Spanish giants fire warning shots

THERE were ominous signs for Britain’s Champions League contenders after a hectic weekend of football across the continent.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Benfica and Villarreal who face Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Rangers respectively all enjoyed domestic victories ahead of their midweek clashes.

Barca got off to a perfect start on Saturday against Deportivo La Coruna when World Player of the Year Ronaldinho sent an unstoppable free kick over the wall in the third minute. Depor equalised when Juanma powered home a header on 15 minutes.