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4 things we learned from this week’s Champions League matches

By Alex Perez

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 08: Luis Suarez (L) and Javier Mascherano of Barcelona celebrate victory after the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou on March 8, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona won by 6 goals to one to win 6-5 on aggregate. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 08: Luis Suarez (L) and Javier Mascherano of Barcelona celebrate victory after the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou on March 8, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona won by 6 goals to one to win 6-5 on aggregate. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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This week’s Champions League action left us all in awe

All four games played this week provided a lot to analyze and four main lessons learned.

Real Madrid doesn’t need Ronaldo’s goals

Although Cristiano Ronaldo is Real Madrid’s all-time top goalscorer, his effectiveness hasn’t been the same as other seasons. And that showed on Tuesday’s match against Napoli.

Once again it was the captain Sergio Ramos pulling through with a goal and later causing an own goal. Alvaro Morata also had a say in Madrid’s win scoring late in to stoppage time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTJdgZAAqMk

Every time Alvaro Morata has scored this season, Real Madrid has won their game. But above all, Sergio Ramos always shows up in Real Madrid’s most crucial moments, and he showed that again at Napoli.

Alexis Sanchez played his last Champions League match with Arsenal

Anyone following Arsenal as of late knows that Alexis Sanchez isn’t happy at the club. His differences with Arsene Wenger are evident. As a result, the team has been performing poorly.

Sanchez was benched in last Saturday’s game against Liverpool and was subbed off in the 72nd minute against Bayern Munich.

After Arturo Vidal scored the fifth goal of the night for Bayern, Sanchez was spotted laughing on the bench.


That’s not the first time. While his team was down 2-0 against Liverpool, he was seen doing the same thing.

It almost looks like he’s enjoying his future ex team’s failure.

Barcelona are the New England Patriots of Soccer

PSG dismantled Barcelona in the first leg of the Round of 16. A 4-0 deficit had never been turned around by anyone in Champions League history. Barcelona took on the challenge.

Scoring three unanswered goals in the second leg, Barcelona looked to write their name in the history books. But Edinson Cavani had different plans. Scoring at the 62nd minute mark, Barca’s task looked almost impossible needing three goals to advance.

To the surprise of everyone, Neymar (twice) and Sergi Roberto combined for three goals in the last seven minutes. Barcelona pulled off a New England Patriots like comeback to advance to the quarter-finals.

Christian Pulisic is on the read to being a world class player

Marco Reus’ newest injury gave Christian Pulisic the opportunity to play some minutes. He scored off the bench on Saturday against Bayer Leverkusen and got the start against Benfica in the Champions League and did not disappoint.

His speed and versatility in the final third of the pitch was too much for Benfica’s defense. Contributing with a goal and an assist, Borussia Dortmund advanced to the quarter finals of the tournament.

Next: Barcelona make Champions League history

Pulisic is now the youngest goalscorer in Champions League history for Borussia Dortmund. Pulisic’s success in Germany has people back at home thrilled.

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