- Penalty shootouts highlight matches
- Fullbacks, wingers outshine 4-3-3
- Goalkeepers, defenders secure key victories
The Champions League was at its signature enthralling this week, as two matches reached the wire with penalty shootouts, and two others had outcomes that were anything but certain until the final seconds. The 4-3-3 squad below performs poorly during a week when fullbacks and wingers excelled.
Jan Oblak is the custodian for Atlético Madrid. We were presented with two penalty shootouts and the opportunity for four goalkeepers to become heroes following a wait that dated back to 2016. Two goalkeepers saved two penalty kicks, and David Raya was lauded as Arsenal triumphed over Porto. In terms of Champions League legacy, however, Oblak reigns supreme. The Slovenian defeated Inter’s attempts in a shootout, securing a record-setting third victory for the competition. Alexis Sánchez made the initial save, followed by Davy Klaassen. Then Lautaro Martínez, frightened by a custodian who continues to be among the best, opted for the Chris Waddle 1990 technique.
Jules Koundé is a defender for Barcelona
Napoli’s performance at the Montjuc was unsatisfactory, as their opponents, Barcelona, failed to reach the pinnacle. Still, the Catalans advanced to the quarterfinals due to a defense that kept the Italian club’s elite forwards silent. Regarding Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Koundé was entrusted with one of the most challenging responsibilities in football. However, Napoli’s star Georgian winger failed to make a significant impact despite returning to his Serie A form from the previous season.
Ben White is a defender for Arsenal. Porto’s visit to the Emirates will be remembered for the ferocity of the running skirmishes and the composure of Arsenal’s defenders in the face of provocation. White, who was recently extended a contract by Arsenal, maintained his outstanding form for the Gunners on Thursday. He kept the peace of the menacing Porto forwards Galeno and Evanilson. The latter was ultimately substituted following a futile performance.
Defender: Porto Pepe. Thus, farewell, Pepe! Will there be an additional final dance? The veteran had a stellar Champions League campaign with Porto, and his performance at the Emirates hardly declined, although he was present at the crime scene when Leandro Trossard scored. Pepe, who was 41 years old, proved to be unchallenged by Arsenal’s quick forwards, maintaining his dominance in the air. Additionally, his defensive organization contributed to Arsenal’s frustration. A player who was once a European football reprobate has since gained widespread admiration.
Defenders: Porto Wendell. Regarding rigorous disciplines for fullbacks, Wendell’s exceptional performance on the Porto left flanker was another example. The night frustrated Bukayo Saka as the seasoned Brazilian blocked his avenues. Saka injected venom into his penalty kick to alleviate the strain caused by Wendell’s breathing down his neck. Although some old-fashioned principles were utilized to impede Saka, they successfully limited his influence.
Marcel Sabitzer is a midfielder for Borussia Dortmund
The week was eventful for Manchester United alums, as Jadon Sancho, Memphis Depay, and Sánchez failed to convert penalty kicks and score goals. This week, Sabitzer, a lesser-known former United player, shone brightest. Although Dortmund struggled to maintain control of their second leg against PSV and advanced 3-1 on aggregate, the Austrian, who was on loan in Manchester for the latter half of the previous season, contributed to the team’s attacks, screened the defense, and completed 90% of his passes. Dortmund’s unheralded hero in advancing to the round of eight.
Arsenal’s Declan Rice is a midfielder. It was formerly referred to as the “round of Arsenal,” and the Gunners would annually advance to the round of 16 before being eliminated. Now, just as in the Premier League, Rice’s presence instilled confidence, and despite playing further forward than customary, he continued to sweep up mischief as he had done previously. In addition, he demonstrated that he would not yield to Porto’s manipulative tactics by converting a skillful penalty kick. What £100 million has been purchased for Arsenal?
Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard is a midfielder. Rice imparts accountability and leadership qualities to Arsenal, whereas their current commander accomplishes a comparable feat through his innovative approach. Beautiful was Odegaard’s assistance with Trossard’s goal. A driving run by him drew Porto defenders in before he assisted a teammate into a position from which he could hardly mistake. Currently regaining form, Odegaard made multiple attempts to penetrate the core of Porto’s defense. At seventeen, much was expected of him; presently, he ranks among the top performers in Europe.
Jadon Sancho is a forward for Borussia Dortmund
While some players may seem out of place at some organizations, they may be ideal for others. Although Sancho struggled at Manchester United, he has performed admirably since his return to Dortmund. A low-flying, long-range shot against PSV succeeded his weekend goal against Werder Bremen. Although Walter Benitez could have performed better, the goal demonstrated that the Dortmund-affiliated Sancho is alert and dangerous, starkly contrasting to the dormant United version.
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Memphis Depay is a forward for Atletico Madrid. Depay, an additional player enjoying a considerably more favorable existence since leaving Manchester United despite his affiliation with the club having concluded in 2017, was the substitute hero who rescued Atlético with a thunderous late goal just as it appeared that Inter could hold on. Although Antoine Griezmann demonstrated remarkable composure by attempting to equalize the score and netting a fortunate equalizer, it took Memphis’s seemingly possessed energy to close the door and find space for a goal that extended extra time.
Raphinha is a forward for Barcelona. The club has indicated that Raphinha, one of those players who has exemplified Barcelona’s inability to reclaim their former glory through the transfer market, is available for purchase. His display against Napoli demonstrated that he could contribute to Xavi’s team for the remainder of the manager’s tenure, thereby favorably positioning himself. His contribution to two early goals for Barcelona helped his team win the tie. Following assisting Fermín López, he attempted to block the ball, which rebounded and was headed home by João Cancelo.
Real Madrid beat Celta Vigo 4-0 to get closer to La Liga title
