Four things to look out for in the Champions League semis

Sadio Mane of Liverpool scores his team's first goal under pressure from Iker Casillas of FC Porto during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final second leg match between Porto and Liverpool at Estadio do Dragao on April 17, 2019 in Porto, Portugal.

(April 16, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

UEFA Champions League fanfare has officially reached its penultimate stage — the semi-finals and the last stage before Europe’s best team is coronated. The first leg matches are guaranteed to be electrifying with Barcelona and Ajax on the hunt for the treble while Liverpool and Tottenham on the cusp of bringing the European title back to England after five years of Spanish dominance. Here’s what we can expect from the four teams when they go head to head.

 Messi’s the Magician

Lionel Messi is the Houdini of football, the gift that has not yet stopped giving. We can count on the Messi magic to delight the crowd come Wednesday evening. The combination of Messi, Coutinho, Suarez is perhaps one the deadliest attacks in Europe at the moment. Despite a hard-fought first leg, Barcelona made light work of dismissing Manchester United in the quarter-finals, unsurprisingly due to the Messi magic. To add to that, Barca have already been crowned Spanish champions with a few games to spare, meaning they have the luxury to focus on the UCL silverware unlike their opponent. Liverpool are still playing cat and mouse with Pep’s Manchester City for the English Premier League’s top prize. For these reasons and more, Barcelona maybe the current favourites to win this year’s title.

Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur looks dejected after Barcelona's second goal during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on October 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 2, 2018 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)

Dynamic African Duo

Mo Salah and Sadio Mane are top contenders for the EPL golden boot with 20 and 21 goals respectively. Their efforts this season have put Liverpool in a tightly contested race against Manchester City to take win the Premier League title. Jurgen Klopp has done a stunning job with the team and the players, a Champions League title will cement his legacy in the Premier League as one of the greatest Liverpool managers in history. The attacking force that is Mo Salah and Sadio Mane which has been the catalyst to Liverpool phenomenal 2018/19 title campaign will once again play a vital role against Barcelona.

 The “fighting Dutchmen”

Ajax may have the lowest odds of the four teams, but don’t cancel them out just yet. The Dutch side has fought with impressive resilience and tactical sophistication, going head to head against some of the strongest teams, and managing to make it to the top four. After knocking out Real Madrid (3-5 on aggregate) in the round of 16 and edging past Juventus to win the quarterfinals, 3-2 on aggregate, the underdog story is quickly being rewritten. Maybe just maybe, that underdog has become the competition’s bigdog.

 Tottenham’s missing front line

Tottenham’s injury woes will be a major hurdle for Mauricio Pochettino come the semi-finals. Harry Kane has been out with an ankle injury since the first leg of the quarterfinals, Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks’ fitness has been in doubt. Heung Min Son is suspended from the first leg of the semi-final after he picked up a third yellow card in the tournament. Pochettino will need to inspire his team once more to forge ahead in the midst of the injuries and the absences of Son and Kane in Spurs’ attack against.

Ajax, the most complete team in the Champions League Quarter Finals?

Their theme song, “don’t worry, about a thing, everything you need; is gonna be alright,” has been just that for the most part, a song of encouragement and consolation adopted from the legendary Bob Marley’s timeless records. As of now, in the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League competition, the Ajax faithful don’t need consolation, the song has become an affirmation of the reality and assurance of joy brought about by Erik Ten Hagen side’s on-the-pitch displays.

“They are simply scintillating and a marvel to watch, from defence to attack. Their goalkeeping talent in the 23-year-old Cameroonian in Andre Onana, 19-year-old captain in Mathijs De Light, Frenkie De Jong, the Moroccan left-hooker in Hakim Ziyech and the revitalised Dusan Tadic partnering with the coming of age striker, 22-year-old Brazilian, David Neres ”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

The once so called minnows heading into the round of 16 of this year’s UCL competition have shown that they are more, no matter how they fare from now going forward, I am personally convinced they have made their case known before all of the old and young, great and mighty, pessimistic and optimistic. The young Ajax side with an average age of no more than 24 of their starting XI players, of which at least six of them are 22 years and under, are looking a complete side. Perhaps the most complete unit amongst all of Manchester United, Barcelona, Juventus, Porto, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham, who made it to this year’s last eight of Europe’s elite club competition. Here is why.

David Neres of Ajax celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final first leg match between Ajax and Juventus at Johan Cruyff Arena on April 10, 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

(April 9, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

Barcelona and Juventus are undoubtedly huge favourites to go all the way, mainly because of their leading men, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – the two best players of the century. Both sides would be less threatening and more vulnerable if it were not for the effort of those two magicians. Juve’s progression to the quarters was in doubt after losing 2-0 to Atletico Madrid and it required three Ronaldo goals to bail them out. Barca have been less convincing in first leg clashes against Lyon in the last 16 and now Manchester United, but as was the case with Lyon – you can surely bet that it all could still get Messi for Ole’s United because of the Argentine. Manchester City have been rampant in the group stages and even dismantled Schalke 04 with an aggregate scoreline of 10 – 2 in the knock out stages but simply didn’t turn up in their 1-0 loss at Tottenham, who were quite solid to be honest. Pochettino’s men however played the greater part of that fixture on the back-foot and things are looking quite nervy heading into the second leg, more so now that they have lost Harry Kane to an ankle injury. Manchester United are arguably the weakest teams amongst the eight, in open play, having gone past PSG courtesy of a miracle night in Paris and in desperate need of another miracle, if they are to defeat, La Liga’s champions in waiting, Barcelona at the Camp Nou. That leaves us with the Malian Mousa Marega’s Porto side which have been quite impressive though once found wanting in the first leg clashes against Roma and their recent 2-0 loss to Liverpool. As harsh as it may be to say, Liverpool seem to be lacking a footballing identity though they have been deservedly grinding out results. Their 0-0 draw against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the UCL quarters was more than a boring affair, they barely scrapped through the group stages and most recently benefited from Porto’s mistakes in the 2-0 quarters advantage.

Matthijs de Ligt of Ajax applauds fans after the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final first leg match between Ajax and Juventus at Johan Cruyff Arena on April 10, 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

(April 9, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

As for de Godenzonen (Sons of God), finishing unbeaten in the group stages after battling the likes of Bayern Munich and Benfica has been proven to be far from just a fluke. As if that was not enough, they were unlucky to lose 2-1 to defending champions, Real Madrid in the first leg of the round of 16 even having a goal controversially ruled out for an infringement on goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois. They dominated proceedings with some total football and received their dues in the second leg, seeing off the winners of the UCL trophy for the past 3 years with an impressive 4-1 triumph that earned a special place in the pages of history. It was the same song all over again in their 1-1 home draw with Juve in the quarter-finals, as they dominated possession with 61% of the ball, and fearlessly knocked the ball around with purpose and intent against seasoned competitors like Juve who have since made it to two finals in the past four years. They are simply scintillating and a marvel to watch, from defence to attack. Their goalkeeping talent in the 23-year-old Cameroonian in Andre Onana, 19-year-old captain in Mathijs De Light, Frenkie De Jong, the Moroccan left-hooker in Hakim Ziyech and the revitalised Dusan Tadic partnering with the coming of age striker, 22-year-old Brazilian, David Neres – only to mention but a few.

