• GK: Agustin Marchesin (Porto) - Chief backstop for the remarkable Porto defence, which has now conceded just one goal in six Champions League matches. Against a poor Juventus, Marchesin still made big saves from Adrian Rabiot and Alvaro Morata in his team’s 2-1 win. AFP
    GK: Agustin Marchesin (Porto) - Chief backstop for the remarkable Porto defence, which has now conceded just one goal in six Champions League matches. Against a poor Juventus, Marchesin still made big saves from Adrian Rabiot and Alvaro Morata in his team’s 2-1 win. AFP
  • RB: Jesus Navas (Sevilla, left) - Sevilla had a poor night defensively against Dortmund, but their veteran, reinvented full-back never bowed his head and drove the recovery from 3-1 down that keeps his side, at 3-2 behind, still in the tie.
    RB: Jesus Navas (Sevilla, left) - Sevilla had a poor night defensively against Dortmund, but their veteran, reinvented full-back never bowed his head and drove the recovery from 3-1 down that keeps his side, at 3-2 behind, still in the tie.
  • CB: Ozan Kabak (Liverpool, right) - Liverpool’s new signing needed a solid match. His Premier League debut last weekend at Leicester had been dispiriting, His Champions League bow was much improved, and a depleted Liverpool benefited from having a genuine centre-back on site against RB Leipzig. Getty
    CB: Ozan Kabak (Liverpool, right) - Liverpool’s new signing needed a solid match. His Premier League debut last weekend at Leicester had been dispiriting, His Champions League bow was much improved, and a depleted Liverpool benefited from having a genuine centre-back on site against RB Leipzig. Getty
  • CB: Pepe (Porto, left) - The old warrior still has it. Pepe organised Porto’s steadfast back four, kept Juventus’s Cristiano Ronaldo unusually quiet - apart from CR7’s vain protests for a late penalty - and could not be faulted for the late away goal in Porto’s statement 2-1 win at the Dragao. AP
    CB: Pepe (Porto, left) - The old warrior still has it. Pepe organised Porto’s steadfast back four, kept Juventus’s Cristiano Ronaldo unusually quiet - apart from CR7’s vain protests for a late penalty - and could not be faulted for the late away goal in Porto’s statement 2-1 win at the Dragao. AP
  • LB: Andy Robertson (Liverpool) - Flag-bearer for team spirit and fight in a difficult period, the Liverpool left-back covered his customary mileage and combined attacking zest with defensive vigilance against RB Leipzig. When the full-backs fly, Liverpool look like themselves again. AFP
    LB: Andy Robertson (Liverpool) - Flag-bearer for team spirit and fight in a difficult period, the Liverpool left-back covered his customary mileage and combined attacking zest with defensive vigilance against RB Leipzig. When the full-backs fly, Liverpool look like themselves again. AFP
  • DM: Leandro Paredes (PSG, left) - Commanded midfield at a Camp Nou where the home side usually assume the right to govern that area of the pitch. The Argentinian’s passing, positioning and skill with a free-kick all helped PSG to their 4-1 win at Barcelona. Reuters
    DM: Leandro Paredes (PSG, left) - Commanded midfield at a Camp Nou where the home side usually assume the right to govern that area of the pitch. The Argentinian’s passing, positioning and skill with a free-kick all helped PSG to their 4-1 win at Barcelona. Reuters
  • LM: Mahmoud Dahoud (Borussia Dortmund) - A cracking equaliser from the Syria-born midfielder launched Dortmund’s dynamic comeback from 1-0 down to 3-2 winners in Seville and his mix of deft touches and busy running helped his team establish control of most of the first leg. AP
    LM: Mahmoud Dahoud (Borussia Dortmund) - A cracking equaliser from the Syria-born midfielder launched Dortmund’s dynamic comeback from 1-0 down to 3-2 winners in Seville and his mix of deft touches and busy running helped his team establish control of most of the first leg. AP
  • RM: Sergio Oliveira (Porto) - Key to Porto’s highly effective pressing of a bewildered Juventus, the midfielder’s energy and confidence will embolden his side when they go to Turin a goal ahead for the second leg. Went close to capping an impressive display with a goal of his own. AFP
    RM: Sergio Oliveira (Porto) - Key to Porto’s highly effective pressing of a bewildered Juventus, the midfielder’s energy and confidence will embolden his side when they go to Turin a goal ahead for the second leg. Went close to capping an impressive display with a goal of his own. AFP
  • AM: Marco Verratti (PSG) - The Italian has thrived in a more advanced role under new PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino. He was an ally to Kylian Mbappe at one end and typical authoritative at the other, with one superb tackle to thwart Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann. AFP
    AM: Marco Verratti (PSG) - The Italian has thrived in a more advanced role under new PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino. He was an ally to Kylian Mbappe at one end and typical authoritative at the other, with one superb tackle to thwart Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann. AFP
  • CF: Kylian Mbappe (PSG) - A sensational night for the 22-year-old, with a hat-trick in what was his first-ever match against Barcelona. Three fine finishes and an all-round performance not just of pace, but tactical nous, creativity and maturity. Reuters
    CF: Kylian Mbappe (PSG) - A sensational night for the 22-year-old, with a hat-trick in what was his first-ever match against Barcelona. Three fine finishes and an all-round performance not just of pace, but tactical nous, creativity and maturity. Reuters
  • CF: Erling Haaland (Dortmund) - Even against a famously resolute Sevilla defence, the Norwegian juggernaut broke through. His two goals, both products of aggressive running and finessed shooting, take the 20-year-old’s Champions League goal tally to 18. And that’s in just 13 games. Reuters
    CF: Erling Haaland (Dortmund) - Even against a famously resolute Sevilla defence, the Norwegian juggernaut broke through. His two goals, both products of aggressive running and finessed shooting, take the 20-year-old’s Champions League goal tally to 18. And that’s in just 13 games. Reuters

Football

Two young striking sensations including Erling Haaland: Champions League team of the week

One old warrior shows he still has class

Ian Hawkey
Ian Hawkey
London

February 18, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

The knockout stages of the Champions League started with some commanding performances and stunning setbacks.

Kylian Mbappe's amazing hat-trick earned Paris Saint-Germain a 4-1 victory at Barcelona in the first leg of their round of 16 encounter. Barca are known for their comebacks, but even Lionel Messi will struggle to get his side through after this reverse.

Premier League champions Liverpool have crumbled lately, slipping to sixth place and 16 points behind leaders Manchester City, but that was forgotten as they beat RB Leipzig 2-0 in the first leg, with goals from the ever-reliable Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Erling Haaland continued his stunning scoring run in the Champions League as Borussia Dortmund put aside their domestic woes to take control of their last-16 tie with Sevilla, winning 3-2 and the striker netting twice as he terrorised the Spaniards' defence.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a frustrating night as Juventus were beaten 2-1 by Porto, setting up an intriguing second leg on March 9.

Reflecting on the latest games, Ian Hawkey has provided his Champions League team of the week in the photo gallery above. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.

FootballSport