set to return to the side.
Sadly, our heroes from Hertha limp into town. Oft-injured defender John Brooks is out with a muscle problem while Vladimir Darida, reportedly targeted by Real Madrid, is out until 2017 after suffering ligament damage in Sunday's 2-0 win over Schalke. And Bayern is so dominant that some people in Germany want American NFL-style playoffs to determine a champion.
But it's football and anything can happen and if things go right, Hertha BSC may be on top of the Bundesliga after Wednesday night. In any case, four top cities have pride and honour at stake. Madrid. Barcelona. Munich. Berlin. What a time to be a football fan! Enjoy!
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