It’s all to play for as they visit Turin on Tuesday for the second leg clash with Juve. Should they get past Ronaldo and company, you surely cannot rule them out to go all the way and end their UCL drought, having last won in the 1994-95 season. They are obviously at risk of losing most of their young talent in the summer and may not get the fairytale end to this year’s UCL campaign but one thing is for sure, their fans don’t have anything to worry about. Everything has been alright as the song suggests. They are a unit exhibiting total football and perhaps the most complete team among this year’s eight Champions League finalists, regardless of the results.

If Juventus lose the Champions League, is their season a failure?

If Juventus lose CL, is their season a failure?

Winning trophies is the hallmark of success for any football club around the world, and the dream for any budding or ageing professional player. Even to fans, it’s the foundation of “my club is better than yours,” conversations. Now, the question at hand is not about just winning silverware, the club understudy has so many of them, winning almost every other season. In fact, Juve are currently 18 points clear of the Italian Serie A league standings, on-course to win their 8th consecutive title since the 2011/12 season. But there is something about getting the same result/outcome, over and over again. It begs for the need to distinguish stability from stagnation, a fine line between success and comfort with mediocrity. Especially when all other factors remain constant. Let’s explore what this means for the Italian Serie A champions and hopefully get enough perspective to form an informed opinion about the club.

Champions League, where art thou?

Andrea Pirlo of Juventus looks dejected with team mates after the UEFA Champions League Final between Juventus and FC Barcelona at Olympiastadion on June 6, 2015 in Berlin, Germany.

(June 6, 2015 - Source: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images Europe)

The Old Lady of Turin last won Europe’s most coveted club trophy back in 1996. In other terms, Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio came into this world, grew up and won two UEFA Champions League titles in the same period. They have since appeared a total of 17 times, reached the final 4 times but with no success. Who haven’t they had as part of the troopers and coaching staff to help bring the coveted trophy home? The mighty Gianluigi Buffon exchanged the black and white for the Parisians’ colors in the summer of 2018 with the hope of finally securing this elusive trophy that has seemed to resist the wind and pursuits of the Old Lady. Just like a high school crush who does not only dislike the pursuing guy but hate his guts. All of Carlos Tevez, Arturo Vidal and even the legendary Andreas Pirlo wore the Juve colors and left them without getting their hands on the UCL trophy. Carlo Ancelotti, Fabio Capello, the 2018 world cup winner in Didier Deschamps, Giancarlo Corradini, Claudio Ranieri, Ciro Ferrara, Alberto Zaccheroni, Luigi Delneri and Antonio Conte are all of the managers who tried and failed to break the champions league duck since 1996.

The discussion to consider Juventus’ position with regards to champions league triumph becomes even more important in light of their potential or assumed status in global footballing affairs. Even a historic invincible 2011/12 season, where they won the Scudetto without losing a single game, the second club after Arsenal to achieve such a feat in the 21st century, is not enough to excuse them for their “apathy” of European silver.

“The mighty Gianluigi Buffon exchanged the black and white for the Parisians’ colors in the summer of 2018 with the hope of finally securing this elusive trophy that has seemed to resist the wind and pursuits of the Old Lady. Just like a high school crush who does not only dislike the pursuing guy but hate his guts. ”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

To be considered as a now great club, not just a museum like artefact with flowery history, you need some success at the continental stage, not just on national level. Even the highly funded Paris St Germain with the two most expensive footballers in their squad in Neymar and Mbappe are less revered, simply because they haven’t won the champions league since their inception. It is one of the foremost reasons why the French Ligue 1 is called the “farmers league” by banter fans. Of course you can understand such mockery given that PSG have won the domestic title five times in the past seven seasons, but consistently failed to reach even the semi-finals of the continental cup. At this rate of domestic dominance and failure on the continental level by the Old Lady, the Italian Serie A might as well be a present day farmers league. Should you travel around the world, the Juve black and white is one of the least worn shirts amongst those considered to be top clubs. Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona all have larger fan bases than the Italian club, because memories of success at the highest level, the UEFA Champions League are still fresh in people’s memories. Even after receiving a boost of more than 6 million new Instagram followers upon the arrival or Ronaldo, Juve are still shy of the followership of the above mentioned clubs irrespective of their impressive trophy records.

The reason why this season could be the mark of failure

Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus scores a penalty (3-0) during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Juventus and Club de Atletico Madrid at Allianz Stadium on March 12, 2019 in Turin, .

(March 11, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

As established earlier on, the Turin club haven’t won the champions league for almost 23 years now; why is it even more important that they win it now? The answer is one name, Cristiano Ronaldo. The 34-year-old Portuguese is undeniably one of the greatest players of all time. Him and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi are the kind of players you may get once in a century.

With Juve 2-0 down after the first leg of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash against Atletico Madrid, courtesy of the Los Rojiblancos’ “cojones” according to their gaffer, Diego Simeone and in part as a result of some less successful tactics by Massimiliano Allegri – he came alive. They needed to score three goals without conceding against a club that concedes once in a dozen years. Of course it’s an exaggerated analogy. He believed he could do it, everyone counted on him to do it and he did it. The Portuguese captain jumped highest to initially convert Bernadeschi’s lofted cross into the box, pulled the same trick again to head past Jan Oblak to put the home team level on aggregate. Upon receiving the responsibility of taking a late penalty, we all knew it was over for Atleti as he stood over it. As certain as the rising sun on the equator. In the end, and like many other times, Mr. Champions League had pulled off the stuff of a legend to orchestrate a famous comeback and saved Allegri and the whole of Juventus of some blushes. Delivering on the job he was signed off in the summer, even as he is aware:

“If we continue like this, we have not won yet but we have reasons to be proud and we are on the right way. That’s why Juve signed me and I tried to do my best job.”

— Cristiano Ronaldo, Juventus Forward

Now, this is all good and fairy-tale sounding but puts more pressure on Juve. If they do not win the champions league silverware with the highest scoring player in the history of the competition on 124 goals in 108 matches and who has won it four times in the past five seasons, it will be difficult to put your money on them for anything else. Ronaldo might still be available at Turin in the next campaign, but he is not getting any younger or quicker, the five time Balon d’Or winner will be 35 next year. In securing the services of the forward for a fee reported to be 117 million euros, Juventus had to rely on transfer business conducted with four other Serie A clubs that generated almost 50% of the fee. To be specific, after considering all the deals, one report alluded that Benevento paid 2.5%, 2% by Perugia, 17% by Sampdoria and finally 26% from Genoa. In other words, numerous negotiations, planning and time was needed to get the signature for the kind of fee, that not only boosted Juve but drastically improves the followership and revenue of the whole league. For a club that has become famous for signing players on a free transfer, it’s going to take some time before they can afford a footballer that expensive. They have an important player on their hands and one should use him to make hay while the sun still shines. A kind of player that may come as a one-time gift in a hundred years.

Champions League in light of history

A Juventus fan enjoy the atmosphere prior to the UEFA Champions League Final between Juventus and Real Madrid at National Stadium of Wales on June 3, 2017 in Cardiff, Wales.

