Last time when a ball was kicked in the Europe’s elite competition, it was December 11 as hearts were broken for many teams while other cherished the moment. Thus, when Champions League resumed from its customary mid-season break on Tuesday, the teams taking part were feeling the heat. And as evident by the 6 goals that were scored in 4 matches, every team was relying on the other to make a move.
Here are top 4 performers from game-week 15 of the UEFA Champions League: –
Branislav Ivanovic
Even though it is John Terry who has been famous for scoring goals amongst the Chelsea defenders, the recent form of the 30 year old Serbian has helped Chelsea a lot. While his main job is defending and there is no-body denying it, the Chelsea defender seemed to have developed a knack of scoring important goals.
From that Capital One Cup semi-final goal which granted Chelsea a place in the Final, to Tuesday’s much needed strike against Paris Saint Germain, Branislav Ivanovic has been turning out to be a match-winner for Chelsea this season.
Thibaut Courtois
While in terms of depth many Premier League teams can match Chelsea this season, it has been their goal-keeping department that is a source of envy to power-houses around the Europe. Having had two goal-keepers at the helm, Jose Mourinho has been blessed with a God-gifted strength this season.
Thus, while at one hand it hands Jose Mourinho some un-formidable force, it gets the best out of the 22 year old Belgian who has just moved to the Bridge in the summer of 2014. His performance against Paris Saint Germain was a reminiscence that why Jose Mourinho benched Petr Cech in his favor.
Thus going into the 2nd leg with everything tied on the score-board, Thibaut Courtois deserves a huge round of applause from Chelsea fans.
Fernando
For a player who isn’t known to the European folklore, the Shakhtar defensive midfielder produced one of the performance of the season on Tuesday. Coming into this match on the back of an 8-0 win at home, Bayern Munich seemed confident that Shakhtar would simply fall into line. However, as epitomized by the red card received by Xabi Alonso on his 100th Champions League appearance, the Bavarians were in for a shock.
At just 22 years of age and having Brazilian blood in his veins, Fernando took the game by the scruff of its neck.
Playing against the likes of veterans Xabi Alonso and Bastian Schweistiger both of whom have a World Cup trophy in their respective cabinet, Fernando epitomized his game and anchored the game for Shakhtar.
Marcelo
Although the Real Madrid team has been filled with players that rise to the occasion, the 26 year old left back has been their important member of late. From scoring in the Champions League final last season to a goal yesterday to settle the match in favor of Real Madrid, the Brazilian has been turning out to be a force for Real Madrid in the last 2 seasons.
UEFA Champions League: Top 4 performers from Game-week 15’
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