⭐ Champions League: the three standout performers of the night

Big night, with hard-fought matches and top teams put in difficulty. Focus on three players who particularly shone during this Champions League evening.

🥉 Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

He is inevitable. A man for the big occasions, always hungry for goals, Erling Haaland didn't miss the chance to score this Thursday against Napoli.

Hyperactive, he eventually broke down a compact Napoli defense, which was reduced to 10 men after just 25 minutes. A goal that greatly eased his team's task, and allowed him to break an astonishing record: he became the fastest man in history to reach 50 goals in the Champions League (in 49 matches). Bravo, sir, we can only bow down.

🥈 Hans Vanaken (Bruges)

Monaco was no match for Bruges this Thursday. A monumental rout, owed largely to the quality of the Belgian team, once again well led by their captain Hans Vanaken.

The tall attacking midfielder (1.95m), a Belgian international, once again delivered a top-class performance on the European stage, at 33 years old. The stats speak for themselves: 1 goal, 1 assist, 4 key passes, 61 touches, 100% dribbles completed. A true leader.

🥇 Marcus Rashford (Barcelona)

He had a very complicated first half. Invisible and imprecise, struggling in his duel with compatriot Trippier, it was hard to imagine he would end up being the man of the match for Barcelona.

He opened the scoring with a powerful header from a Koundé cross (58'), before doubling the lead with a missile that went in off the bar (67')! A life-saving brace that got Barça out of a real trap against a team that came back late in the match (2-1). The Englishman picked the perfect moment to open his account with the Catalan club, his first Champions League goals since 2021.

Special mention to Can Uzun, the attacking midfielder from Frankfurt, who shone and scored in his first Champions League match, at 19 years old. Another Turkish gem to watch, alongside Güler and Yildiz. An impressive talent pool.

And you, who impressed you tonight? Tell us in the comments!

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📸 DARREN STAPLES - AFP or Licensors