(June 2, 2017 - Source: David Ramos/Getty Images Europe)

Looking at other teams that have similarly gone for a long drought without winning the champions league, it’s not the kind of company that the Old Lady would like to keep. Borussia Dortmund who last won the trophy, a year after Juve in the 1996/97 season are also in search of one and their status as top top club is slowly fading, especially given the dominance of their country rivals, who have won the trophy 5 times in their history. Contextually, Juventus have won the champions league twice since its rebranding, in the 1984/85 season and of course the aforementioned 1995/96. They have been runners up on four occasions since then, the latest being in the 2016/17 when they lost 4-1 to Ronaldo’s Real Madrid in the Cardiff final and the 2014/15 final where they fell 3-1 to another Spanish La Liga giant, Barcelona. Could it be a curse? Perhaps not, droughts happen to even the very best. Liverpool for example, last won their major trophy in 2006, that was 13 years ago when they beat West Ham on penalties to claim the English FA Cup. The Reds have gone through a long barren period as a club but their 5 champions league trophies still give them the stamp of a massive global football club.  In the same vein, Juve are still revered but do need to end the drought as soon as yesterday. As far as history of the champions league is concerned, their fellow Italian counterparts in AC Milan and Inter Milan still have the bragging rights, with both of the Milan clubs having won the UCL trophy, seven and three times respectively in comparison to Juventus’ two. Manchester United, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Barcelona, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Bayern Munich have all won the trophy in the past 20 years whereas four time champions in Ajax Amsterdam, are the only side in the top 10 winners of the competition to hold a longer drought than the Killer Lady, having last won in the 1994/95 season. These two will go at each other in this year’s quarter-final and at least one of them is going to have to wait a while longer. The rest of similarly two time winners as Juventus include SL Benfica, FC Porto and Nottingham Forest FC, with all due respect, the company that an ambitious club like Juve wouldn’t want to keep.

The fate of Massimiliano Allegri

Head coach Massimiliano Allegri of Juventus looks on during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Juventus and Club de Atletico Madrid at Allianz Stadium on March 12, 2019 in Turin, Italy.

(March 11, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

In all fairness, the 51-year-old gaffer has been a relative success at the Bianconeri. The former AC Milan coach joined Juventus in 2014 and has since won four Serie A and Coppa Italia titles as well as two other Supercoppa Italiana cups. He is responsible for leading the club to their two UEFA Champions League finals in the 2014/15 and 2016/17 seasons. The Italian was praised by football legend, Andreas Pirlo for bringing a sense of “calm” to the team which gave players an extra sense of confidence especially after the high pressure and seemingly defensive tactics of former mentor, Antonio Conte. The latter recently vacated the Chelsea job for allegedly the same reasons. Allegri quickly gained reputation as a discipline mastermind who takes a more fluid approach to tactics by employing an array of formations such as the 3-5-2; 4-3-3; 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 in match or between matches. More famously, Allegri gained immense praise from the media in his second season at the club after successfully rebuilding a squad that had voids left by key players such as Carlos Tevez, Arturo Vidal and Andreas Pirlo. After occupying 12th position after ten games, Allegri’s Juve went on a 25-match unbeaten run and successfully defended the Scudetto in the 2015/16 campaign. Unfortunately, all of Massimiliano’s successes pale in comparison to the Juve faithful’s need for a champions league trophy. It’s fair to consider that a Serie A win may no longer be as exciting and could be a mark of stagnation rather than stability or success. Another trophyless UCL campaign might not be good news for Allegri whom fans were even quick to criticise after it looked like they would kiss another UCL trophy goodbye when they lost 2-0 to Atletico in this year’s round of 16 first leg. Failure to return the UCL trophy to Turin could make him another scapegoat of Juve’s drought.

“Unfortunately, all of Massimiliano’s successes pale in comparison to the Juve faithful’s need for a champions league trophy. It’s fair to consider that a Serie A win may no longer be as exciting and could be a mark of stagnation rather than stability or success. ”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

The cracks of the matter once more

Juventus are essentially champions in waiting as far as the Italian Serie A is concerned, 18 points ahead of second placed Napoli with 8 games left in the season. This will be their eighth consecutive Scudetto but have been deluded from a Champions League silverware since the 1995/96 campaign. That is close to 23 years in waiting. Another domestic cup win is almost a sign of stability but continuously failing to hit the mark on the continental stage looks more like stagnation in comparison to other European guns. They however recruited a special arsenal in the summer, Cristiano Ronaldo, a 34-year-old who’s still go it but pretty much racing against time when it comes to age. The current campaign is by far their best chance of finally clinching the UCL given the inclusion of the Portuguese but will they? Falling short once more could it be a real sign of failure?

Allegri’s Juventus will face this year’s surprise package, Ajax in the quarter-finals and if they progress, they would meet either Manchester City or Tottenham (who are all chasing their first UCL trophy) in the semi-final before battling one of Porto, Liverpool, Manchester United or Barcelona in the Madrid 2019 final.

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.

UCL Preview: Rising vs Reigning stars in Lyon-Barca clash

Maxwell Cornet of Lyon celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with his team mates during the Group F match of the UEFA Champions League between Manchester City and Olympique Lyonnais at Etihad Stadium on September 19, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 18, 2018 - Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Europe)

This one probably has an obvious outcome on paper but no so much in reality. One of the champions league favorites, Barcelona will have to be on top of their game if they are to progress past a young and stubborn Olympique Lyonnais. The Blaugrana captain, Lionel Messi, promised the Catalan fans that the UCL trophy would be a top priority this campaign and that they would give in their absolute best to bring it home. In all honesty, you have to believe they could.

Barca’s quality in all the key areas is indisputable. All of whom any Barca fans would have wanted to be fit for the visit to France, are. Long-term absentee and world cup winner, Samuel Umtiti is available for selection for the centre-back positions and so is 21-year-old Ousmane Dembele who will be contending for a starting forward position with the likes of Coutinho and Ghanaian Kevin Prince Boateng.Yes, veteran champions league winners in Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique and superhuman, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen are all available to Ernesto Valverde. After steam rolling opponents such as Inter Milan, Tottenham and PSV in the group stage where they finished unbeaten, you must believe the Spanish champions mean business. They are not the only ones to do so though, coincidentally, Lyon did.

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on October 03, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

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

The French Ligue 1 side won only one of their six UCL group stage matches but could never be humbled to a defeat even when faced with the challenge of the likes of Manchester City, Shakhtar Donetsk and Hoffenheim. In fact, they inflicted City’s first defeat of the season at the Etihad and settled for a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture with Ivory Coast’s Maxwell Cornet, 22, netting in both fixtures. Bruno Genesio’s men love a big game, also having recently subject PSG to their first Ligue 1 defeat of the season and you must believe they are fit to stand toe-toe against anyone. Barca do have the experience and quality players but Lyon currently boasts of some of the most sought after talents in European football right now. They include 23-year-old Burkinabe international in Bertrand Traore, the “new Pogba” Tanguy Ndombele (22), “reincarnation of Iniesta” Houssem Aouar (20), Barcelona’s target to replace Jordi Alba in Ferland Mendy (23), forward Moussa Dembele (22) and the likes of Memphis Depay.

