UEFA Champions League Preview (Matchday 2): Group G

Julian Nagelsmann manager of 1899 Hoffenheim catches the match ball during the Group F match of the UEFA Champions League between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Donbass Arena on September 19, 2018 in Donetsk, Ukraine.

(Sept. 18, 2018 - Source: Joosep Martinson/Getty Images Europe)

Group G

Zenit St Petersburg vs Benfica- Wednesday, 02 October 2019

They looked like outsiders on opening night but a point secured at Lyon has gotten people seriously looking at the Russians. Zenit should be favorites at home when they welcome the Portuguese champions, Benfica. The latter are themselves not without talented individuals in their squad with the ever reliable Pizzi and Seferovic who scored in their 1-2 opening loss to Leipzig, a balanced encounter that was decided on fine margins. Experience could prove the difference with Benfica needing a whole lot more of it.

Leipzig vs Lyon- Wednesday, 02 October 2019

Julian Nagelsmann’s remarkable rise to coaching has continued in Red Bull Leipzig colors with the young gaffer having tasted his only league defeat of the new season over the weekend against Schalke. The 32-year-old coach and his charges are definitely within touching distance of challenging for the Bundesliga this season and enjoyed a fruitful trip to Benfica on opening UCL night. Last season’s round-of-16 finalists, Lyon will prove a more challenging opposition under the Brazilian, Slyvinho. All eyes will be on star-striker Timo Werner to continue firing Leipzig to the top as they look to reach the knock-out stages for the first time in their history.

UEFA Champions League Preview (Matchday 2): Group E

Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between SSC Napoli and Liverpool at Stadio San Paolo on October 3, 2018 in Naples, Italy.

(Oct. 2, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

Group E

Genk vs Napoli– Wednesday, 02 October 2019

Nothing about their performance in Austria was Belgian champions like for Genk. That 6-1 thrashing was the heaviest loss of the opening Champions League night and the writing is on the wall. They just have to improve very quickly if they are to make this UCL season a favorably memorable one. Tanzanian skipper, Mbwana Samatta was one of their positives in that loss to Salzburg, scoring a landmark goal for the Tanzanians. It, however, doesn’t help their cause that their next opponent is Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli who beat defending champions Liverpool 2-0 on matchday 1. It could get worse before it gets better for Genk who have to stop the attacking talents of Hirving Lozano and the big center forward, Fernando Llorente.

Liverpool vs Red Bull Salzburg– Wednesday, 02 October 2019

The Reds haven’t started their UCL title defense as well as their 2019/20 Premier League title hunt. Seven wins in seven matches mean they are the only remaining side with a perfect record in England and their 1-0 weekend win over Sheffield United was their 16th consecutive Premier League win. On Wednesday, they, however, have to come from the shadows when they welcome high flying Salzburg to Anfield. The Austrian champions led by the historic American gaffer should be informed about the uniquely hostile atmosphere that is Anfield on a Champions League night. They will need to be humble, put aside their 6-1 win over Genk aside and deal with attacking triad that is Salah, Mane and Firmino.

Liverpool themselves will need to be cautious when they go for the win as the teenage hattrick hero on his debut night, Erling Haland will be lurking.

UEFA Champions League Preview (Matchday 2): Group D

Diego Costa of Atletico Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus walk out onto the pitch prior to the UEFA Champions League group D match between Atletico Madrid and Juventus at Wanda Metropolitano on September 18, 2019 in Madrid, Spain.

(Sept. 17, 2019 - Source: ANGEL MARTINEZ/Getty Images Europe)

Group D

Juventus vs Bayer Leverkusen– Tuesday, 01 October 2019

There is nothing more that Cristiano Ronaldo cherishes other than competition. The awarding of FIFA’s The Best Male Player Award for 2019 to Messi could have possibly poked the 34-year-old Portuguese legend to push himself to the limit once more. A 5-5 tie on such awards sounded a decent end to their decade long rivalry but with the scale now tipped 6-5 to Messi, best believe the all-time record scorer in the Champions League is preparing to fire himself and Juve to a coveted UCL title. After all, that’s what the Old Lady signed him for.

Bayer Leverkusen have since recovered from a shocking loss at home to Lokomotiv Moskva in the Champions League and also recorded some decent results in the league that have seen them rise to 6th in the Bundesliga, only a point off leaders Bayern. However, against Juve and Ronaldo in Turin who are yet to win in the UCL this season, it’s hard to see them get a result.

Lokomotiv Moskva vs Atletico Madrid– Tuesday, 01 October 2019

Just how good is Thomas Partey? The Ghanaian international was the best player on the pitch over the weekend as Real and Atletico battled to a 0-0 draw in the Madrid derby at Wanda Metropolitano. On a night such as that one, he looked a combination of Sergio Busquets and N’golo Kante and Atleti would be hoping he carries that form into the Tuesday clash in Russia.

Teenage sensation, Joao Felix has also settled in well at Rojiblancos and looks quite dangerous every-time he gets the ball. Simeone and his men are going for all 3 points at Group D topping Lokomotiv Moskva as they look for their first win this campaign after a 2-2 draw against Juve on opening night. Lokomotiv Moskva themselves beat fellow champions league representatives, Zenit 1-0 over the weekend and are just 2 points off table-topping CSKA Moscow after 11 matches.

UEFA Champions League Preview (Matchday 2): Group C

Duvan Zapata of Atalanta BC celebrates his goal with his team-mates during the Coppa Italia match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on January 30, 2019 in Bergamo, Italy.

(Jan. 29, 2019 - Source: Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images Europe

Group C

Atalanta vs Shakhtar Donetsk– Tuesday, 01 October 2019

Baptism of fire, that’s what Atalanta got on their long-awaited, emotional and fairy-tale return to the Champions League. La Dea were possibly at their worst, with a timid performance that saw them lose 0-4 at the hands of Zagreb in Croatia. They have however not capitulated after that, responding with two impressive Serie A wins, 0-2 away at Roma and the recent 4-1 thrashing of Sassuolo. Gasperini’s men will now take two when they welcome the Ukrainians on Tuesday and with the Colombian Zapata in sizzling form, Shakhtar could find themselves in the firing line.

To be fair to the Ukrainian champions, they have been quite decent in their European matches in the past seasons. They could be forgiven for losing 0-3 to Manchester City on matchday 1 but would be expected and are good enough to get a result in Italy. The question will be on whether they can sustain their opposition’s momentum and desire to prove themselves on the biggest stage.

Manchester City vs Dinamo Zagreb– Tuesday, 01 October 2019

It looks obvious on paper but not so much in reality.

City have since picked themselves up from their shocking 2-3 loss at bottom of the league Norwich, with victories such as an 8-0 dragging of Watford, 3-0 win at high flying Championship side, Preston North End and most recently a late 3-1 win at Everton. In particular, the Algerian captain and AFCON 2019 champion, Riyad Mahrez has re-captured his Leicester form and looks like a new signing for the English champions.

On the other hand, the Croatian champions lie at the top of Group C for a reason. Dinamo Zagreb crushed Atalanta on opening night with a 4-0 scoreline and their league form hasn’t suggested they have put off their foot off the pedal, lying only a point off leaders Hajduk Split in the league. It obviously will be a clash, a level up what they have been involved within recent weeks, but quite capable of getting a result as well. After all, Lyon did it at Etihad last season.

