Carlo Ancelotti backed Frank Lampard to enjoy a successful role as Chelsea manager.
Last year's finalists Juventus will face-off against Bundesliga champs Bayern.
Messi was at his devastating his best during the Celta Vigo clash as he netted a hat-trick, helping Barcelona secure a 4-1 win on Sunday.
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Romania face tough test against experienced and motivated Ukraine
News of all that's transpired on and off the football field
Lionel Messi reclaimed the FIFA Ballon d'Or award for the world player of the year on Monday from his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo who had walked off with the award for the previous two years.
The former Real Madrid wide midfielder, whose 59.7 million pounds ($93.28 million) transfer a year ago set a British record, is preparing to join the French champions for a considerably lower fee, according to media reports.
Eden Hazard finally scored his first goal for Real Madrid as his side beat second-placed Granada 4-2 in a highly entertaining game at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday to go four points clear at the top of La Liga.
Angel Di Maria has claimed his former club Real Madrid put pressure on Argentina not to play him in the World Cup final in another bitter chapter in his departure from the Spanish giants.
'Luis Enrique has been very important to us and we're all at ease with him.'
Images from the football matches played across Europe on Sunday
Tottenham Hotspur forward Gareth Bale is relishing the opportunity to work with manager Jose Mourinho who had unsuccessfully tried to sign the Welshman in the past.
Their limp performance does not inspire confidence ahead of the visit of the all-powerful Serie A leaders and familiar foe Cristiano Ronaldo.
Manchester United fans' plane-carried messages obsession has taken a step ahead with their latest effort reportedly attempted to bring their former forward Cristiano Ronaldo back home to Old Trafford.
Photos from the Champions League matches played across Europe on Tuesday
It was Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo's former long-term girlfriend Irina Shayk who dumped him.
Brazilian defender Filipe Luis scored for the second game running as Atletico Madrid beat Real Sociedad 1-0 on Tuesday to rack up a fifth straight win in La Liga and provisionally consolidate third place in the standings.
Striker Aduriz opened the scoring in the sixth minute at the San Mames with a trademark header before midfielder Garcia, who joined from Atletico Madrid last month, nodded in a second in the 24th minute.
A summary of the results of the major European football league matches on the weekend.
'What he has done in half as many matches as Raul is incredible'
A summary of sports events and persons who made news on Thursday.
Joe Lycett said last week he would donate the money to charity if Beckham agreed to cut ties with the World Cup host or he would shred the money before the tournament began.
"I'm disappointed, obviously, as a Manchester United fan and a Real Madrid player," said David Beckham.
Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has expressed his desire to bring back their former star Cristiano Ronaldo to the club, saying that he is 'hopeful' for the latter's return.
Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale has expressed disappointment over the sacking of Rafael Benitez as a manager, saying that it was really sad to see him go. "I had a very good relationship with Rafa, obviously it was a big disappointment to see him go," Bale was quoted as saying by goal.com. Benitez was replaced by former French great Zinedine Zidane after just seven months in charge due to club's recent slump in form in the La Liga. Zidane's appointment seemed to be in favour of Real as they thrashed Deportivo La Coruna 5-0 in La Liga match.
Images from Tuesday night's UEFA Champions League group stage matches.
Lionel Messi produced a vintage second-half performance to help Barcelona to a 4-1 win over local rivals Espanyol on Sunday which saw the champions cut the gap on La Liga leaders Real Madrid to three points.
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo faces a race against time to be fit for the Champions League semi-final second leg with Manchester City on May 4.
A summary of Tuesday's action in the UEFA Champions League Knock-out Phase play-offs.
Here are five talking points from the weekend's action:
Cristiano Ronaldo's former girlfriend Irina Shayk has revealed that she used to feel ugly and insecure with the Real Madrid forward player.
'This is very special because of how much I suffered. My statistics show I've won five league titles in seven years.'
New Spain coach Fernando Hierro plans to carry on Julen Lopetegui's good work as he prepares to lead his country into their World Cup opener against Portugal on Friday.
He becomes the most booked player in the tournament's history
In Group C, Iran's Sepahan survived a pair of red cards to defeat Air Force Club from Iraq 1-0 in Tehran and stay two points adrift of leaders Al-Ittihad from Saudi Arabia.
Former France and Real Madrid great Zinedine Zidane believes Spain playmaker Isco could be almost as good as him one day, club coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Tuesday.
A round-up of Sunday's matches in La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga.
The former Brazil international has agreed to join Turkish champions Fenerbahce from Real Madrid.