It’s a battle between the experienced who must win versus the young bright kids with absolutely nothing to lose but willing to give their all.

My prediction: Barcelona will do just enough to go through to the next round even though it will be a fierce contest.

UCL Preview: Key roles for Africans in the Liverpool & Bayern clash

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool warms up before 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)

I don’t know why red is such a favored color in football circles, probably doesn’t matter. But yes, it’s almost cute to start by outlining, “we have yet another battle of the Reds” at Anfield on Tuesday. Liverpool will welcome Bayern Munich in the first leg of another 2018/19 UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash.

Jurgen Klopp’s men will have to go down this road without some of their key players while Bayern’s pre-match photos won’t be headlined by the old-timers who are slowly paving way for a new generation. The chief of Liverpool’s defence, Virgil Van Dijk will sit this one out by reason of a one-game suspension with forward Roberto Firmino also being reported a doubt for the visit of the Bundesliga champions. Arjen Robben is not a part of Niko Kovac’s 21 man squad whereas Franck Ribery did not travel with the rest of the team as he welcomed the birth of his new child. Where does this leave us?

Kingsley Coman of FC Bayern Muenchen runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League group B match between Bayern Muenchen and Paris Saint-Germain at Allianz Arena on December 5, 2017 in Munich, Germany.

(Dec. 4, 2017 - Source: Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts)

Last year’s UCL finalists will have to once again call upon the pacey African duo of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah to lead the Liverpool forward line in the absence of Firmino. Both the Senegalese and Egyptian international scored 10 goals each in the 2018/19 tournament with Mane even pulling one back for the Reds in the final against Real Madrid. It will be a new challenge to contend with for Bayern’s Boateng-less defense who will probably be in need of massive speed. With Van Dijk out and Lovren a doubt, Cameroon’s Joel Matip is the only recognised senior centre back heading into this contest and will have to lead a makeshift defensive line. It probably won’t settle the nerves of the Merseysiders knowing fit-again Kingsley Coman, Robert Lewandowski and James Rodriguez are all available to test that defense.

They are all 5 time European Champions, nicknamed “the Reds” by their faithfuls, second-place on their respective domestic league tables and love a big game. Who will draw first blood and who will progress to the next round of Europe’s elite club competition. I am just concerned about getting my popcorn and soda right.

My prediction: Money on Salah and Mane to deliver the goods for the English Reds.

Africans In The UCL: Morocco well represented as Ajax lose to VAR assisted Madrid

“Ziyech had proven to be a thorn in the flesh to Real from the get go, tackling attackers and pulling together markers to count the numbers on their shirts.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Sounds like the same narrative all over again, Real Madrid turning on the screw to conquer, pretty much to the “bereavement” of countless European opponents. The final scoreline on the night read 2-1 in favor of the visiting Los Blancos but revealed little of the night’s narrative.

Unheralded Ajax completely bossed the match to say the least, but the champions worked on winning it, which they did expertly. Erik Ten Hag’s youthful side bolstered by the talents of Frenkie De Jong, David Neres, Kasper Dolberg, Noussair Mazraoui; all who are 21 years of age except 19-year-old captain, Matthijs De Ligt - were unfazed by the challenge of the seasoned, record 13-time champions league winners. The visitors who have won the trophy four times in the last 5 seasons. A total shots of 19 compared to Madrid’s 13, 50-50 ball possession, 71.4% dribbles completion rate as opposed to Real’s 38.9%, 91 recoveries against the champions’ 74 amongst many other statistics further proves the point. In fact, the whole of first half belonged to Ajax who had a goal controversially ruled out for a foul after VAR consultation, a possible pardon to Thibaut Courtois who had been caught sleeping by Nicolas Tagliafico’s header from a corner. The scores were 0-0 at half-time but one of the biggest chances of the first 45, had fallen to one of the protagonists heading into the encounter, Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech who had his tame effort punched away by the Real Madrid goalkeeper from close range. That was moments after Tadic had his own effort hit the far post. Ziyech would however make amends in the second-half.

Hakim Ziyech of Ajax in action during the UEFA Champions League Play-off 1st leg match between Ajax and Dynamo Kiev held at Johan Cruyff Arena on August 22, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

(Aug. 21, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

The champions broke the deadline at the hour mark, with only their second shot on target of the half as 18-year-old Vinicius Junior got the better of another Moroccan, Noussair Mazraoui. The Brazilian proved too much for the 21-year-old right back as well as two other Ajax defenders as he blazed past them to setup Benzema for an emphatic top corner finish past the 22-year-old Cameroonian goalkeeper, Andre Onana. If you are wondering, the answer is yes, they were actually quite a number of Africans on show in Amsterdam. Ziyech had proven to be a thorn in the flesh to Real from the get go, tackling attackers and pulling together markers to count the numbers on their shirts. The crowning moment came in the 75th minute as the 25-year-old Moroccan placed a shot past Courtois from a beautiful Neres cross. They could have had a second one moments later when a quick one-two between Ziyech and Tadic resulted in Dolberg blazing the final shot off target. In the end, it was Marco Asensio who came off the bench to win it for Madrid in the 87th minute by finishing off a swift counter attack.

Real Madrid would be delighted to go back to the Bernabeu with a one goal advantage, more so two away goals for that matter against a less experienced Ajax side, but nothing about their performance on the night gives the assurance that they are out of harm’s way. I am sticking to my prediction of the Dutch side upsetting the champions.

In other UCL round of 16 matches played on Tuesday, Kylian Mbappe and PSG finished it sweet and clean by overcoming Manchester United 2-0 at the Old Trafford, while Roma edge FC Porto 2-1. Before the return legs on the 6th of March, there are more champions league round of 16 fixtures coming up in the next week and we will be there to preview the matches with you.

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

UCL Preview: Ziyech and Ajax target the scalp of the champions

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF controls the ball during the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy between Real Madrid CF and AC Milan at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 11, 2018 in Madrid, Spain.

(Aug. 10, 2018 - Source: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images Europe)

There is an incredible feeling of security and surety in the Real Madrid air which had become quite rare in the past few months, since the departure of the juggernaut, Cristiano Ronaldo and former boss in Zinedine Zidane. It’s worth noting now more than ever, by reason of a solid performance put in by Los Blancos to secure a 1-1 El-Clasico draw away at Barcelona on Wednesday, in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-final. However, the next Wednesday presents a new challenge, one I believe to be the most revealing. The numbers 4, 21, and 22 do not sound a lot like a perfect symphony on paper but happen to be more than that on the field of play. Santiago Solari and Real Madrid will have to find a way to discord the harmony of the triad orchestra.

The Madrid context

I am talking about Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, Hakim Ziyech and their shirt numbers. Ajax FC booked a UEFA Champions League round of 16 slot after a thoroughly impressive campaign that saw them finish second in a group that also featured Benfica, Bayern Munich and AEK Athens. The Dutch Eredivisie club actually finished the group stages unbeaten and will by no means be a free pass for the record 13 time champions who usually come alive at this stage of the competition. Real Madrid seemingly have their feet in the water; two managerial appointments in 4 months, teenage signings in the summer transfer window and 8 points off bitter rivals Barcelona in the La Liga title race; all do not tell a story of “the Madrid way.” The most recent El Clasico draw at the Camp Nou did offer some hope of a new and more resilient Real but the champions league outing to Ajax should be the biggest test to their resolve, yet.