UEFA Champions League Preview (Matchday 2): Group B

Group B

Tottenham vs Bayern Munich– Tuesday, 01 October 2019

All is not well in the Tottenham camp. A mixed start to their Premier League campaign has seen fans and neutrals desperately look for the side that made them 2019 Champions League final against Liverpool, with no success. An opening night 2-2 draw at Olympiacos in Greece was another disappointing return which followed a 2-2 draw at North London rivals, Arsenal; having taken a 2-0 lead in both matches.

Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Muenchen celebrates scoring his teams second goal of the game during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between Ajax and FC Bayern Munich at Johan Cruyff Arena on December 12, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

(Dec. 11, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

Tanguy Ndombele has been a massive signing for Spurs with the midfielder having scored twice already in London, more recently in the 2-1 weekend win over Southampton. Now facing Bayern is a different ball game. The Germans took long but eventually labored to a 3-0 win over Red Star on opening UCL night. Lewandowski is unsurprisingly still firing, they are unbeaten in the league and have done well in North London whenever they played Arsenal in recent years.

Niko Kovac’s side are definitely backing themselves to add to Mauricio Pochettino’s woes before they find their feet again.

Red Star Belgrade vs Olympiacos– Tuesday, 01 October 2019

Competitive! That’s one way to describe this fixture. Red Star’s 0-3 loss to Bayern on matchday 1 goes nowhere close in explaining the complexion of that encounter. It was quite harsh on the Serbians who left it all on the pitch and could be a massive encouragement of what they can do in the 2019/20 UCL season. Their fans know how to create a winning atmosphere, having backed their heroes to famous victories over the likes of eventual champions, Liverpool last season. Olympiacos themselves know some things about atmospheres as their own lifted them up to fight back and draw 2-2 with Tottenham on opening night. The home team, Red Star are clearly favorites but it will surely be as electric as they come. A classic teeth biting and edge of your seats UCL encounter.

UEFA Champions League Preview (Matchday 2): Group A

Karim Benzema attends "El Corazon de Sergio Ramos" premiere at the Reina Sofia museum on September 10, 2019 in Madrid, Spain.

(Sept. 9, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Group A

Real Madrid v Club Brugge – Tuesday, 01 October 2019

Zidane’s charges are expected to brush Brugge aside at the Bernabeu. Nothing less than a comprehensive victory will appease the Madrid faithful who were humbled to a 3-0 loss at Paris on matchday 1. Even though marquee summer signing, Eden Hazard, is yet to come alive in white, Benzema and the decent start to their La Liga campaign which has seen them occupy pole position after 7 matches offers enough hope that the real, Real could actually be back. A 0-0 draw over the weekend at Atletico was another piece of evidence that Zidane might have calmed the waters in the Spanish Capital.

That’s the expectation. But it’s actually easier said than done against the Belgian side who labored to a 0-0 opening draw against a Falcao inspired Galatasaray. Even more, their African contingent of Percy Tau, Diatta and Diagne showed what they can do if given the chance with a glorious display in 5-0 win over Mechelen during the weekend. No Champions League match is easy going and this one won’t be any different.

Galatasaray v Paris St Germain - Tuesday, 01 October 2019

The tide is on the French champions’ side to continue blowing opposition away and not least the Turkish champions. Quite frankly, it’s what they have repeatedly done in the UCL group stages for the past 2-3 seasons. This time, a 3-0 opening night win over Madrid could have been the best of them. Injuries have trouble Tuchel’s side in recent weeks with Mbappe, Cavani, Choupo-Moting amongst others having been forced to watch from the sidelines. Neymar who has scored all three goals in PSG’s last three, 1-0 league wins has won back the fans, settled the camp and convincingly re-integrated himself into the side after the summer transfer woes. The Brazilian will not play on Tuesday due to the ongoing ban for his comments last term but best guaranteed, PSG have enough firepower to own the night in Istanbul, provided they put their game faces on. One player you really should look out for is the summer signing from Everton, Idrissa Gana Gueye and of course Mbappe who just returned. The Senegalese international has already won hearts in Paris with his heart-on-sleeve performances in the middle of the park.

As for Galatasaray, the Turkish champions have enough champions league experience to know how to set-up against opposition such as PSG. At home, still riding on the wings of the summer arrival of Falcao and boosted by the disciplined performance that saw them earn a point at Brugge, they really must be fancying themselves to cause an upset.

We shall see how that will work out.

UEFA Champions League Preview (Matchday 1): Group C

Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City shoots during the Group F match of the UEFA Champions League between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Manchester City at Metalist Stadium on October 23, 2018 in Kharkov, Ukraine.

(Oct. 22, 2018 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Manchester City- Wednesday 19 September 2019

The Ukrainian champions who are sitting comfortably at the top of their domestic league after registering 7 wins in 7 opening matches welcome their favorite UCL group stage opponent in recent years, Manchester City. These two have been drawn together in each of the past 2 seasons with Man City dominating the fixture, a 9-0 aggregate scoreline recorded last campaign is a good example. Shakhtar have also gotten one over City, a 2-1 home win in the 2017/18 campaign that ended the English Champions’ unbeaten run in all competitions. After being shockingly beat by Norwich over the weekend, Pep’s men will be keen to quickly get back to winning terms but it’s all obviously easier said than done.

Dinamo Zagreb vs Atalanta- Wednesday 19 September 2019

 The Croatian First Football League champions, Dinamo Zagreb will welcome perhaps Europe’s most adored football club right now, Atalanta. “The Goddess” will be making their champions league debut since the rebranding of the tournament. The Serie A side has enjoyed a remarkable rise in the past 2-3 seasons after swinging on the relegation pendulum for a while, most profoundly finishing 3rd in the last season ahead of the two Milan clubs and 2017/18 UCL semi-finalists, Roma. Gasperini’s men clearly had their eyes projected to this fixture as they battled to a nervy 2-1 league victory over Genoa in the weekend and most eyes will be on them as they visit relatively UCL regulars, Zagreb, who have relished a near perfect start to their domestic title defence.

UEFA Champions League Preview (Matchday 1): Group B

Lucas Moura of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his team's third goal with Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match between Ajax and Tottenham Hotspur at the Johan Cruyff Arena on May 08, 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

(May 7, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Bayern Munich vs Red Star Belgrade- Wednesday 19 September 2019

A battle of the Red Champions. Even though they are currently not on top of their respective German and Serbian League tables, the unbeaten defending champions have both enjoyed a decent start to their campaigns. Niko Kovac’s Bayern are clearly favorites to easily win this one at home though it must be noted that Red Star Belgrade who beat eventual champions Liverpool at home in last season’s UCL group stages, are quite capable of causing an upset.

Tottenham vs Olympiakos- Wednesday 19 September 2019

The other group B encounter looks like its decided before it has begun. Not many would want to visit the Tottenham Hotspur stadium right now after Crystal Palace were left for dead over the weekend. Four first-half goals saw them revive a sluggish start to a Premier League campaign that was suffocated by transfer window uncertainty. Momentum is on Spurs’ side who are now looking more like their best selves who made the 2018/19 champions league final but an unheralded Olympiakos who have enjoyed a perfect start to their own Greek league campaign, could be all that’s needed to derail them yet again.

