Desh Parthab looks at five players to keep an eye on in this evening’s Champions League fixtures including Raphina’s Raphina, Romelu Lukaku and more!
12 of the 16 teams for the next round of the Champions League have been decided. Who will join them? Just two points separate Group D leaders Tottenham from Marseille, and it’s all to play for. A draw will be enough for Spurs or Sporting CP to qualify, with Conte’s men guaranteed a third-placed finish at worst.
AC Milan are also in a position to progress with a stalemate and can’t finish bottom of Group E irrespective of results.
Atletico Madrid have lost their previous three away Champions League fixtures – a record-equalling run. Los Colchoneros are out of the running and are up against a Porto outfit who could potentially finish in 1st place at the end of the evening.
Jurgen Klopp is set to become the first German manager to oversee a century of games in the UCL when his Liverpool team host Napoli. Will it be a night to remember or forget for the Merseyside mentor?
Simeone sets sights in languishing Reds
Giovanni Simeone (4) is the top scorer in the highest-scoring team in the tournament. The Napoli forward has found the back of the net in three of his previous four Champions League appearances, delivering a brace last time out. In the Italian topflight, the dangerman has returned two goals from just two shots. Napoli dispatched Sassuolo 4-0 on the weekend and their rampant form may very well continue this evening against a Liverpool side who have lost back-to-back league outings.
Al 10’ il Napoli palleggia sulla destra, Simeone è di nuovo tra i due centrali e appena Di Lorenzo può giocare la palla scoperta li attacca alle spalle: 1-0. pic.twitter.com/blX6ksJtLh
— FrancescoEvangelista (@fevangelista10) October 27, 2022
Lukaku coming into some form
Romelu Lukaku marked his return from injury with a goal on Champions League duty! The Inter forward struck on MD5 as the Nerrazzuri ran riot, putting four past Viktoria Plzen without reply, to ensure their hunt for the Champions League continues. The Belgian is could make his first start of the tournament this evening when Inter do battle against a Bayern outfit who have won each of their previous 12 group stage matches.
Internazionale 4️⃣ 🆚 0️⃣ Viktoria Plzen
— Fut New's BR ⚽️ (@futnewsbr2022) October 26, 2022
⚽️ Lukaku
🎯 Joaquin Correa
🏆 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 🇪🇺#UCL #INTPLZ pic.twitter.com/whlNSAsAMh
Berghuis shining for battling Ajax
Steven Berghuis has notched up three goal involvements in the Champions League this season. The Ajax dangerman has bagged two assists from his five chances created and helped himself to a goal on opening day. The midfielder has attempted a team-high 10 shots across his five tournament appearances this season, hitting the woodwork once. Ajax come into this one on the back of four straight defeats in the competition, conceding 15 goals during that period.
This is just an unbelievable goal from Berghuis.
— Marc Geschwind (@MarcGeschwind) October 22, 2022
He's carrying us right now. pic.twitter.com/2MyrQJqz9n
Raphina and Barca aiming to bow out on a high
Barcelona have failed to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League in consecutive campaigns, but Raphinha could ease Xavi’s woes this evening. The playmaker has attempted four shots across his previous three appearances, missing two big chances in that time. Furthermore, he delivered an assist during that spell (in their 1-0 victory against Valencia, on the weekend) and could be in amongst the goals and assists when the Blaugrana make the trip to the Czech Republic.
🅰️🇧🇷 Raphinha
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) November 1, 2022
⚽️🇵🇱 @lewy_official
➕3⃣ @FCBarcelona #LaLigaHighlights | #LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/Mhm0HZN4EQ
Jutgla loving life in Flanders
Ferran Jutgla has been involved in four goals across his five Champions League appearances this season. The forward has registered a team-high six shots on target for Brugge, returning two goals. Furthermore, he has returned two assists from his three chances created. Club Brugge have booked their spot in the knockouts, however, will finish top of the group with a victory tonight.
😎 @JutglaFerran 😎
— Liga de Campeones (@LigadeCampeones) October 8, 2022
2⃣⚽ #UCL@ClubBrugge 9⃣ puntos pic.twitter.com/tMRzEDHWC5