Not the same story

What do I think of course, Madrid have been in this position before, when they will be off the pace in the Spanish La Liga but then go beast mode and conquer the whole of Europe, in a typical water to wine fashion. That’s actually how their have been rolling in the past few years, including those in which they grabbed 3 champions league titles in a row. With no Ronaldo in their squad, the all-time UCL record scorer and Zidane, the orchestrator of the 3 title triumphs and adding an unpopular but solid setup of Ajax to the equation - it’s an entirely different story this campaign. Erik ten Hagen’s men are giving the vibes of Dortmund 2013 who unexpectedly went all the way to the final, even knocking out Real Madrid in the process. The Amsterdam club comprises of course the 22-year-old Cameroonian international goalkeeper, Andre Onana and the big number 4, Matthijs de Ligt - the teenager good enough to captain the side. De Ligt has been frequenting in the news as the likes of PSG and Barcelona are reported to toiling day and night to win the signature of the big, young center-half. Speaking of Barcelona, they recently acquired Ajax’s number 21, Frenkie de Jong for £65 million, the star ball playing midfielder who is tipped to help fill the void left by Xavi and Andres Iniesta. The 21-year-old de Jong links up with de Ligt from the back and ignites the final magic number, shirt number 22 where it gets even more interesting.

“However, the next Wednesday presents a new challenge, one I believe to be the most revealing. The numbers 4, 21, and 22 do not sound a lot like a perfect symphony on paper but happen to be more than that on the field of play. Santiago Solari and Real Madrid will have to find a way to discord the harmony of the triad orchestra.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Hakim Ziyech of Ajax is challenged by Ljubomir Fejsa of Benfica (L) and Gedson of Benfica during 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)

The Left-Hooker

We have featured the Moroccan here on FirstTouch, several times and was ofcourse one of the biggest topics of African football in the year 2018 when he appeared for Lions of the Atlas at the 2018 world cup in Russia. Regarded as currently one of the best playmakers in the world, Ziyech has been delivering the goods for Ajax since day 1 and Madrid will have to work on silencing the 25-year-old if they hope for a favorable result. His arm like left-foot remind me of my favorite childhood boxer who stung opponents with a left and earned the praise name, “Left-hooker.” After being deployed a bit further up the pitch as one of the front 3 in Erik ten Hagen’s 4-3-3 setup, Ziyech has proven worthy of the role.The Moroccan has since scored 12 goals and 8 others in 17 Eredivisie appearances. That is an astounding average of 1.2 goal involvement in every other match he has played.

I will just leave this one right there, who you got? Ajax or the serial champions, Real Madrid.

My Prediction: Ajax will go through to the quarter-finals by upsetting Los Blancos.

UCL Preview: Will record breaking Marega resume form as Porto visit Roma?

Cengiz Under (C) with his teammates of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the serie A match between AS Roma and Genoa CFC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2018 in Rome, Italy.

(April 17, 2018 - Source: Paolo Bruno/Getty Images Europe)

The last time Mousa “The Beast” Marega appeared in the UEFA Champions League, he went all Beast Mode! The Malian forward made history in the group stages as he became the first African to score in 5 consecutive UCL matches.Consequently he is tied on third place with the likes of Neymar and Dybala on the current top scorers of the 2018/19 campaign.

Heading into the tournament, the 27-year-old was only but filling the shoes of the injured Cameroonian international, Vincent Aboubakar in the Primeira Liga champions’ setup and boy did he do it with so much grace! FC Porto finished the group stages unbeaten with the highest points tally of 16 amongst all the 2018/19 participants and that was after going toe to toe with experienced sides such as Schalke and Galatasaray. Marega is expected to continue leading the Portuguese’ club frontline heading into the knockout stages beginning with the challenge of last year’s semi-finalists in AS Roma. Quite frankly, Roma doesn’t look like the side they were when they achieved that feat back in 2018. The Giallorossi did just enough to secure a knock-out spot in the round of 16 and their domestic performances need a lot to be desired. Recently, they were humiliated 7-1 by Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia quarter-final and currently sit 6th on the Italian Serie A league table, very much at the extreme end of a crowded race for the champions league places. On the other hand, Porto are actually on top of the world. They are perhaps fancying themselves to grab a consecutive Portuguese Primeira League title, sitting pretty at the top of the standings ahead of Europa League bound, Benfica.

Moussa Marega celebrates with Yacine Brahimi of FC Porto after scores the second goal during the Primeira Liga match between FC Porto and Feirense at Estadio do Dragao on May 6, 2018 in Porto, Portugal.

(May 5, 2018 - Source: Octavio Passos/Getty Images Europe)

Players to look out of

Marega who is currently on 7 goals and 5 assists in the Portuguese league is expected to continue linking up with Algerian international, Yacine Brahimi, the physically built playmaker/winger with technical abilities of rare quality. He provided 2 assists in the group stages and remains a force to reckon with, both on and off the ball. In case you are wondering, Chancel Mbemba of DR Congo is also an option for FC Porto in the defensive backline and will be hoping to get a run-in after finding game minutes hard to come by in recent weeks. As for AS Roma, their only arsenal heading into the fixture is their experience. Despite being gifted with the talents of Cengiz Under, Edin Dzeko, Kostas Manolas and Steven Nzonzi - their current form has done little to explain such quality.

The good thing is that, this happens to be the UEFA Champions League round of 16 where the stakes are obviously higher and teams give in more than they got. It’s obviously unfortunate for Roma that they have to welcome the Portuguese champions on Tuesday night, 13th of February 2018, an incredibly confident and organized side threatening to go all the way. But hey, it’s great news for all of us fans, we have a great spectacle on our hands.

My Prediction: Marega and Brahimi will rise to the occasion and send FC Porto through to the quarter-finals.

“Marega who is currently on 7 goals and 5 assists in the Portuguese league is expected to continue linking up with Algerian international, Yacine Brahimi, the physically built playmaker/winger with technical abilities of rare quality. He provided 2 assists in the group stages and remains a force to reckon with, both on and off the ball.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

UCL Matchday 5: Five Africans key to the week's turning points

It’s matchday five of the 2018/19 champions league season and teams are closer to securing knockout stage qualification or getting eliminated than they were a few match-days ago. There are a number of Africans who have been grabbing headlines in Europe’s elite club competition we have been covering thus far, such as Moussa Marega, Kalidou Koulibaly, Andre Onana and more. Of special interest are the following five who are super critical to the fate of their clubs this champions league week.

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Watford FC and Liverpool FC at Vicarage Road on November 24, 2018 in Watford, United Kingdom.

(Nov. 23, 2018 - Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Europe)

Mohamed Salah

Last season’s UCL finalists, Liverpool, find themselves in a precarious position in group C with only two matches left, of which one is this week’s trip to Parc de Princes. PSG are too proud to entertain the idea of missing out on a knockout stage qualification and even more so by losing home and away to Liverpool. The Reds will have to count on their Egyptian talisman or Senegal’s Sadio Mane to deliver the goods on a difficult away match if they are to stay alive in the champions league.

