After the last four matches of the Champions League Round of 16, we’ve picked out a handful of standout footballers based on five different categories: The Gamechanger (MVP), The Finisher (scorer of many/jaw-dropping goals), The Playmaker (creator of goals/chances), The Protector (standout defender) and The Stopper (top goalkeeper).
Here are our five selections from Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s matches, including a heroic performance in goal and one of the best Champions League matches ever.
THE GAMECHANGER
Sergio Aguero, Manchester City
Talk about a statement game. The Argentine’s future in Manchester has been in question ever since the arrival of Gabriel Jesus, and had it not been for the Brazilian’s ankle injury, Aguero likely wouldn’t have started Tuesday against AS Monaco. Instead, the 28-year-old striker was the best player on the pitch in what may stand up as the match of the year.
Aguero was able to rebound from a 35th-minute yellow card and help the Citizens battle back from a pair of one-goal deficits to a stunning 5-3 victory. His first goal was an impressive individual effort to tie the game at 2-2 (with a little help from Monaco keeper Danijel Subasic).
And after Radamel Falcao gave Monaco another lead, Aguero turned it on. He drew City level with a stunning volley off a corner in the 71st minute.
And after John Stones gave them the lead, Aguero gave up the chance for a hat trick to seal the win with an assist in the 82nd.
In the face of adversity Aguero stepped up rather than backing down, and the result was one of the best Champions League performances we’ve seen this season.
THE FINISHER
Radamel Falcao, AS Monaco
If Monaco are able to stage a comeback in next month’s second leg, Falcao’s two away goals in Manchester will be a crucial part of it.
After scoring just twice in his time with Manchester United on loan during the 2014-15 campaign, the Colombian striker equalled that total Tuesday night. And he did it in style.
The first was a masterful header on the end of a pinpoint cross from Fabinho.
The second was a real stunner, as Falcao gobbled up a long ball from Thomas Lemar, made quick work of John Stones and deftly chipped the ball over the head of goalkeeper Willy Caballero for Monaco’s third goal.
Unfortunately, it may also be Falcao’s missed opportunities in the game that come back to haunt Monaco.
But if Tuesday was any indication of things to come in the second leg, get ready for more madness and more Falcao goals.
THE PLAYMAKER
Kevin Gameiro, Atletico Madrid
Gameiro hasn’t enjoyed the best of first seasons in Madrid, scoring just nine goals over 22 appearances since joining Atletico from Sevilla over the summer.
The Frenchman’s recent form, however, has been anything but poor.
After scoring La Liga’s fastest hat trick in more than 20 years (four minutes, 44 seconds) against Sporting Gijon over the weekend, Gameiro had arguably his best game of the season Tuesday away at Bayer Leverkusen.
After Saul Niguez opened the scoring with an absolute cracker, Gameiro beautifully set up Antoine Griezmann less than 10 minutes later for Atleti’s second of the match.
While Leverkusen would twice pull within a goal, the game (and likely the tie) was over when Gameiro converted a 59th-minute penalty to give Madrid its third away goal, 10 minutes after he put one off the woodwork.
With Gameiro and Griezmann clicking up front, los Rojiblancos may be a true contender for the trophy.
THE PROTECTOR
Alex Sandro, Juventus
Two late substitutions proved the difference for Juventus in Portugal, but Juve’s Brazilian wingback caused trouble for hosts FC Porto all match long.
Sandro’s crosses, in particular, were vital in the Juventus attack and led directly to the bianconeri’s second goal. Dani Alves’ 74th-minute marker is likely a dagger in the heart of Porto’s quarterfinal dreams.
Add in the above-mentioned four tackles, a pair of interceptions and a clearance, and Sandro was a menace all over the pitch in Wednesday’s first leg.
THE STOPPER
Kasper Schmeichel, Leicester City
No, the defending Premier League champions weren’t able to claim victory in Seville Wednesday, but Jamie Vardy did slot home an away goal, and Leicester head home for the second leg needing just a 1-0 result to advance.
That doesn’t happen without their Danish ‘keeper.
Schmeichel was peppered early and often by a dangerous Sevilla attack, making four big saves in the first 35 minutes of the match including a penalty save just 13 minutes in.
Eventually, Sevilla was able to take advantage of the Foxes’ lax defending with a splendid header from Pablo Sarabia, the first Champions League goal Schmeichel had conceded in quite some time.
Sevilla added another goal in the second half, but without Schmeichel the score sheet would look much more daunting ahead of the second leg at King Power Stadium.
Because of Schmeichel the floundering English title holders have a lifeline in the Champions League.
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