UEFA Champions League Preview (Matchday 1): Group A

Lassana Diarra of PSG (19) and team mates look dejected in defeat after the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid at Parc des Princes on March 6, 2018 in Paris, France.

(March 5, 2018 - Source: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images Europe)

Club Brugge vs Galatasaray- Wednesday 19 September 2019

After missing out on last season’s Belgian Pro League title, Brugge and their new coach Philippe Clement decided to reinvent themselves with a greater part of process seeming to be a combination of some of Africa’s football stars. The likes of South Africa’s Percy Tau, Nigeria’s Okereke and Senegal’s Mbaye Diagne and Diatta will line-up against a Radamel Falcao inspired Galatasaray side who haven’t had the best of starts in their Turkish Super Lig title defence.

PSG vs Real Madrid- Wednesday 19 September 2019

The pick of the group and undoubtedly the round features PSG and Real Madrid at Parc de Princes. Two giants not without a history and desperate to show the disappointments of the last season are behind them. They both got knocked out in the quarter-finals by Manchester United and Ajax respectively and have no smaller goal than winning the cup itself. Furthermore, there is a tantalizing prospect of getting revenge for PSG who were beaten 5-2 on aggregate by eventual champions Madrid in the 2017/18 UCL round of 16. It’s really an opening match with UCL final written all over it. We will be watching the Neymar vs Hazard battle, world-class forwards currently re-integrating into their sides with undoubtably talismanic abilities.

UEFA Champions League Preview (Matchday 1): Group H

The Ajax team celebrate victory after the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final second leg match between Juventus and Ajax at Allianz Stadium on April 16, 2019 in Turin, Italy.

(April 15, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Chelsea vs Valencia- Tuesday 18 September 2019

Probably the least predictable group. After a sluggish start to the 2019/20 Premier League season, punctuated by a 4-0 loss at Old Trafford and a 2-2 stalemate at home against promoted Sheffield United, Chelsea have peaked at the right time. Lampard’s youthful Chelsea who are under no pressure whatsoever to win anything this season mark a return to the UCL on the backdrop of an impressive 5-2 Premier League win over Wolves. Their opponents Valencia, were 2-5 losers to Barcelona in the same weekend. Logically, the Blues look like favorites but with the new gaffer at Mestalla desperate to win the community over, he will likely make every match and minute count.

Ajax vs Lille- Tuesday 18 September 2019

On the other hand, last season’s surprise package and semi-finalists are looking like themselves again despite losing key players such as Mathijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong. Ajax are sitting pretty on top of the Eredivisie after 5 matches and will welcome Lille OSC. A surprise package in the French top flight last term who finished second behind champions PSG. It’s really Ajax vs the probable “new Ajax” of the new champions league season.

UEFA Champions League Preview(Matchday 1): Group E

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool battles for possession with Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between SSC Napoli and Liverpool at Stadio San Paolo on October 3, 2018 in Naples, Italy.

(Oct. 2, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

Napoli vs Liverpool - Tuesday 18 September 2019

The controversy surrounding the state of Stadio San Paolo has been a cause of major concern before a big UEFA League group stage clash between Napoli and Liverpool. Napoli manager Carlo Ancelotti flagged the issue in a statement calling out the Naples municipality on the unfinished renovations at the stadium that could also include the dressing rooms. Naples start their campaign with a monster of an opponent, reigning champions Liverpool and Premier League table toppers with a shining perfect record. The encounter will be a replay of last season’s Group C clash between Liverpool and Napoli, which was a close tie marginally decided in favor of the Reds. Fortunately for Napoli, the condition of their stadium does not reflect the current state of the squad which has made a big comeback in recent years. Napoli has the potential to serve us with a hard-fought UCL game as one of the inform Serie A teams who actually finished second in 2018/2019.

Red Bull Salzburg vs Genk- Tuesday 18 September 2019

Genk’s new signing Paul Onuachu is expected to play a vital role in the team’s success in the UEFA League campaign as they start their campaign against Red Bull Salzburg. The Nigerian international joined the Belgian champions for a fee of around €6m and scored his first goal in their 2-1 defeat to Sporting Charleroi. Onuachu will assist Mbwana Samatta, the Tanzanian striker who has been the star player for the Belgian Pro-League team. Genk face a challenging opponent in the Austrian champions whose manager Jesse Mersch has been making an impressive impact at the club. The American joined the club in April, and has to led the team to a record-breaking start to the season, with 7 wins in 7, a form that could help RB Salzburg to make an impact in Europe. Genk who have not had as good a kick-off to their domestic campaign will only hope that their talented forwards will come to the party. It’s really the Belgian vs the Austrian champions. Who will reign supreme?

How have Atalanta become Serie A Giants?

"I'm convinced, I'm going to wake up to find none of this is real," twitted one Atalanta admirer back in 2017. La Dea were shockingly sitting 5th on the Serie A standings, a club that had been relegated in 2003, 2005 and 2010; only managing a top 10 finish once in the decade. Fast forward two years, the exploits of the Bergamo club have proven to be by no means a fluke but properly institutionalised through agreeable structures. They finished 3rd behind Juve and Napoli in the 2018/19 season and we will make their UEFA Champions League debut this season. But how did they do it? Why them? Let's take a quick journey back into time.

“...that’s exactly what Atalanta have done and there’s nothing miraculous about their rise. It’s simply the old-age formula of #people #product and #process.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Atalanta BC coach Gian Piero Gasperini controls the ball during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Pescara Calcio at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on March 19, 2017 in Bergamo, Italy.

(March 18, 2017 - Source: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images Europe

The nervous night

Just a few games into his Atalanta job, then 59-year old Giani Piero Gasperini had lost 4 of his 5 opening matches in charge. To make matters worse, his next opponent were to be Napoli, the Naples residents who are never shy to take the game to anyone. In Gasperini's mind, it wasn't only about his poor start at life in Bergamo but the past demons haunting him over a job lost at Inter Milan by reason of a similar run of results. A second consecutive sack was looming and Gasperini himself later admitted the dreaded possibility, "I was on the verge of being sacked, it's true," speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Prior to what could be his last match in charge, he threw caution to the wind and made some drastic changes to his formation which he communicated a night before the match to the club President, Percassi. The latter all of sudden had more time in the night than he had planned, with his eyes determined to disallow the eyelids from closing them as he peered into the most likely unpleasant future, savouring the dawning unsavoury moment over and over again. Thankfully, the gamble paid off. The youngsters which include Roberto Gagliardini that Gasperini blooded that day, saved his job and Percassi a few more hours of sleep as Atalanta registered an unlikely 1-0 over Napoli. The victory was so big that thousands of fans welcomed "The Goddess," at the Bergamo airport. A revolution had started and a few years more, we continue to write about it.