Hakim Ziyech

The top man in the Dutch Eredivisie who was also at the top of his game in Morocco’s 2-0 hammering of Cameroon in the 2019 AFCON qualifiers as he scored all the goals in that match will be called upon again on Tuesday. A win against winless AEK Athens will guarantee qualification and the 25-year-old playmaker has the magic wand to inspire that.

Geoffrey Kondogbia

Manchester United’s surprising win in Turin meant that Valencia’s hopes of reaching the round of 16 got slimmer. The Spanish La Liga side will travel to Italy to face Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus who are yet to confirm their qualification and eager to put the United loss behind them. If Valencia is to stay alive, given that United welcome bottom of the group, Young Boys at Old Trafford, Central African Republic’s Geoffrey Kondogbia will be key in locking that midfield and establishing a base of hope for the Bats.

Geoffrey Kondogbia of Valencia is challenged by Alexis Sanchez of Manchester United during the Group H match of the UEFA Champions League between Manchester United and Valencia at Old Trafford on October 2, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 1, 2018 - Source: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe)

Kwadwo Asamoah

Tottenham are on a high after handing Chelsea their first defeat of the season on Saturday. Their slim champions league hopes rest on a must-win encounter against Inter Milan on Wednesday at Wembley. The 29-year-old Ghanaian, Kwadwo will be required to nullify the threat from the right wing that usually come in form of crosses by either Trippier or Ivorian, Serge Aurier. Such crosses have become the hallmark of Spurs’ game and Kwadwo will be required to be on the job throughout the 90.

Marvelous Nakamba

Belgium’s Club Brugge are not down and out in the champions league. If they are to pull an upset in a group where Atletico Madrid and Dortmund are expected to progress, they have to get a result on Wednesday when they travel to Germany. Zimbabwe’s Marvelous Nakamba who has become the proper steel in Club Brugge’s central midfield will have to be called upon to work overtime on the day to stop the likes of Jadon Sancho, Paco Alcacer, Mario Gotze and Marco Reus.

Who do you have? We got the week’s big five listed above. It’s going to be lit.

UCL Matchday 5: Lyon's African cast set to slow Man City's momentum

“All of Burkina Faso’s Bertrand Traore, Mousa Dembele of Malian descent, Fekir of Algerian descent, Ndombele of Congolese heritage, Ivory Coast’s Maxwell Cornet and the inform Dutch forward in Memphis Depay will all be options available to take the game to City.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Manchester City’s first and only defeat in the 2018/19 football season came against Olympique Lyonnais back in September at the Etihad. It was an opening group match of the UEFA Champions League campaign where Nabil Fekir, Ivory Coast’s Maxwell Cornet and Memphis Depay were at the centre of proceedings as the Ligue 1 outfit registered an impressive unlikely victory. It’s on again, Pep Guardiola’s City have a chance to exact some revenge or to be humbled once more as they take flight to France on Tuesday.

Maxwell Cornet of Lyon celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with his team mates during the Group F match of the UEFA Champions League between Manchester City and Olympique Lyonnais at Etihad Stadium on September 19, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 18, 2018 - Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Europe)

The notion of Manchester City assuming the status of Europe’s most deadly team is not so far fetched now. After a record breaking title winning premier league season last year, they look to be continuing from where they left from. It’s difficult to find any other club in Europe’s top leagues that has been equally as impressive. Of course Lyon’s league mates in PSG are still spotless but then you would have to consider the context. It is matches like the loss against Lyon or the one against Liverpool in the UCL quarter-finals last season that cast some doubts on Manchester City as a whole and their standing amongst Europe’s elite clubs. If there are matches that are more important to Manchester City and their continued successes, it’s such a continental match against Lyon that they have proven to easily lose in recent times. They will be heading into this one fully aware of the need to tighten their grip on so called lesser teams.

On the other hand, second placed Lyon, both in the champions league group F and on the French Ligue 1 standings will be a tough opposition. They may be far off the pace from PSG in the domestic league but are still yet to lose a game in the UCL this campaign. They are three points off City and face convincing opposition from Hoffenheim who also look keen on the champions league knockout spots. Of major interest, will be Lyon’s African blended attacking setup that proved to be a difficult presentation for City in the last time out. All of Burkina Faso’s Bertrand Traore, Mousa Dembele of Malian descent, Fekir of Algerian descent, Ndombele of Congolese heritage, Ivory Coast’s Maxwell Cornet and the inform Dutch forward in Memphis Depay will all be options available to take the game to City.

It’s a must watch, loads of fun on show and ofcourse, we will be closely following it.

Moussa "The Beast" Marega, Africa's biggest winner in the UCL so far?

“His slick combination up top with Algerian, Yacine Brahimi has seen him bag three Champions League goals and an assist in just four matches. As a result, Porto are unbeaten in group D, occupying first position and needing at most a point to qualify for the knockout stages.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

One of the most watched football tournaments in the world, Europe’s UEFA Champions League is currently underway and even yet to reach the climax. Like in times past, where names such as Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba and George Weah stole the show, many African footballers continue to headline this tourney. After matchday 4/6 of the 2018/19 group stage, Malian Moussa Marega is arguably the biggest winner as far as impact and continuity is concerned.

Hakim Ziyech of Ajax is challenged by Ljubomir Fejsa of Benfica (L) and Gedson of Benfica during 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)

The most celebrated Africans participating in Europe’s elite club competition in Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane have started slower than expected and are very much at risk of bowing out early in their Liverpool colors, even though they were finalists in the 2017/18 UCL season. An impressive 3-2 win against PSG at home blindsided everyone to think it was all going to be a walk in the park for Jurgen Klopp and his Redmen. We know how Senegalese international, Kalidou Koulibaly and Napoli stopped them in their tracks in Naples, though eventually responding in the ensuing match by thrashing Red Star Belgrade, 4-0 at Anfield. Now, on Tuesday, the pendulum swung once more and Liverpool’s inconsistency manifested again in  a shock 2-0 loss away at Red Star in Serbia. Both Sadio Mane and Mo Salah have been deserving of the praise and stick for the two sides of Liverpool we have seen so far in the Champions League. None of them qualifies to be the main man, they are still yet to hit that 2017/18 record-breaking form.

We have also seen some African talents, relatively new to the UEFA Champions League, showing up big time for their sides. Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech and Cameroonian goalkeeper, Andre Onana who represent the Eredivisie’s Ajax look like they are on a brink to reach the knockout stages after some disciplined performances in the first four games. Ajax is still yet to lose a champions league game this campaign and one more win will most certainly guarantee them a spot in the last 16. The Dutch League’s 2017 Player of The Year has been doing his playmaker job very well for Ajax while 22-year-old Andre Onana has been commanding from between the sticks as they rubbed shoulders with the likes of Bayern Munich and highly rated Portuguese side in Benfica. Koulibaly, arguably the world’s best center back, has been equally instrumental for Napoli who unfashionably top group C, above both Liverpool and PSG. All he is been up to requires a separate piece and even though some we have written on the Senegalese “man mountain” go a long way in describing him and his many talents.

