Pentastic strikes that lit up first leg of Champions League quarterfinals
The first leg matches of the Champions League quarterfinals have proved that Europe’s blue ribbon competition is of the highest quality. Barring Real Madrid’s romp against Borussia Dortmund at home, every other fixture featured a goal that would be a contender for the best of the season. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho did his best to pin the blame for PSG midfielder Javier Pastore’s slalom strike against his team in Paris on poor defending. The Portuguese showman called the superb goal a joke. Try telling that to a PSG supporter. There would be no goals if all defenders and goalkeepers in the world did their work to perfection. Here is a recap of the five wonder strikes that illuminated the first leg.
Diego Ribas (Atletico Madrid): The little Brazilian’s goal against Barcelona was a reminder of his undoubted talent. After replacing Diego Costa, who went off injured by the half-hour mark, Ribas gave Atletico the lead at Camp Nou with a sensational 25-yard strike from the right. Even Lev Yashin would have struggled to put a hand to the ball because the Brazilian had packed so much power into his shot that also swerved wickedly. It was a goal that would have made Lionel Messi proud.
Neymar (Barcelona): Barcelona’s response to Diego’s stunning strike was equally good if not better. Neymar’s equaliser was more about Andres Iniesta’s magical assist than the excellent first-time finish of the Brazilian. Iniesta hoodwinked Atletico’s defence with a divine ball to the onrushing Neymar with the outside of his right foot. It’s the kind of pass that makes football such a compelling spectacle.
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich): The German midfielder made an outstanding goal look so simple when he volleyed home a cushioned header with the ease of swatting a fly. Like Barcelona, Bayern were under pressure to respond to their opponents’ lead. And, what a response it turned out to be.
Ezequiel Lavezzi (PSG): The match against Chelsea was only three minutes old when Lavezzi sent PSG fans into raptures with a magisterial goal. He was in the right place to gather John Terry’s poor defensive header but he made it count by controlling the ball on his chest before blasting it in on the half volley.
Javier Pastore (PSG): The PSG midfielder who came on for compatriot Lavezzi five minutes from time would alter the course of the tie immeasurably with virtually the last kick. What preceded the final shot wasn’t certainly a joke. Pastore proved what he was capable of with a mazy run from the right byline before pulling the trigger with a thunderous shot. Chelsea goalie Petr Cech was beaten all ends up at his near post.
