The 2nd leg of the UEFA Champions League comes to a close this week. Desh Parthab takes a look at five players who could steal the headlines of their respective teams.
The second leg of the Champions League Ro16 is among us. Portuguese heavyweights Benfica netted five goals in a knockout UCL fixture for the first time in their history as they booked their spot in the quarters. Bayern Munich made light work of PSG, winning 3-0 on aggregate. Chelsea and AC Milan both kept clean sheets on the night as they navigated past Dortmund and Spurs respectively. Indeed, English clubs have not had the best record on their European travels this season. Totteham (2), Manchester City (5) and Chelsea (4) have collectively mustered just 11 goals among them away from home this season. Liverpool face a daunting trip to Spain where Real Madrid awaits. Ancelloti’s men became world champions for the eighth time and are sitting pretty ahead of their tie against Liverpool, where they lead 5-2. Napoli were rampant in their opening leg tie against Eintracht Frankfurt, winning 2-0 in Germany. RB Leipzig have netted just twice on their travels this season but may have some luck against a Manchester City outfit who have recorded just a single clean sheet on home soil this season.
Foden has 4 in 4
Foden has 4 in 4, across all competitions. The Manchester City dangerman is firing on all cylinders and could cause havoc when the Citizens host a Leipzig outfit who have kept just 2 clean sheets in their 7 tournament appearances thus far. Across his previous 3 appearances in the English topflight, the 22 year old has registered 6 shots, created 9 chances and attempted 24 ground duels.
Lukback
Romelu Lukaku could secure the all important quarter final spot for Inter! The forward is in line to make his first UCL start this season and I back him to get on the scoresheet! Across his previous 3 appearances in the Serie A, the striker has returned 1 goal from his 6 shots. Crucially, he did bag Inter’s solitary goal in their home leg of the tie, so keep an eye out for him!
Georgia’s finest
The entire Napoli front line has certainly caught the European eye but none more than Georgian superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The marksman bagged Napoli’s opener during this past weekend’s domestic duties – despite there being 8 opposition players in the box by the time the ball nestled in the back of the net. Indeed, that was his 32nd goal contribution (across all competitions) in 33 matches this season.
Familiar faces
Vinicius Jr could be back to haunt Liverpool. The Madridsta has an incredible scoring record against the Merseyside outfit – 5 goals across 4 UCL appearances against the English side. Indeed, he has not scored against any European team more often and may prove to be a thorn in Klopp’s side once again.
Gakpo to shine on the big stage
Cody Gakpo is slowly carving out a reputation for the big occasion. The 23 year old has netted for Liverpool in their grudge matches during recent times (viz, Manchester United, Newcastle and Everton) and I think he follows suite in their bout with Real Madrid. The tie is all but over, but Liverpool have pulled off some great European comebacks – the stage is set!