Moussa Marega of Porto runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League group G match between RB Leipzig and FC Porto at Red Bull Arena on October 17, 2017 in Leipzig, Germany.

(Oct. 16, 2017 - Source: Martin Rose/Bongarts)

Ultimately, my pick of the African who has had the most going his way is none other than the Malian Beast, Moussa Marega. I had always thought that Adama Traore, the fastest player on FIFA 19, is the only buff and lightning fast Malian, I was actually so wrong. Marega looks like he is the big brother of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Traore. In the absence of FC Porto’s main striker, Cameroonian Vincent Aboubakar due to injury, Marega has stepped up and done just as good a job. His slick combination up top with Algerian, Yacine Brahimi has seen him bag three Champions League goals and an assist in just four matches. As a result, Porto are unbeaten in group D, occupying first position and needing at most a point to qualify for the knockout stages. After having a slow start to his career that featured several loan spells and short stints at several French and Portuguese lower league and top flight clubs, Marega’s wait is now paying dividends. The ‘’Beast” is shining at the biggest stage of them all. Seeing that a last 16 place is most certain for Porto, it will be interesting to see how far Marega will lead the Portuguese side’s frontline.

Koulibaly and Napoli revealed PSG's apathy for UCL glory

“Koulibaly and the rest of the Napoli team hardly had a lot to do in the encounter, except when they could do nothing about Di Maria’s stunner in stoppage time.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Every club in Europe dreams of being crowned with the UEFA Champions League trophy. An accolade for being the best football club, of course after knocking out the rest in the fiercest of competitions. It’s a public secret that Paris St Germain have been literally hunting the champions league gold for some time. Their only European gold dates back to the 1995-96 season when the tournament was still called the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. Even after breaking the bank so many times in recent times and consistently hired new management, they still look unfit to go all the way. Allow me to make it a bit more concrete.

Delusions of the Ligue 1

Angel Di Maria of Paris Saint-Germain scores his team's second goal during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between Paris Saint-Germain and SSC Napoli at Parc des Princes on October 24, 2018 in Paris, France.

(Oct. 23, 2018 - Source: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe)

Now, it goes without saying that the French top flight football league is not the most competitive football league in Europe. PSG has won the domestic title consistently from the year 2012 up until now, only missing out in the 2016/17 when Monaco was really on fire. Before the Parisians’ dominance from 2012 onwards, Lyon had also enjoyed 7 consecutive title wins from 2001-08. Even now, PSG look like they will likely go uncontested in the 2018/19 season after winning all of their opening ten games, with some huge scorelines. The pattern of the French league obviously amplifies some of their performances and seem to take a toll on the team’s mentality when lining up against the best there is in Europe. They do have some of the world’s best football talent in their ranks which seem almost unplayable in many of the Ligue 1 matches but consistently fail to put up the same performances in the big European matches. Do you remember how they gave away a 4-0 first leg win to lose 6-5 on aggregate to Barcelona in 2017 or how they cowed when they lined up against Real Madrid in the 2017/18 campaign, losing 5-2 on aggregate. Getting knocked out in the round of 16 of the competition on both occasions. Make no mistake, they do have some real quality players in their squad, almost in all the positions but it just seems never to be enough. No matter how much they spend, nothing is changing - perhaps you cannot “buy” trophies after all.

Koulibaly and Napoli argument

Players of Napoli applauds fans after the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between Paris Saint-Germain and SSC Napoli at Parc des Princes on October 24, 2018 in Paris, France.

(Oct. 23, 2018 - Source: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Europe)

Carlo Ancelotti’s men have been gathering up some impressive results as of late. A dominant home win against the 2018 champions league finalists, Liverpool, have been followed up with an impressive 2-2 draw away in Paris. With Senegalese center back, Kalidou Koulibaly, reaching maturity and attaining world class defender status coupled with the experience of Hamsik, the decisiveness of Insigne, Dries Mertens and finally pure grit exhibited by the rest of the not so world class players in their squad - they have been punching way above their weight. The final scoreline does not accurately show the complexion of the entire match. Koulibaly and the rest of the Napoli team hardly had a lot to do in the encounter, expect when they could do nothing about Di Maria’s stunner in stoppage time. The battle of the match was won in the midfield by Allan, Hamsik and Spanish youngster Fabian Ruiz, who got the better of Verratti and Rabiot. Of course Neymar tried more than once to individually rally the Parisians but the final ball was never really the one they would have desired. The few times they got clear chances, they were met by the inconsistent Edinson Cavani or the outnumbered Mbappe. It was real masterclass by Napoli, with Koulibaly even striding forward in attack on several occasions and fluffing out the final balls thrown into the box during the closing moments of the match. Before Di Maria’s sublime finish, PSG had been fortunate to head back into the game, courtesy of a Mario Rui own goal from Thomas Meunier’s poor cross into the box.

Am I bashing the Parisians too much? Perhaps, but something need to change in their game if they are to become European champions.

What’s my recommendation

Thomas Tuchel is a great manager but I think they need a more experienced guy who has actually won the champions league and possessing the abilities to manage the big egos in the squad. The likes of Zidane, Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho may be some of the options. As of this season, I will not put my money on the Parisians winning the European gold, I am prepared to be proven wrong.

UCL Matchday 3: How did the African players fare?

Bertrand Traore from Lyon celebrates scoring second goal with his team mates during the match between SL Benfica v Lyon for the International Champions Cup - Eusebio Cup 2018 at Estadio do Algarve on August 1, 2018 in Faro, Portugal.

(July 31, 2018 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

As always, we once again bring you up to date with the latest action that involved African players in the biggest club competition in the world, the UEFA Champions League. Find out who did what in the summaries below:

Ajax 1 - 0 Benfica

Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech and Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana played the full 90 minutes as Ajax recorded a narrow victory over Portuguese side, Benfica. The win took them to the top of group E, tied with Bayern Munich on seven points, with a very good chance to progress to the next round.

Hoffenheim 3 - 3 Lyon

A thrilling encounter in Germany saw Burkina Faso’s Bertrand Traore grab the headlines as he opened his Champions League scoring account with Lyon’s first before setting up the French midfielder of Congolese descent, Tanguy Ndombele for the French club’s second of the match. Early signs show that Lyon and Hoffenheim might have to go to war the second qualifying spot in group F though it’s still an open group with Shakhtar Donetsk and Man City in the fight as well.

Milan Borjan of FK Crvena Zvezda saves a shot from Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between Liverpool and FK Crvena Zvezda at Anfield on October 24, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 23, 2018 - Source: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe)

Club Brugge 1 - 1 Monaco

Zimbabweans will be pleased to hear that Marvelous Nakamba anchored the Belgian side’s midfield as they fought to a 1-1 draw at home against Thierry Henry’s Monaco on his champions league managerial debut. Of course Club Brugge and Monaco are still anchored at the bottom of group A with a point apiece but still in the running for the knockout stage spots.

