It has been a big week for some of the biggest names in world football, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi all in action – with varying degrees of success.
In Italy, Ronaldo grabbed another hat-trick as Juventus swept aside Cagliari 4-0 in Serie A, while Swedish veteran Ibrahimovic was back in AC Milan colours, but his side could only manage a goalless draw with Sampdoria.
Meanwhile, in the revamped Spanish Super Cup being held for the first time in Saudi Arabia, Messi's Barca suffered a surprise 3-2 defeat against Atletico Madrid.
Double Formula One champion Fernando Alonso enjoyed a change in gear this week, as he took part in his first Dakar Rally.
After a solid start to the race in Saudi Arabia with co-driver and five-times Dakar winner Marc Coma, where he ended the first day 11th, the Spaniard was given a reality check on Stage 2 when he smashed his Toyota's suspension on a rock and lost two-and-a-half hours reparing a broken wheel. It resulted in them dropping down to 48th in the standings.
You can see a selection of the best images from the action in the photo gallery above.
To move on to the next image, click on the arrows, or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.
