Champions League Awards: Atletico agony, PSG send statement | OneFootball

Our Champions League Awards honour the best – and worst – of the midweek European action, featuring the Madrid derby and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Moment of the Week

Atletico Madrid just can’t exorcise their demons against Real Madrid. For the fifth time the capital clubs met in the Champions League and, for the fifth time, Real Madrid progressed. It’s often been agonising for Atletico and this was no different. Conor Gallagher’s goal inside 27 seconds saw The Metropolitano erupt as Atletico levelled the tie, one unable to be separated across 210 minutes of action.

As was the case in the 2016 final between the teams, penalties decided the outcome. Again, Atletico fell short. Julian Alvarez’s spot-kick was dramatically ruled out as the Argentine slipped on contact, deemed to have touched the ball twice before it hit the net.

Though Jan Oblak saved from Lucas Vazquez, Marcos Llorente hit his effort against the bar for Atleti. Antonio Rudiger settled the shootout – and tie – to keep Real Madrid’s dream of a 16th European title alive. Atletico’s ambitions ended again by their fiercest rivals.

Player of the Week

Gianluigi Donnarumma had his critics after Paris Saint-German’s defeat to Liverpool last week. While Alisson was extraordinary at the other end to frustrate the French champions, Donnarumma failed to get a strong enough hand to Harvey Elliott’s smash-and-grab winner.

The Italian answered those critics at Anfield. An engrossing game saw the two teams trade blows throughout on Merseyside, with Donnarumma equal to anything Liverpool threw at him. He relieved pressure with six aerial claims, before standing tall to decide the shootout.

Saves from Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones sent PSG into the quarter-finals and few will fancy facing Luis Enrique’s side in the latter stages. For Donnarumma, it was another unforgettable evening in England, after his heroics for Italy during the Euro 2020 final at Wembley. He’s now faced 12 penalties in shootouts in England, with seven saved or missed.

Goal of the Week

We have not seen anything like Lamine Yamal before. Not at this age. Not Lionel Messi. Not Cristiano Ronaldo. Perhaps not even Pele, given the different era, despite World Cup success at 17.

It’s easy to forget that Yamal does not turn 18 until July. He’s already approaching 60 goals and assists for club and country. He’s won a major international tournament. La Liga and, perhaps, the Champions League could follow before that 18th birthday.

The youngest player to score and assist in a Champions League game this week, he helped Barcelona book their place in the last eight. Another moment of magic to savour from the teenager.

Save of the Week

Lucas Chevalier might just be a man in demand this summer. The goalkeeper has been outstanding during Lille’s run to the knockout rounds and did his utmost to defy Dortmund in the last 16. It wasn’t enough for progress, but triple saves of this ilk will have turned the heads of recruiters.

Stat of the Week

Aston Villa fans have a new favourite.

It’s not too often January signings hit the ground running but Marco Asensio has done just that. Two goals against Club Brugge took The Villans into the Champions League quarter-finals and made it seven in all competitions since his loan arrival from PSG.

Time to open talks over a permanent deal?

Read – Is Liverpool’s European exit the end of Salah’s Ballon d’Or dream?

See more – PSG rebrand could end with elusive Champions League glory

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