The last two nights of the Champions League were positive for Italy, which smiles after the results of its teams. Except for Juventus, of course, which failed miserably.
Inter and Napoli have won and convinced. The teams of Inzaghi and Spalletti have secured the 'ticket' to the 1/8 stage of the Champions League, while Pioli's Milan needs a point in the last match against Salzburg.
The objective of going with 3 teams to the best 16 of the competition has already been realized for Italy. Good news for the UEFA rankings.
The opposite has happened with Spain, which has recorded a marked decline. After dominating the last 10 years, together with England, Spain sees Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and Seville eliminated in the group stage. Only Real Madrid, the reigning European champion, qualified.
The Premier League continues to be at the top and hopes to be with 4 teams in the next phase. Tottenham must at least draw with Olympique de Marseille in the last game to progress. Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool have already qualified.
The big surprise of the groups is Portugal, with Benfica and Porto qualified, as well as Sporting still in the game.