Minnow turned giant

South Africa's first democratically elected president Nelson Mandela once remarked that, "every now and then, a generation is called upon to be great. You can be that great generation." The current crop of Atalanta players are certainly living up to the late Pan-African's reflections. To understand how far they've come even more, picture the Premier League's Bournemouth or Burnely for instance, with their modest budget and presumably keen eye on home grown talent. If they were to maintain such a strategy and progressively break into the EPL's top three ahead of some of the so-called big 6 teams, that would be fairly considered as an unlikely miracle right? That's exactly what Atalanta have done and there's nothing miraculous about their rise. It's simply the age old formula of #people #product and #process.

Papu Gomez and Musa Barrow of Atalanta BC celebrate the 0-2 goal scored by Musa Barrow during the serie A match between Benevento Calcio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Ciro Vigorito on April 18, 2018 in Benevento, Italy.

(April 17, 2018 - Source: Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images Europe)

People

Getting the right people for the right job is an indespensible ingredient anywhere. That's exactly what La Dea, "The Goddess," did in appointing Gasperini in 2016 and most importantly showing enough faith and patience to let him do his job when results went side-ways. It is reported that in his first few games in charge where wins were a scarce commodity, club President Percassi descended upon the Atalanta players in the gym and frankly shared he was all they got. They just had to shape up or shape up. “I have no doubts about Gasperini. He is our manager, the best manager possible, and untouchable. So now let’s see what you want to do about it.” – Antonio Percassi's comments as reported by L’Eco di Bergamo at the time. This was in contrast to what had happened at Inter not long ago when Gasperini was sacked after barely 6 matches in charge. His methods were clearly not modern enough for Inter who were looking to challenge Juve for the Scudetto. As luck would have it, Atalanta under Gasperini finished above Nerazzuri in the 2018/19 Serie A season. The appointment of Gasperini was the master stroke and the wild card which eventually led to him to find more people in the form of blooding youngsters who are mostly of Bergamo descent and have gone on to take the La Dea badge, up high with the best there is. Gasperini was quoted by Gazetta dello Sport back in November 2016 as having said this about their recruitment:

“...the club is serious, the structures ideal, the fans passionate, and I have already seen interesting players in the youth sector. The project is clear and focused on those players in the academy: on building really strong identification with our region. An Atalanta styled after Athletic Bilbao, maybe without reaching quite those excesses – because if there is a good kid who doesn’t speak with a Bergamese dialect I’d take him all the same …”

All these people have massively enabled the ‘Queen of the Provinces’ to build a product in the form of a results based style of football we are now celebrating today.

Duvan Zapata of Atalanta celebrates after scoring the equalizing goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on December 26, 2018 in Bergamo, Italy.

(Dec. 25, 2018 - Source: Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images Europe)

Product

Below is a typical 3-4-3 formation that Atalanta have been using during their remarkable rise, albeit with a few tactical tweaks here and there when the wisdom of Gasperini finds it prudent. It's almost the same formation that has become synonymous with Antonio Conte after his 2016/17 Premier League title win with Chelsea. Three ball playing center-backs are flanked by two full backs on either side who become attackers, delivering crosses into the opposition box when in possession and can quickly switch to defensive duties to form a back-five when under attack. They always have a congested midfield of three players, whom the most advanced one in their set-up against SPAL and in most cases being Pasalic. Upfront are two forwards, the infamous skipper Papu Gomez who has given so much to the side and Colombian international, Duvan Zapata. Summer signing Muriel also gives Gasperini's side more options going forward. More interestingly, Gasperini prefers to play with a pseudo number 10. Pasalic's role in the team is hardly distinguishable to that of the other two midfielders and most of their goal-scoring opportunities come from the flanks. Summatively, this formation allows Gasperini's side to attack as a team and defend as one, making great use of the numbers rather than banking on any kind of individual brilliances. They move like a pack of wolves and unlike the criticism that Conte received at Chelsea for being too defensive, Atalanta's dynamism is sometimes too spontaneous for any opponent to counter. They have become the masters of the 3-4-3 formation.

Duvan Zapata of Atalanta BC celebrates his goal with his team-mates during the Coppa Italia match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on January 30, 2019 in Bergamo, Italy.

(Jan. 29, 2019 - Source: Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images Europe)

Process

A 2015 report by the Swiss based CIES Football Observatory cited Atalanta as having the 8th best youth academy in Europe's top five leagues. They have been super deliberate in the appointment of youth coaches who expertly scout mostly local talent and systematically grooms it to feed the senior side. Just like Eredivisie's Ajax Amsterdam, no wonder they hardly feel the heat when some of their most promising stars are snapped up by the more affluent sides. Atalanta have built a self-sustaining system and institution that doesn't rely on any individuals. When Ivorian international Franck Kessie left for AC Milan for example, he was never missed and the same goes for Mattia Caldara who was snapped by Juve and many others.

2019/20 Champions League dice

Most special, this season marks Atalanta’s first appearance in the UEFA Champions League since the tournament’s rebranding. They had only played in the 1963-64 European Cup. Drawn in group C against Manchester City, Dinamo Zagreb and Shakhtar Donetsk, they are the underdogs on paper given their lack of experience on the biggest stage in recent times. One thing we have however learnt is not to count them out on anything. I predict they will do enough to narrowly progress into the round of 16, registering an upset against City. La Dea will kick-start their UCL campaign away at Zagreb in Croatia on the 18th of September.

Looking ahead

The Serie A still pretty much remains Juventus’ stronghold, who have won 8 titles on the spin. They are miles ahead of their closest competitors such as Inter Milan and Napoli financially, and if anyone is going to get one over them – they would need to come in with a different strategy. Atalanta have been on that path, causing the Old Lady a few problems when they met and if their progression is to continue, it may not be now but definitely a matter of time before La Dea get their hands on a Scudetto.

Why Zinedine Zidane’s return to Real Madrid is a flex

Real Madrid CF president Florentino Perez (L) and Zinedine Zidane (R) attend a press conference to announce his resignation as Real Madrid coach at Valdebebas Sport City on May 31, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Zidane steps down from the position of Manager of Real Madrid, after leading the club to it's third consecutive UEFA Champions League title.

(May 30, 2018 - Source: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images Europe)

As action around European football comes to a close, for some it has been wonderful, then again for others, it has been one to forget. Such is the case for Real Madrid. This season might easily go down as one of the club’s worst seasons after a disastrous campaign. From being crowned European champions for a third successive time, who could have thought that Real Madrid would have a shockingly disappointing season?

About his departure

When Zinedine Zidane announced his shocking departure from Real Madrid at the backdrop of winning his third consecutive UEFA Champions league trophy with the club, one would assume that it was the beginning of the “end” for the club. Zidane left Madrid having delivered success that was unprecedented in the modern era. The days of clubs’ ability to retain the European Cup were long gone. Nobody had done it in the Champions League era. He did. And then he did it again, defying history and maths by winning more Champions League trophies than he had spent years in charge. But things began to unravel almost as soon as he was gone. However, the selling story regarding why Zidane left the club was due to the club's decision to sell Cristiano Ronaldo instead of Gareth Bale. Apart from Bale, it is also said that Zidane wanted to sign new players and sell others, including Isco, but the club’s President did not agree with those terms. Hence he left.

