In the electrifying first-leg encounters of the Champions League Semi-Finals, football fans witnessed a brilliant shows of skill, tactics, and passion. Madrid’s clash with Bayern Munich showcased a masterclass in resilience, culminating in a riveting 2-2 draw that leaves the tie delicately poised. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund’s dreams of a return to the Wembley spotlight, reminiscent of their 2013 triumph, gained momentum as they edged out PSG 1-0, thwarting Kylian Mbappé’s ambitions of a Champions League glory with his hometown team. As the dust settles and anticipation builds for the decisive second legs, here are the standout players who have set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the semi-final saga.
Vinicius Jr – Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich
Vinicius Jr is simply built for the big nights. On a night where Real Madrid weren’t at their swaggy, sauntering best, Vinicius stepped up and was fantastic against Bayern in the Champions League Semi-Finals.
Vini was a thorn in the Bayern side the whole night as his pace and directness caused problems for the backline. In the first half, he scored an excellent goal, using clever movement to bypass Kim-min Jae before cooly slotting past Manuel Neuer. In the second-half, he took responsibility to take Madrid’s penalty and placed it in the opposite corner to the German goalkeeper. Two goals, 2-2, and a level playing field to take back to the Bernabeu in the Spanish capital. Bravo, Vini.
Harry Kane – Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich
On the opposite side to Vinicius was the hottest striker in the world at the moment, Harry Kane. No one has scored more goals than him in the Champions League this season. He was electric against Madrid. He really set the pace early when he tried to lob Andrey Lunin from 50 yards, but narrowly missed. But that was the sign, Kane was hungry for goals and for a Champions League Final. This was the first Champions League Semi-Finals that Kane had played in, as he was injured during Tottenham’s run in 2019.
He slotted in a calm penalty for Bayern against Madrid and was a problem for their defense throughout the entire match. He could well end up as the Champions League’s top scorer for the season, he’ll just be desperate to win it though!
Jadon Sancho – Borussia Dortmund vs. PSG
Jadon Sancho has had a turbulent season. In fact, he’s had a turbulent few years yet this was his best performance since he left Dortmund three years ago. Against PSG, Sancho was the Sancho of old. He tormented Nuno Mendes. He completed 13 successful dribbles which is the most ever by an Englishman in the competition. It was also the most by a player in a Champions League semi-final since Lionel Messi in April 2008 against Manchester United (16). Incredible.
He performed his defensive duties to a tee as well, keeping the flying full-backs at bay. Sancho was so good with the ball also, being denied an assist multiple times as he created three chances for teammates. Overall, this was the Sancho that football fans love and are desperate to see far more often. This could even be the Sancho that gets called up to the Euros this summer in Germany, if he can impress Gareth Southgate in time!
Are you excited for the next legs of the Champions League Semi-Finals?
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
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