The UEFA Champions League gave us a high-flying spectacle this week in the first legs of the semi-finals.
In fact, two confrontations were on the program, starting with a spectacular Manchester City against Real Madrid that ended with a score of 4-3 in favor of the Englishman.
This conference will surely enter the history of the most beautiful matches of the competition.
Beyond the score, it was the show and the bravery shown by the actors of this meeting that marked all the circle ball lovers of the planet.
The collective dominance of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s staff will erase any hope that Real Madrid will thrive without top-flight Karim Benzema.
The French international, who is having the best season of his career with 41 goals in 41 games, has once again turned gold bars into crumbs at the Etihad Stadium.
A scenario has been repeated over and over again this season with a team that relies heavily on its glowing form.
We should highlight his double: first a gentle recovery with the left foot after a cross from Ferland Mendy (1-2, 33rd), then a great panenka under the bar and right in the middle of Ederson’s goal (3- 4, 82nd).
A world-class gesture reminiscent of Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 World Cup final against Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
With these two victories, and by taking points at every opportunity, Karim Benzema pulled his team from the abyss where the English were trying to knock them down before the promising return match scheduled for May 4 in Santiago-Bernabéu stadium.
What impressed me the most about this guy was his ability to raise the chin of each of his teammates, individually, after each goal, and much more during the game.
This is the mark of a true champion who shows relentless resilience.
Moreover, the European press is on fire for the 34-year-old player who continues to improve over time.
So, in Spain, the newspaper brand the goalcorer points out continues to make history at Real Madrid.
Same story in England, where the Daily Mail praises the performance of the French striker: An impressive City is ahead of Real Madrid, but Benzema’s genius gives hope to the Spaniards.
Another semi-final saw Liverpool’s Jurgën Klopp argue against Villareal, coached by Unai Emery.
The Reds, thanks to their earnest attack, easily won at home 2-0, leaving very little hope for yellow submarineswho needs to make a success to qualify next week.
Sadio Mané, author of the second goal, is the only player in my view capable of competing with Benzema in the race for the Ballon d’Or.
Author of 18 goals and 2 assists in 41 games, the Senegalese international is definitely unbeatable this season.
Winner of the African Cup of Nations and qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar, Mané is still in the race to win all the competitions in which Liverpool are involved.
The winner of a hypothetical final between Real Madrid and Liverpool will certainly determine the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner between the two strikers.
Meeting next week!
Source: Radio-Canada