“Like the parent who returns from the shops to find that the kids have run amok, set fire to the kitchen and soiled the carpet, he’s not angry, he’s just disappointed. Perhaps such has been the worry around Zidane’s return to the club, the fact that it is merely a shadow of the side he left nine months ago. ”

— Siphosethu Thwala, FirstTouch Africa

Head coach Santiago Solari of Real Madrid CF sits on the bench prior to start the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 02, 2019 in Madrid, Spain.

(March 1, 2019 - Source: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images Europe)

Take two

After Zidane’s departure, the club announced the appointment of then Spain coach Julen Lopetegui just before the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in what was a shell-shocking move. Lopetegui himself was criticized for not consulting the Spanish Federation about the deal. The European Super Cup was surrendered to neighbours Atletico Madrid in the first game of Julen Lopetegui's brief reign and it only got worse from there. Lopetegui was eventually sacked in October 2018. After Lopetegui’s sacking, in came caretaker coach Santi Solari who tried stabilizing the ship and subsequently offered a long-term contract. Despite signing a contract until 2021 after an interim period, Solari lasted only 133 days as Real Madrid boss. He was finally dismissed after a horrific run of results, which included losing back-to-back EL Clasicos in the Copa del Rey and La Liga. The last nail on Santi Solari’s “coffin” came when Madrid were humiliated in their own beloved Bernabeu by Ajax. The Dutch club turned back the clock let alone reversed the natural order of things with their 4-1 win to end Madrid's long reign as champions of Europe.

Twist of fate in the Zizou-Real romance

Upon his return, the 46-year old Frenchman has made it clear that while he is happy to be back,there will be plenty of changes as he sets about leading Los Blancos back to the summit of European football. Furthermore, it is more likely that Zizou will be given more decision-making power in as far as the signing of players is concerned. His love for the club he had graced both as a player and coach, he said, was too great for him to resist. “I could not say no,” he said. “I am here because the president called me.” Like the parent who returns from the shops to find that the kids have run amok, set fire to the kitchen and soiled the carpet, he's not angry, he's just disappointed. Perhaps such has been the worry around Zidane’s return to the club, the fact that it is merely a shadow of the side he left nine months ago. Nonetheless, one would argue that the return of Zidane couldn’t have happened at a better time than it did. Having returned with

just under 15 matches to play, this might well be the right time for him to analyse the team in terms of its depth and areas where the team needs strengthening. It is an open secret that Real Madrid will be very busy in the upcoming transfer window with the aim of doing away with an ageing team and bringing fresh blood that will help the team compete once again.

Zinedine Zidane, Manager of Real Madrid gives his team instructions during a Real Madrid training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final against Liverpool at NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium on May 25, 2018 in Kiev, Ukraine.

(May 24, 2018 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

 The beginning of a new beginning

Since Zinedine Zidane arrived at Real Madrid for a second era, he has made it clear in every press conference that he foresees an era of change. In the mind of the coach, he is drawing up a new-look Real Madrid, with new players, with some major departures and with a team that will be very different to the one that won four Champions League titles in five years. With sixregular starters being 30 or older, including the likes of Marcelo, Ramos and Modric, the writing is on the wall that the team needs to revamp in order to become competitive once more. The famous BBC trident of Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema is a thing of the past, as Ronaldo left for Juventus, and Bale himself on the brink of an exit. Bale himself has failed to live up to expectations when it mattered the most. Many believed he would grab his chance when Ronaldo left, but injuries and below-par performances have added fuel to the fire of the Welshman’s almost certain exit during the summer. Add to that, the team’s midfield is also in an evolution process and at this point, it is unclear whether Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Casemiro and even Isco for that matter, will be the preferred starters come next season, especially after the disappointing year all the players have had. Another area that appears to be overlooked yet critical is the centre back position which I believe also needs beefing up. Sergio Ramos has been a loyal servant but he may no longer be the player the club wants to build its defence around in two years’ time, hence the need for a new defender that can partner up with Varane. In that regard, the club has been able to land a defender in Eder Militao who has joined on a deal until 2025,for a fee of around £43m.

Paul Pogba of Manchester United and Eden Hazard of Chelsea embrace prior to the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 19, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

A speculative summer is on the cards

Nonetheless, there is still more work to be done by the club as far as signings are concerned, going into the summer transfer market. Perhaps one silver lining in this Madrid team is the emergence of Vinicius Junior, who has already shown what he can offer this side in his debut season. Not only him, but also the resurgence of Karim Benzema has had everyone paying attention to his capabilities which often times than not have been overlooked. So far, Benzema has raked in more than 30 goals in all competitions for Madrid, showing how lethal he can be. Still, the reality of the need to sign new players remain pivotal to Real Madrid. Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has planned out a mapping of how he plans on replacing Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals next season. Many star player names have been thrown around linking them to the club. These include Eden Hazard, Sadio Mane and Paul Pogba. Hazard’s creativity would be something that can greatly benefit Los Blancos coupled with his eye for goal. Secondly, with Gareth Bale’s exit being a subject of speculation, Sadio Mane’s name has also been thrown in as a viable replacement and unsurprisingly so, given the amazing season he’s had with Liverpool. The Senegalese forward has a great burst of pace that would most certainly be beneficial to Real Madrid’s trademark style of counter-attacking gameplay. To round off the list, Zidane has also been rumoured to be keen on signing fellow Frenchman Paul Pogba, in a move that may be far-fetched but still possible given Pogba’s struggles at United. All these potential arrivals would not necessarily mean that Karim Benzema has a reduced role though. It is likely that the Frenchman will continue to be in the coach’s plans and he has shown that he can grab the

spotlight if he is made the leading figure in the team, moreover, given Zidane’s continued trust in Benzema paid dividends in recent times.

Is it only a matter of time?

The 2019/20 season is a big one for Los Blancos and the return of Zidane might be the recipe needed by the club to reclaim their glory days. The team’s resurgence nonetheless depends on a number of factors, mainly how things play out in the upcoming summer transfer window. If the club gets the players it wants, then they may be well on their way back to the top. It may, however, take some time for Zidane to get the best out the new crop of players, something that may not see the team being strong competitors for honours in the next season. Deciding on the formation, whether to stick to Zidane’s 4-3-3 style of play, or switching to an alternative formation to allow as many key players in the team as possible may contribute to the slow progress. However, once they get their combinations right, Real Madrid will easily regain their position as the one of the three best teams in the world. The road to recovery has already begun with Zidane’s comeback, it is only a matter of time before we see the “Real” Real Madrid. What’s your take on Madrid’s prospects, can they bounce back next season? Is the return of Zidane the right tonic for them?

“ The last nail on Santi Solari’s “coffin” came when Madrid were humiliated in their own beloved Bernabeu by Ajax. The Dutch club turned back the clock let alone reversed the natural order of things with their 4-1 win to end Madrid’s long reign as champions of Europe.”

— Siphosethu Thwala, FirstTouch Africa

Is Karim Benzema the best striker in Real Madrid’s club history?

Raul Gonzalez of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring Real's first goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on April 12, 2009 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) * Local Caption * Raul Gonzalez

(April 12, 2009 - Source: Denis Doyle/Getty Images Europe)

Is Karim Benzema the best striker in Real Madrid’s club history?

Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, commonly referred to as Real Madrid is undeniably one of the most decorated clubs on the face of the earth. The Spanish giants have won everything there is to win, on countless occasions. With 33 La Liga titles, 13 UEFA Champions League trophies and 4 FIFA Club World Cup accolades to show for it, what else can a fan ask for. Their rich history is painted by some of the greatest names in the game of football that braced the white colors and terrorized teams in Europe, and beyond. Think of Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ferenc Puskás, Santillana, Hugo Sánchez, Raúl and the recently departed Cristiano Ronaldo who have all scored more than 200 goals for the club. In the midst of all this, there has been a growing debate about the case of French forward, Karim Benzema. Some make a claim for him being the greatest striker that the club has seen. Before disregarding this view. Let’s explore his journey.

 Joining Madrid as a youngster

As expected of the biggest clubs in the world, only the best players across the continent make it to the first team of the Los Blancos. Some have to wait until they hit their prime age which can be way into their late 20s. For instance, a world-cup winner in Zinedine Zidane, only captured the attention of Real Madrid at the age of 29 and moved to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in 2001. Such is the demand for quality at the club. Their blockbuster transfer policy targeting the best players in the world has since been referred to as Galactico signings. In the case of Karim, the forward joined Real Madrid from Lyon at the age of 21 in a deal believed to be in the region of $50 million. He had only managed to score 43 goals in 112 appearances which amounted to 4 French Ligue 1 titles. Unlike Zidane, he had no FIFA World Cup winners’ medal. This attests to Benzema’s talent as a kid which caught the eye of Madrid and allowed him to become the third most expensive signing on their books in 2009 only after Ricardo Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo. No doubt, Benzema was privileged to join Real Madrid at such a young age.

Slow Start

Just like any player that joins the Real Madrid dressing room, Karim Benzema had huge shoes to fill. At the time, he faced competition from the club captain Raul Gonzalez, a striker regarded to be one of the best the Spanish National team has ever had. Also, there was a certain Gonzalo Higuain, the prodigy from the Real Madrid B team that was making waves and staking a claim for a seat at the big table. Really, Benzema had no right to ask for anything. In a total of 33 appearances, he scored just 9 goals compared to Gonzalo Higuain’s 24 goals in 44 appearances. Despite the marginal goal return, the then Real Madrid coach, Jose Mourinho had seen enough from the youngster to force club legend, Raul to the exit door. Consequently, Raul left the club the following season and the striking responsibilities were left to the pair.

“How Benzema’s movement drew Chiellini out of position before releasing the ball to Ronaldo who slid it through to Dani Carvajal on the right flank. From that moment, you could tell this was a goal scoring move...”

— Tinotenda Magiya, FirstTouch Africa

Evolution of Striking Role

Having followed football in the past two decades, one can witness the evolution of the game which has resulted in an increase in the demand of ball-playing abilities from all 11 players inclusive of the goalkeeper. In the present day, strikers are seen leading the press when out of possession and are pivotal in counter attacking football where their hold-up play is questioned and they are tasked with feeding the ball to the wide channels. Jose Mourinho was way ahead of his time and quickly noticed that Benzema was not just capable of fitting this role, but also maintain a fair number of goal returns. As such, Benzema had an edge over Gonzalo Higuain even though the Argentinian was more ferocious in front goal. For about 3 more seasons, the pair were used interchangeably with Higuain undoubtedly more efficient in scoring goals but he could never get it around his head as to why he was not a clear starter in the Real Madrid team. As a result, he gave up and left for Napoli in 2013, leaving the reigns in Karim Benzema’s hands. It is fair to say that Real Madrid have not lived to regret that decision considering the hefty $44 million sum paid by the Italian club for a player struggling to keep Benzema off the team.

Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Real Madrid CF celebrates scoring their opening goal with teammate Karim Benzema (L) during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 25, 2014 in Madrid, Spain.

(Oct. 24, 2014 - Source: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images Europe)

Complementing Cristiano Ronaldo

As established, Karim Benzema had outstanding playmaking abilities. His unselfishness on the pitch, often saw him drifting out wide creating space for Ronaldo to occupy the central positions where he created the most havoc from and scored unthinkable number of goals. In Ronaldo’s best years of his career, he was playing with Karim Benzema, the striker that sacrificed a lot for the Portuguese international to achieve greatness and earn a mention among the talk of the best players of all time. Take a moment to reflect on Ronaldo’s opener in the UEFA Champions League final against Juventus in 2017. How Benzema’s movement drew Chiellini out of position before releasing the ball to Ronaldo who slid it through to Dani Carvajal on the right flank. From that moment, you could tell this was a goal scoring move as the Juventus defence was left confused as to whom will receive the final pass in the box. Benzema drew another defender in Barzagli. In the end, Ronaldo tapped home the goal from the edge of the edge of the eighteen area and sped off to the corner flag for his trademark goal celebration. We saw this on several occasions. The pair stroke up a devastating partnership which saw Ronaldo finishing off most of the moves and Benzema being hailed the master or genius behind the goals. Apart from that, one also ought to consider his defensive contribution in the new shape Madrid team especially in the absence of Gareth Bale. Cristiano Ronaldo was the only player free of defensive duties in the Real Madrid team which meant that his partner had to do most of the dirty work. Benzema covered the ground in tight matches like the El Classicos where Barcelona had most of the possession and the Los Blancos had to do a lot of chasing. All this he did knowing that if he could manage to thread through just one ball in between the lines to Ronaldo, he was the only player who could turn half a chance into a goal. Therefore, Benzema adapted his game to bring out the best in Ronaldo. This adaptation should never be underestimated considering Benzema was an out-and-out striker capable of scoring goals on his own. In addition, the best players must have the ability to adapt to a situation and perform at any club. The likes of Kaka failed to live up to expectations partly due to the fact that he could not adapt his game as he was used to being the main man in his previous club. That said, Benzema should be respected for being able to adapt his game to suit the team and survive in the club for as long a time as he has done. A decade to be specific.

Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League Final between Real Madrid and Liverpool at NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium on May 26, 2018 in Kiev, Ukraine.

(May 25, 2018 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)

 Form after Ronaldo

Post the Cristiano Ronaldo era, Benzema is leading the line for Real Madrid with little competition for a starting berth. This season, he has managed to score a total of 31 goals across all competitions and is the second highest goal scorer in La Liga with 21 goals, only behind Lionel Messi. Karim’s finishing abilities had been doubted over the past 9 seasons when Ronaldo was there as he was doing more of the creating but he is beginning to show his natural skill which is to sag nets. With 5 matches to go, the Real Madrid forward is on course to outscore all the traditional forwards in the league, i.e. the number 9s, precisely what is expected of strikers at Real Madrid.

The Accolades

The talk of the best in modern day football involves the individual contribution and the collective achievements won by the players. The debate about Messi and Ronaldo boils down to Ballon d’Ors and UEFA Champions League crowns. Although Benzema is yet to win the Ballon d’Or, he has done the most in winning everything winnable at club level. The table below shows Benzema’s achievements in comparison with other Real Madrid players in his position.

