Desh Parthab highlights five players you should keep an eye on in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League fixtures including a trio of Europe’s hottest forwards!
It’s crazy to think that Real Madrid’s triumph over Liverpool in Paris took place 101 days ago, but we go again!
There will be plenty of talent to keep an eye on this season, but with Cristiano Ronaldo failing to engineer a move away from Manchester United, the Portuguese phenom won’t add to his 140 Champions League goals.
His absence leaves the door open for Lionel Messi (125), Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema (both 86) to close the gap on Ronaldo’s 140 Champions League goals. With that being said, here are a few players who could make headlines on Tuesday evening!
Fernando to make his mark on the biggest stage
Fernando (G4 A3) has been involved in seven top-flight goals for RB Salzburg thus far. The current Austrian Bundesliga champions have made an impressive start to their title defence, taking 18 points from a possible 21. The Red Bulls have found the back of the net an impressive 18 times across their seven matches thus far and Fernando has been in the thick of things since securing his move to Austria from embattled Shakhtar in July. Across his previous three league appearances, Fernando has bagged two goals from his 19 shots.
Adeyemi's replacement Fernando 🇧🇷 is a shrewd signing by RB Salzburg. Here is his golazo from today pic.twitter.com/mil2j7V33E
— Moby (@Mobyhaque1) July 23, 2022
Neymar going to the next level?
Neymar (G7 A6) has recorded a staggering 13 league goal involvements across his five appearances in Ligue 1 thus far – the most of any player in Europe’s top five leagues. The Brazilian has attempted seven shots across his previous three league appearances, returning 2 goals and missing 4 big chances in that time. During that period, Neymar did win a penalty before successfully converting it. His all-round game appears to be improving as he eliminates off-field distractions. Could his form take this PSG side all the way in Europe this season? Time will tell.
⚽️👌 @neymarjr #LOSCPSG pic.twitter.com/xSSEWWBslA
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) August 22, 2022
Nkunku key to RB Leipzig’s Champions League dreams
Christopher Nkunku has started and completed each of RB Leipzig’s five league fixtures this season. During that period, the attacker has bagged four Bundesliga goals – only two players have found the back of the net on more occasions. Despite this, Nkunku could have added to his tally as seen by his three big chances missed. Last season, Nkunku (G20 A13) notched up 33 league goal involvements, only Robert Lewandowski (38, G35 A3) notched up more from all Bundesliga players. This could well be his last season at Leipzig as Europe’s big guns as circling. He will no doubt want to leave east Germany with a bang, and a deep run in this season’s Champions League could solidify his legacy at the club. Of course, he does have pedigree in this competition, just cast your mind back to his hat-trick against Manchester City last season.
Christopher Nkunku's hat-trick at Manchester City ⚽️⚽️⚽️
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 2, 2022
⏪ Matchday 1 memories from last season@RBLeipzig_EN | #UCL pic.twitter.com/LBPUuqBfAH
Joao Mario to end Benfica’s opening-day hoodoo?
Joao Mario has been involved in five goals in his five league appearances this season for Benfica. This included a winner from the spot in the 11th minute of time added on at the weekend in Benfica’s 2-1 over Vizela. The Portuguese attacker has returned four league goals from his five shots on target, hitting the woodwork on two occasions. He’s also bagged an assist from his 14 chances created in Liga Portugal – only two players have created more opportunities for teammates. Another interesting stat: the Eagles have failed to win their opening Champions League fixture since the 2015/16 season. That could change tonight against Israeli minnows, Maccabi Haifa.
L'Estadio da Luz a vibré ! Victoire du Benfica face à Vizela sur le score de 2-1 grâce à un pénalty de João Mario au bout de la 100e minute ! pic.twitter.com/aTqdzpJceC
— As Quinas 🇵🇹 (@AsQuinasOff) September 2, 2022
Haaland to take City all the way?
Erling Haaland is the first player across Europe’s top five leagues to break into double digits on the scoring charts. The Manchester City forward could hardly have had a better start to the season – returning 11 goal involvements across just six league appearances. The 22-year-old has registered 15 shots on target in the Premier League, netting 10 times and hitting the woodwork once. Do Sevilla have an answer to the Norwegian? I’d say no, but let’s wait and see!
Double figures 🙌@ErlingHaaland 1️⃣0️⃣ pic.twitter.com/pD4E2f2sfb
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 3, 2022
