By Tim Stannard

1) The Messi of golf returns for another comeback crack

Sports Burst has just invented the fun, festive game called the ‘Mom-and-Pop-name-that-global-superstar-test’.

The concept of the soon-to-released-in-time-for-the-holidays-game is displaying photographs of global sports stars to Moms and Pops (whilst they are gardening and a little distracted) in Australia, Austria and Austin, Texas and asking them to identify the figures. It’s unlikely that there would be three correct hits for the likes of Tom Brady, LeBron James, and Leo Messi.

But Tiger Woods is still an iconic figure across the world and is guaranteed three correct guesses in the test, although his recognition perhaps would not be for sporting reasons over the past few years.

The former world number one is attempting another comeback after years blighted by failing form, four back surgeries and an unfortunate very public reaction to the painkillers that Woods has had to take.  

Tiger will tee off around midday ET in the first round of what is his own tournament, the Hero World Challenge. As the golfer pointed out recently, it will be the first time that his younger children will experience what he does best. “They've never seen what I can do,” admitted Tiger who revealed that his daughter sees him as the Leo Messi of golf.

Head to the XTRA Social show on beIN SPORTS USA Facebook Live at 1PM ET / 10AM PT for the take on whether Tiger can be a comeback king.

2) More shocks to come in the Copa del Rey

The early rounds of the Copa del Rey can often be fairly quiet affairs before the real meat of the competition in January. But so far, the week has been stuffed with drama. Real Madrid’s failings against Fuenlabrada on Tuesday, and the double Basque giant-killing of Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad a day later. Indeed, Las Palmas losing at home to Deportivo saw the sacking of the Canary Islands coach, Pako Ayestaran.

Espanyol are currently in the red zone after a scoreless first leg with Tenerife – live on beIN SPORTS from 1:25PM ET / 10:25AM PT – followed by Valencia hosting Zaragoza, albeit with a 2-0 advantage. The other big shock of the round could well be at Villarreal, who are 1-0 down to third-tier Ponferradina. That clash is on beIN SPORTS 4 from 1:15PM ET / 10:15AM PT.  

Catch all the best goals and action from the round on the XTRA at 7PM ET / 4PM PT and hear from Ray Hudson who looks back at a big weekend in Valencia, catching Leo Messi’s ghost goal in person.

3) Gremio celebrate after Copa Libertadores triumph

There were some very big winners elsewhere in the world of sport, with Brazilian side Gremio picking up an impressive 2-1 second-leg win in Argentina against Lanus to win the Copa Libertadores. The victory sees the final berth for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup booked.

Toronto FC were forced to sweat on Wednesday night – not easy in Canada in November – but a Jozy Altidore strike saw a 1-0 aggregate win against Columbus Crew to put the side in the final of the MLS Cup for the second year in a row. The Seattle Sounders should be able to push past the Houston Dynamo on Thursday night, holding a 2-0 lead to set up a repeat of last year’s final which will hopefully be considerably less painful.

4) Real Madrid move for Keeper Kepa  

Time for a quick whip-around the transfer tracker world and less than sterling performances from Keylor Navas and Kiko Casilla have Real Madrid on the brink of triggering a move for Athletic Bilbao keeper, Kepa, in January. The news hots up just ahead of the two sides meeting on Saturday, funnily enough.

Mauro Icardi’s representative, Wanda Nara, has told the Italian press that Madrid are just one of a number of clubs following the progress of the Inter striker, who has 15 Serie A strikes so far, this season.

Liverpool are reportedly making a $70 million offer for Sporting Lisbon winger, Gelson Martins, according to A Bola. Meanwhile, title-chasing Valencia might be giving Everton flop, Sandro Ramirez, a new temporary home in the winter.

WHAT IS SPORTS BURST?

The life philosophy of Sports Burst is that if you are not upsetting someone, then you are not trying hard enough. SB is a daily trawl and troll through the morning's sports news to bring you fact-nuggets to make you both smile and swear. Hopefully at the same time.