Name UEFA Champs La Liga FIFA Club WC Total Accolades

Benzema 4 2 4 10

Di Stefano 5 8 1 14

Raul 3 6 2 11

To date, Benzema has a total of 10 major trophies just 4 shy of Di Stefano’s achievements. This is promising for the striker who has just turned 31. He looks indispensable at the heart of the front line and with Zidane returning to the club, his fortunes look promising. Furthermore, the eras in which these players played for Madrid is different. Di Stefano and Raul were privileged to play in an era when Real Madrid was dominating domestically. The level of competition from the rivals was not as stiff as of the present day. That said, Benzema is at a disadvantage and has to inspire his team to change the narrative.

 Individual Stats

The most interesting part for some. The numbers that reflect the individual’s contribution to the game.

Name Goals Scored No. of Appearances

Benzema 222 462

Di Stefano 323 741

Raul 308 396

From this, it is evident that Benzema has the least compared to the rest. However, this does not take anything away from his individual contribution as he was playing with Ronaldo, and made sure that the player became the greatest goal scorer Real Madrid have ever had. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a record total of 450 goals in 438 appearances. Without Ronaldo, Benzema could have easily doubled his tally as long as he was given the respect his predecessors had when leading the team from the last third of the pitch.

Verdict

In conclusion, I think it is justifiable to consider that Karim Benzema is among the finest strikers that Real Madrid has seen. As established, his individual talent combined with his unselfishness on the pitch has had a ripple effect on the performances of other players like Ronaldo, and consequently, the team. Despite not playing in an era of dominance by the Spanish giants like his foes, he still managed to stake a claim among the greatest Los Blancos strikers. I think Karim has a good shout for being the best. What are your thoughts?

Senegal's Mane delivering the goods just when Liverpool needs him to

With the season hitting its penultimate moments, encompassed by an avalanche of fixtures and weariness of players, for teams that are competing for honors, it is crucial that there are players hitting top form to help their teams challenge for silverware in various tournaments. It is no different for English side Liverpool, who have for lengthy periods of this season, shown immense potential of being the favorites to wrestle for the English Premier League title with Manchester City. For Liverpool, their forward trident of Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have often times than not, been the ones producing the goods all season. The latter however has been the one hogging headlines in recent times. The in-form front man has been Klopp’s go-to guy since the turn of the year, and going into the climax of the season, Mane surely seems to be hitting form when it matters the most.

“Liverpool will be banking on Mane to keep delivering the goods and ultimately end the Red’s title drought. If he manages to maintain the momentum he’s in right now, the walking nightmare could turn back into a dreamland paradise at Merseyside (unless, of course, you’re an Everton fan.)”

— Siphosethu Thwala, FirstTouch Africa

Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with Sadio Mane during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Liverpool FC at The King Power Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Leicester, United Kingdom.

(Aug. 31, 2018 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

Mane’s latest escapades came in the recent UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg  fixture. The 26-year old stepped up to be counted and netted a brace in the 3-1 win over Bayern Munich to help send the Reds into the quarter-finals of the UCL. Mane confounded the Bayern defense and left football lovers reconsidering their assertion of rating Manuel Neuer as the world’s best goalkeeper.

Mané has been a machine since late January. Since Liverpool’s match against Crystal Palace on the 19th day of the year to now, he’s scored 11 goals in 11 matches across all competitions, most of those coming from high-pressure situations. His goals against Leicester City and West Ham salvaged crucial points for Jurgen Klopp’s men, while his last four games have featured three, two-goal games. In the process, he’s not only managed to keep the Merseysiders daring to dream of a possible league and Champions league double, he’s also forced his way up the Premier League goal scoring charts. He is tied in second position with 17 goals together with Salah, Harry Kane and Arsenal’s Aubameyang, just one behind leader Sergio Agüero’s 18.

While Liverpool’s other scoring options have been faltering in the team’s current stretch of grinded results, Mané has turned a corner at the perfect time and certainly appears to be enjoying his shine. Going into the last 8 matches of the Premier League, as well as the Champions League quarter finals match-up against FC Porto, Liverpool will be banking on Mane to keep delivering the goods and ultimately end the Red’s title drought. If he manages to maintain the momentum he’s in right now, the walking nightmare could turn back into a dreamland paradise at Merseyside (unless, of course, you’re an Everton fan.)

UCL Highlights: Marega unleashed, AS Roma deceased, & the Manchester Miracle

Mali’s Marega outstanding as FC Porto advance at the expense of AS Roma

Moussa Marega of FC Porto celebrates scoring Porto goal in action during the match between FC Porto v Everton FC for Algarve Football Cup 2018 at Estadio do Algarve on July 22, 2018 in Faro, Portugal.

(July 21, 2018 - Source: Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images Europe)

He was missing in the first leg played in Italy and Porto had to succumb to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of last year’s semi-finalists. This 27-year-old, Marega, was a real clutch for the Primeira Liga side who finished unbeaten in the UCL group stages as he became the first African to score in five consecutive champions league matches. His return to the starting line-up couldn’t have been any better. Within 25 minutes, the Beast won the ball from an unsuspecting Roma defender, fed up Jesus Corona and sped to receive the ball and cut it back to Francisco Soares for the home side’s opener. A dream start that levelled the aggregate score and put Porto on the verge of qualifying for the quarter-finals, only if they could keep the clean sheet.

It was not to be as some rush defending led to a Roma penalty in the 37th minute, which Daniele De Rossi comfortably slotted home past the world cup winner, Iker Casillas. The 2017/18 champions had to go again and this time, Marega was on the receiving end as he netted in the 52nd minute, for his 6th goal in 6 Champions League appearances, an historic feat only achieved by five other global footballers.

In the end, VAR had the final say as it seems to be doing these days as Porto were awarded a penalty in the 117th minute of extra time. Alex Telles made no mistake as he converted to send the Portuguese champions through to the quarter-finals.

Lukaku bags a brace as Ole’s United shock PSG

Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United celebrates after Anthony Martial of Manchester United scores his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 19, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

There is really something going on with the Manchester United legend, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The 46-year-old is almost always getting everything right in his 6 months tenure as the Red Devils’ caretaker boss. United went into the second leg of the UCL round of 16 needing a miracle as they had fallen to a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of the Parisians. The entire story between the two teams actually became earmarked by the blessing in disguise of having injured players.

In Manchester, Ole was hit by the element of surprise as Thomas Tuchel made the most of his squad without Cavani or Neymar. The German outsmarted Ole by setting up a midfield of five that obliterated Pogba and set Mbappe on his way. On the other hand, Manchester United travelled to Paris without the suspended Pogba, Sanchez, Martial, Herrera, Matic and many other first team players. Ole pulled one over Tuchel and set up a more conservative side with a defensive line of five relied on catching PSG on the break. Of course the Ligue 1 side looked tame throughout the match and their figured approach didn’t bear a lot of fruits. Instead they made errors which Romelu Lukaku hungrily capitalised on, needing no second invitation, one in the 2nd minute and another in the 30th minute. The decider was another VAR decision which awarded the visitors a penalty in the 90th minute. Only the word miracle can describe United’s progression into the quarter-finals, all the decisions and mistakes of the night worked in their favor. The star studded Parisian side was humbled to yet another UCL early exit and my earlier assessment of their apathy for champions league glory may be realer than the word itself.

