The 2024/25 Champions League has delivered some epic matches in the first few weeks.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi thrived in the competition but left Europe as they edged towards retirement.
Several players, including Erling Haaland and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, were asked what comes to mind when they think about the competition.
Ronaldo and Messi are the top two in both goals and assists in the competition. The Al Nassr star is the leading scorer with 140 goals, while the Inter Miami star is second with 129.
Ronaldo has won five Champions League titles, while Messi has four. The two have battled for more than a decade and are now considered among the greats.
Haaland and Co's Champions League GOAT
Champions League asked Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, Kevin de Bruyne, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Florian Wirtz, and others what comes to mind when they think about the competition.
All of them said Ronaldo. The Portugal legend has some of the best moments in the competition, like his goal against Juventus in 2018.
Messi's last Champions League trophy came in 2015, while Ronaldo last won it in 2018. The Barcelona legend is fondly remembered for dropping Jerome Boateng in 2015 and his performance in the 2009 and 2011 finals, per Sports Illustrated.
Buffon comments on GOAT debate
In another report, Legit.ng reported that legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon made his pick in the goal debate.
The World Cup winner said both players are different, adding that Messi is complete while Ronaldo has the killer instinct.
Interesting option emerges as Real Madrid urge covering after Carvajal injury
Real Madrid have been left reeling after it was confirmed that Dani Carvajal suffered a serious ACL injury during Saturday’s victory over Villarreal. It’s expected that the veteran right-back will miss the remainder of the season, as he becomes the fourth Los Blancos player in 14 months to rupture their anterior cruciate ligament.
Carvajal’s absence means that Lucas Vazquez will step up to being Real Madrid’s starting right-back, at least until the winter transfer window. A signing at that stage cannot be ruled out, although the club’s sporting department are unlikely to make any moves unless it is deemed absolutely necessary.
As per Relevo, an interesting in-house solution is for Eder Militao to move across to the right side of defence. The 26-year-old has experience of playing as a right-back for Brazil, so it is an option for Carlo Ancelotti in cases where Lucas’ minutes have to be managed.
Militao moving to right-back would mean that Aurelien Tchouameni is utilised in defence more often – at least until David Alaba returns from his own ACL injury. For now at least, Real Madrid have an idea of covering Carvajal, although they may opt to do it properly in the transfer market in January.
