The Champions League first-leg encounters threw up some entertaining football this week, and here are our top goals, plus one fine piece of individual skill.
By Declan Whooley
Ronaldo v Galatasaray
Not only does Ronaldo carry the main scoring threat for Real Madrid, the man has an ego to satisfy. He has been in devastating form again this season and going into the game with Galatasaray on Wednesday night he shared the top-scorer’s spot with Burak Yilmaz and his long-time rival Leo Messi.
It took him just nine minutes to lead the charts in his own right and what a goal it was. The pass was perfect, the touch and finish were everything we have come to expect from the Portuguese star. Simply sublime.
Leo Messi v PSG
He went off injured at half-time and now looks increasingly doubtful for the second-leg, but by that stage he had already inflicted enough damage on the French defence. Dani Alves can rightly take a lot of credit for the brilliant through ball, but not everyone can finish with such ease on the biggest stage. Though we just take that for granted at this point with the pint-sized striker.
Gonzalo Higuain v Galatasaray
The striker came off the bench to show Jose Mourinho just what he can offer against Galatasaray. In truth, he has struggled this season, though Karim Benzama has hardly shot the lights out either, with both men at times looking shorn of confidence.
The Argentinian striker expertly guided Xabi Alonso’s free-kick to seal a 3-0 win, though the marking was looser than anything you would see on Tallafornia. Still he took it well and surely wrapped up the tie for the Spanish side.
David Alaba v Juventus
Irish supporters know only too well that David Alaba likes to shoot from distance. After just 24 seconds on Tuesday night, Juventus found out the hard way. Pouncing on a rare poor pass from Andrea Pirlo, he thundered a shot that flew past Buffon in goals.
It took a nick of Arturo Vidal’s boot, but the distance and swerve made it an eye-catching started for the German giants.
Michael Essien v Galatasaray
Okay, it wasn’t a goal, but it is definitely worth a mention. A lot was made of Wesley Sneijder returning to Madrid and the talented midfielder was surely hoping to remind the supporters about what they were missing.
The reality was somewhat removed from those aspirations. He was pretty anonymous before being given the curly finger by Fatih Terim, though not before being on the receiving end of a nutmeg from stand-in right back Michael Essien.
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