Elsewhere, Harry Kane and Tottenham silenced the Yellow-Wall at Signal Iduna Park as they grabbed a narrow 1-0 victory that allowed them to advance to the quarter-finals on a 4-0 aggregate win over Borussia Dortmund.

UCL: Ajax schooling Real Madrid, the climax of football entertainment

Dusan Tadic of Ajax celebrates scoring a goal with Hakim Ziyech during the Eredivisie match between Ajax and Emmen at Johan Cruyff Arena on August 25, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

(Aug. 24, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

I didn’t want the ninety minutes to end, my soul was yearning for something like ninety years.

It was all in there; sheer teamwork, individual brilliance, woodwork shots that leave you on the edge of your seat, “poetic justice” and much much more. It was not park the bus stuff we have been made to see recently, but end to end stuff of the experienced up against the less experienced. They were no sacred cows, as long as they were playing the round ball - all was willing to show what they can do with it.

Many post-match commentaries have spoken extensively as to why the holders of the UEFA Champions League crown, Real Madrid, fell victim to the young Ajax side. As tempting as it is to talk about the “bully” who has won the title, 4 times in the past 5 seasons, with many times just scrapping past opponents with a stroke of fortune or as some would argue, courtesy of experience - Ajax’s side of the story is a better one. More so because I selfishly get to say, I told you so as my predictions were all in favor of the Dutch Eredivisie side going through to the next stage.

“We never thought it could get worse, but it did. After early signs of getting back into the game with Real Madrid’s Asensio and Benzema working out a few moments of magic with no success, that other star took his turn to kill the game.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Just seven minutes into the match, as I bumped into the room, Morocco’s Ziyech bumped into the Madrid box and carefully stroked the ball into the net after Dusan Tadic had laid it on the most silver platter. That was just moments after Raphael Varane had hit the woodwork on the other end after being gifted a free header by the unsuspecting Ajax defence. It got worse for the Spanish La Liga side, and it was that man again - the number 10 of the night, Dusan Tadic. This time, the Serbian turned the turf into his dancefloor, breezed past a few midfielders, including the mighty Casemiro by means of the marseille turn, made popular by Zinedine Zidane. As if that was not enough, the 30-year-old laid another assist for the 22-year-old David Neres, a relatively lightweight who didn’t trouble Sergio Ramos in the first leg. As they say, when the cat is away, the mice play- that was Neres. The young forward needed no second invitation as he sustained a challenge from Modric and chipped the ball beyond Courtois’ reach for Ajax’s second. Confidence oozing, Ajax out their traps and Madrid exposed, Neres almost retired Carvajal on the touchline before the whistle came all too quickly to momentarily call out the city fire squad because the Bernabeu was basically in flames.

Andre Onana of Ajax and Matthijs de Ligt of Ajax celebrate following their sides victory in the Group E match of the UEFA Champions League between Ajax and SL Benfica at Johan Cruyff Arena on October 23, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

(Oct. 22, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

We never thought it could get worse, but it did. After early signs of getting back into the game with Real Madrid’s Asensio and Benzema working out a few moments of magic with no success, that other star took his turn to kill the game. A feisty battle on the touchline, won by another Moroccan, Noussair Mazraoui resulted in a goal, controversially so as the ball looked like it had gone out of play. All I remember is that it ended in the glad feet of Tadic who took his time to place it in the top corner as he capped off what he called, perhaps the best match he had ever played. The unrelenting Asensio pulled one back for the champions but almost immediately, Ajax had another answer. Denmark’s Lasse Schone was delegated a task, preyfuly spied on the Belgian goalkeeper and dipped the ball into the net from the unlikeliest of positions. The Morrocan wonder, who scored in both legs, Hakim Ziyech, almost added a fifth from close range but somehow skied his effort. The four were more than enough to send the champions packing.

Now, the above narration sounds good but what makes this particular match an exhibit of a climax in football entertainment? Very simple, it was a David-Goliath story played before our very own eyes. Whether you were a Madrid or Ajax fan, it was difficult to be blind to the majestic displays. We looked on as a fairytale was being played and written.

The dreams of the Ajax kids were proved valid against the more mature and seasoned Madrid side. Conclusively, all dreams actually remain valid, at least in the world of football. It was all just the round of 16 - what more awaits us in the subsequent stages of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League season.

Africans In The UCL: Aurier the winning wing-back as Hakimi & Dortmund fall to Spurs

Serge Aurier of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his sides fourth goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on March 11, 2018 in Bournemouth, England.

(March 10, 2018 - Source: Clive Rose/Getty Images Europe)

It’s advantage Tottenham after the first leg of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League round of 16 encounter between the North Londoners and the Bundesliga leaders. Two quick goals in three of the last ten minutes ensured Mauricio Pochettino’s men have a comfortable three goal cushion when they travel to Signal Iduna Park on the 6th of March 2019. The story of the match can be summarised by looking at the fate of two African wingbacks, Moroccan Achraf Hakimi and Ivory Coast’s Serge Aurier.

The 20-year-old has been turning heads at table topping Dortmund but this particular match wasn’t one for the books. A relatively dull first-half that saw both sides being slightly conservative in their approach served nothing worthy of a mention. Hakimi’s usual cutting edge crosses into the box emanating from swift runs down the right flank were reduced to blocked shots more often than not. At the restart, Spurs resurfaced from the Wembley tunnel with more purpose and intent, opening the scoring in the 47th minute. Ofcourse it was the “Smiling Assassin,” who fired a volley past Burki from close range but the all delightful assist came from an unlikely source. Belgium’s Jan Vertonghen delivered a man of the match performance playing in an unfamiliar left-wing back role and it all began with that super cross to Jeung Min Son. The 26-year-old Ivorian, Serge Aurier, was probably taking notes when Jan did his thing as he also took a turn in the 83rd minute to swing one onto the path of the running Vertonghen who finished with the venom of a centre-forward. Aurier had been excellent throughout the match, playing the game his opposite number Hakimi would have dreamed of on the night - running up the pitch at the slightest of chances and frustrating the play of Chelsea bound Christian Pulisic.It’s the kind of performance that will perhaps put him back in contention for a starting role in Pochettino’s Premier League eleven after being less preferred, behind Kieran Trippier in recent weeks. In the absence of injured Harry Kane, Fernando Llorente came off the bench to head Christian Eriksen’s corner in the 86th minute which sealed a 3-0 victory for Spurs who go marching on.

The Bundesliga title favorites have all to do heading into the second leg and they couldn’t have asked for a better venue than the electric Signal Iduna, home of the infamous Yellow Wall described as “a spellbinding sight, that may not be quite visible from space, but whose dimensions and noise reach up to the stars,” by the Bundesliga official website.

It’s advantage Spurs but game on for Dortmund and Hakimi, recent champions league history has taught us that it’s never really over until the stern referee blows the final whistle.

“The 26-year-old Ivorian, Serge Aurier, was probably taking notes when Jan did his thing as he also took a turn in the 83rd minute to swing one onto the path of the running Vertonghen who finished with the venom of a centre-forward.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa