Welcome back to the Lewnau Sports Bureau!  Last week was jammed packed with intriguing games, highlighted by Argentina earning a World Cup berth via La Pulga’s hat-trick in Quito, Ecuador!  However, things weren’t as rosy north of the equator where the United States were stunned by a hapless Trinidad & Tobago squad.  Couple that result with wins for Panama and Honduras, and the Americans suddenly were left out of their first World Cup since 1986!  

At the weekend, my attention was focused on the 401 Derby in Toronto!  Why that matchup?  Whelp, I was in attendance for that match whilst vacationing in Toronto.  The venue, BMO Field, is lovely!  Located on the banks of Lake Ontario, the scenery from our second level seats was absolutely beautiful.  Also, the crowd produced a loud and energetic atmosphere with chants ringing out and red smoke being let off throughout the match.  As for the action on the pitch?  It was bit lack luster, but understandably so as 40 to 50 mile per hour winds were swirling throughout BMO Field.  Giovinco missed two penalties, but Jozy Altidore was able to strike for the game’s lone goal.  All in all, it was a great experience and one that I recommend any futbol fan to attend.  

Now for the footballing action taking place this week.  It’s Champions League Matchday 4 today and tomorrow!  Thus, I’ll be focusing on two footballing shorts that’ll tickle your fancy, Real Madrid vs Tottenham and Juventus vs Sporting Lisbon!  Here we go!

Real Madrid CF vs Tottenham Hotspur FC
UEFA Champions League:  Group Stage, Matchday 3
Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
Tuesday, October 17th, 2017        2:45PM EST        FOX Family of Networks

A Ronaldo led Real will be eyeing all three points as they face Tottenham at home today.  Typically, a win is almost guaranteed when Los Blancos are playing inside the Bernabeu, but not this year.  Madrid has lost one and drawn two at home during LaLiga play this season.  Thus, the Hotspur should not just be hoping for a result, but realistically believing that they’ll get one against the defending Champions.  In addition, this match will see current Real players in Luca Modric and Gareth Bale squaring off against their former club from London, England.  Meanwhile, Deli Alli, Tottenham attacker, will perhaps be playing against his future employer in Real Madrid.  The incredibly talented youngster has been pinned for a move to Spain’s capitol for some time.  If the move is made, it’ll likely be in a year or two.

LSB Prediction:  Both Madrid and Tottenham have earned six points from six in the Group Stage thus far.  Therefore, something’s got to give, and it’ll be Madrid showing the Hotspur who’s still the boss of Europe.  The Galaticos will run rampant on a rather impressive Tottenham defense, with Ronaldo bracing and Benzema netting as well.  3-0 Real Madrid CF

Juventus FC vs Sporting Clube de Portugal
UEFA Champions League:  Group Stage, Matchday 3
Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy
Wednesday, October 18th, 2017    2:45PM EST        FOX Family of Networks

A bit of a surprise selection, Juventus vs Sporting is set to be a whale of a game.  After two UCL matchdays, both the Zebras and Lions are tied in Group D with three points, a win and each with a loss to Barcelona.  Thus, the two head-to-head matches could be crucial in determining who finishes second (UCL Knockout Round Spot) in the group and who finishes in third (Europa League Knockout Spot).  On paper Juve are the clear favorites with the likes of Buffon, Dybala, Higuain, and more.  However, Sporting would have earned a draw against Barca if not for an own goal.  Margins are thin yes, but Sporting has proved capable of hanging with Europe’s elite.  Therefore, keep an eye out for Dutchman striker Bas Dost of Lisbon.  He finished second in Europe last term behind the one and only Leo Messi for the Golden Shoe.

LSB Prediction:  With Juve losing at the weekend, I foresee the Zebras coming out guns a blazing.  The question will be, can Sporting withstand the early onslaught?  Logic says no, but my gut feeling says yes.  1-1 Draw