Dortmund 4 - 0 Atletico

The men in gold and yellow seem to be back to their electric years when they set the world ablaze with some dynamic football under Jurgen Klopp. The return of the prodigal child, Mario Gotze from Bayern Munich to reignite the Gotze Reus combination that once sent tongues wagging, is well in order. Unbeaten and top of the Bundesliga, BVB have carried this form to the champions league. Yesternight, they ran riot on Diego Simeone’s ever resilient Atletico Madrid, handing them their heaviest defeat in European competition, a 4-0 hammering. This time, they were no Paco Alcacer goals for Borussia Dortmund but a hatrick of assists by the Moroccan teenager, Achraf Hakimi Mouh, on loan from Real Madrid.

Moussa Marega celebrates with Yacine Brahimi of FC Porto after scores the second goal during the Primeira Liga match between FC Porto and Feirense at Estadio do Dragao on May 6, 2018 in Porto, Portugal.

(May 5, 2018 - Source: Octavio Passos/Getty Images Europe

Liverpool 4 - 0 Red Star Belgrade

The story of the day once again involved Mohamed Salah who scored a brace at Anfield to reach 50 career goals for Liverpool in 65 appearances, the fastest half a century of goals by any player in the history of Liverpool. Senegalese international, Sadio Mane, was also on target even though he missed a penalty and so was Brazilian, Roberto Firmino. Fans of the infamous FAB 3 could have been delighted at the showing but caution, with no disrespect intended, it’s only Red Star Belgrade who also got hammered 6-1 by PSG

Lokomotiv Moscow 1 - 3 Porto

Algerian, Yacine Brahimi served up an assist and Malian forward Moussa Marega was amongst the goals as Porto grabbed a victory in Russia. Porto are now top of the standings in group D and look most certainly guaranteed a round of 16 spot.

What was your favorite moment of the UCL matchday 3?

UCL Matchday 3 Preview: After Salah and Co. struggled with Koulibaly, next up is the challenge of PSG's 'MEN'

Paulo Dybala of Juventus battles for the ball with Kalidou Koulibaly of SSC Napoli during the Srie A match between Juventus and SSC Napoli at Allianz Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Turin, Italy.

(Sept. 28, 2018 - Source: gabriele maltinti/Getty Images Europe)

Here at FirstTouch, our affection and appreciation for Napoli and Senegalese centre back, Kalidou Koulibaly has never been a secret. Time and time again, we have made cases as to why he is one of the best centre backs in the world of soccer today. On one of the biggest stages to showcase yourself as a footballer, the UEFA Champions League, the 27-year-old Senegalese has done even more than that. On matchday 2 of the 2018/19 Champions League campaign, Kalidou was one of the focal points as Napoli outplayed Liverpool to a 1-0 win. In partnership with Raul Albiol, He got the better of both Salah and Sadio Mane. That is, ⅔ of the infamous FAB 3 at his mercy on the day. Wednesday is another opportunity for the Senegalese to bring all his doubters to salvation.

The UEFA Champions League matchday 3 is on us and Napoli will travel to Paris. It’s one of those fixtures you just have to look forward to. Paris St Germain have all the rights to be more than confident heading into this one especially after being the only European club remaining, that has won all its domestic league matches. That is 10 wins in 10 French Ligue 1 matches for PSG. Their weekend fixture against Amiens, where they ran away 5-0 winners is the perfect momentum anyone needs heading into a match of this magnitude. Before that one, Mbappe bagged four goals as they ran riot over Lyon in another 5-0 demolition. Still rolling back the days, Tuchel’s men had beat Red Star Belgrade 6-1 on matchday 2 of the UCL.  A welcome result after the opening loss to Liverpool at Anfield. Napoli have not been bad either, winning all their last three matches in all competitions and more importantly in the Koulibaly conversation, keeping a clean sheet in all the three matches. They currently sit second on the Italian Serie A table, four points behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus.

“Kalidou was one of the focal points as Napoli outplayed Liverpool to a 1-0 win. In partnership with Raul Albiol, He got the better of both Salah and Sadio Mane. That is, ⅔ of the infamous FAB 3 at his mercy on the day. Wednesday is another opportunity for the Senegalese to bring all his doubters to salvation. ”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on September 18, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 17, 2018 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)

As far as the champions league is concerned, Napoli occupy first position of group C with four points. A win in France would consolidate their position at the top ahead of Liverpool and PSG who both have 3 points. And would surely put them in a good position to qualify for the knockout stages before the return leg in Naples. What’s also true is that all of PSG’s investments and efforts have been towards winning a UCL trophy. With their form and the deadly trio of Mbappe, Edinson Cavani and Neymar, nicknamed MEN, expected to lead their attack on Wednesday, entertainment is almost guaranteed.

It goes without saying that PSG will most likely dominate possession and push through for a win with everything. A draw away from home, will not be so bad for table topping Napoli. Central to a solid Napoli performance to deny MEN, will be the Senegalese mountain man and his defensive partners. He has done it before against Liverpool’s fast and counter attacking FAB 3, my money will be on the African centre back repeating the same feat on Wednesday.

FT Pause Moment: Should "dummies" be considered as assists? Inspired by Suarez

Well, the UEFA Champions League matchday 2 is behind us now, but some moments stay with us forever. One such performance would obviously be vintage Messi showing up big time for Barcelona but schooling Tottenham Hotspur on the fundamentals of GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) behaviour. The 31-year-old created all of the four Barca goals and scored two as the La Liga champions registered a 4-2 victory at Wembley. Croatia’s Ivan Rakitic and Philippe Coutinho were also on the score sheet, banging some seriously ridiculous goals. One player not on the scoresheet or having a cute statistic for example, an assist, but equally crucial to the overall performance was Luis Suarez.

Two dummies, two goals

Luis Suarez of Barcelona shoots while under pressure from Davinson Sanchez of Tottenham Hotspur during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on October 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

(Oct. 2, 2018 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

Assists and goals have become some of the most important stats in the modern game. GOATs have been crowned based on such and the value of players continue to be influenced greatly by statistics more than anything else in the digital age, leaving many assuming the role of being unsung heroes. An assist in particular is simply awarded to the person who makes the final pass before a goal is scored. They are considered to have “assisted” the goal, laying it up on the plate for the scorer.

Now, what about those who do the same without touching the ball? On two occasions, Jordi Alba squared the ball into the box that found Messi after Suarez had skipped past the ball, in other words dummying, to draw out the defenders and give Messi the space to find his favorite spot in the net without pressure. In fact, on the first instance, Coutinho and Suarez had to both dummy the ball, confusing the Spurs defenders and aid Messi to deliver his masterpiece. Credit to Alba for delivering the assists by delivering the ball into the box, but what of Suarez’s awareness to know where Messi would be in a glance and drive all the defenders out of the “heat area” without touching the ball but with just simple cheeky movements. What brilliance!

The Uruguayan will not be in the record books for such, now and in the future and maybe even get criticized for not scoring as many goals as a striker. Alba laid up the ball for Messi, but Suarez increased the odds for Messi scoring exponentially. Looks like an assist to me, maybe even more.

“Jordi Alba squared the ball into the box that found Messi after Suarez had skipped past the ball, in other words dummying, to draw out the defenders and give Messi the space to find his favorite spot in the net without pressure.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa