Many teams advanced to the knockout stage on Uefa Champions League Matchday 5, while clubs like Barcelona were relegated to the Europa League after being humiliated 3-0 at home by Bayern Munich. Regardless, this article focuses on the four UCL players who are in the running for player of the week this week.
1. Giovanni Simeone's Napoli defeated Rangers 3-0. (Napoli)
Giovanni Simeone has been a driving force for Napoli this season, following in the footsteps of his father, Diego Simeone. The striker, who currently plays for Napoli, was instrumental in Napoli's 3-0 victory over Rangers to advance to the Uefa Champions League knockout stage. Giovanni Simeone scored twice against the Rangers and had five shots on goal to add to his tally. In any case, if the vote goes in his favor, Giovanni could be named player of the week.
2. Rafa Silva vs. Benfica 4-3 (Benfica)
Rafa Silva, a forward for Benfica, also played an important role in Benfica's 4-3 UCL victory over Juventus. The quick forward attempted six shots and scored twice to give Benfica a much-needed win and a chance to advance to the knockout stage.
3. Mehdi Teremi - Club Brugge 0-4 FC Porto (Porto)
FC Porto forward Mehdi Teremi had one of his best UCL performances this season, scoring two goals and attempting six more as his club ended Club Brugge's unbeaten run in the competition, giving Porto a chance to advance to the knockout stage depending on the outcome of their last match against Atletico Madrid.
4. Lionel Messi - PSG 7-2 M.Haifa (PSG)
Lionel Messi was all over PSG's 7-2 win over Maccabi Haifa, especially considering he assisted on four of PSG's seven goals on the night. He scored two goals and assisted on two others while attempting five times to secure their fate as group leaders as they advanced to the next level of the UCL.
Which of the four players mentioned and nominated for player of the week do you think should win? And who do you think deserves the award?
CONTINUE READING-MORE NEWS
Ronaldo scores on United return as Europa League progress assured
Cristiano Ronaldo scored in Manchester United's 3-0 Europa League win over Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday, his first appearance since refusing to come on as a substitute last week.
The victory, which included goals from Diogo Dalot and Marcus Rashford in addition to Ronaldo's strike, secured the Red Devils a place in the next round, where they will face Barcelona, who were eliminated from the Champions League at the group stage 24 hours earlier.
Erik ten Hag left the Portugal forward out of the United squad for Saturday's 0-0 draw with Chelsea, and he was only allowed to return to first team training this week."Seeing Ronaldo score was fantastic," Dutchman ten Hag told BT Sport.
"He created, the team created for him, and we know he is capable of finishing."
"He needed a goal, and now I'm confident he'll have more," he added.
Ronaldo, 37, was joined up front by 18-year-old Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho, who was making his first senior appearance.
Right-back Dalot scored just before halftime, and Rashford doubled the lead with 25 minutes remaining.With nine minutes remaining, Ronaldo scored his 701st club goal and secured the three points.
Arsenal, who have already qualified for the knockout stages, suffered their first defeat in the group stage when they were defeated 2-0 by PSV Eindhoven.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0