In a thrilling display of football excellence during the Champions League Round of 16, several players left an indelible mark on the pitch. Powered by 365Scores’ cutting-edge features, we highlight three standout performers from the riveting clashes: RB Leipzig vs Real Madrid, FC Copenhagen vs Manchester City, PSG vs Real Sociedad, and Lazio vs Bayern. These extraordinary talents showcased skill, determination, and prowess, capturing the essence of football’s premier competition.
Brahim Diaz – RB Leipzig 0-1 Real Madrid
When Jude Bellingham is out, Real Madrid have to look towards other sources of inspiration. Luckily for them, they have a squad that is rich in talent and Brahim Diaz was waiting in the wings to take his opportunity. Operating just behind Vinicius and Rodrygo, Bellingham’s usual stomping ground, Diaz was everywhere, as you can see by the 365Scores heatmap below. He predominantly veered towards the right but operated all across the pitch.
He created four chances for his teammates and scored the decisive goal. This wasn’t just any goal. This was the goal of a player who had been waiting for an opportunity to start a match like this for Real Madrid and it was sensational. Receiving the ball on the right wing, Diaz skilfully pivoted away from his marker in a Messi-esque manner before cutting inside, taking on one more and bending the ball into the far corner. Incredible.
Phil Foden – FC Copenhagen 1-3 Manchester City
Phil Foden’s performance against Copenhagen showcased his immense talent and importance to Manchester City. With 90 minutes played, Foden not only netted a goal but also provided a crucial assist, demonstrating his clinical finishing and playmaking abilities. His Expected Goals (xG) of 0.45 and Expected Assists (xA) of 0.24 underline his efficiency in front of the goal and his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Foden’s dynamic presence was felt throughout the match, evident in his impressive 92% pass accuracy from 74 attempted passes and his successful dribble attempts, winning three out of five. His ability to win ground duels and aerial duels highlights his versatility and effectiveness in both attacking and defensive situations. This season, Foden has elevated his game to another level, consistently delivering standout performances. With his skill set and consistency, Foden has undoubtedly established himself as a world-class talent, crucial to Manchester City’s success.
Fabian Ruiz – PSG 2-0 Real Sociedad
Fabian Ruiz showcased his reliability and effectiveness for PSG against Sociedad with a solid performance. Despite not finding the back of the net himself, Ruiz contributed significantly with an assist, demonstrating his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. His passing accuracy was outstanding, completing 96% of his passes, including four accurate long balls out of five attempted, showcasing his vision and ability to switch play effectively. Additionally, Ruiz won the majority of his ground duels, highlighting his strength and determination in midfield battles. His defensive contribution was notable as well, with three interceptions and two successful tackles, indicating his ability to disrupt opposition attacks and regain possession for his team. Since his acquisition from Napoli in 2022, Ruiz has consistently proved to be a valuable asset for PSG, providing stability and quality in midfield.
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By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
