After his outstanding performance against Napoli on Wednesday night, Chelsea striker João Pedro has been nominated for the UEFA Champions League Player of the Week award. The 24-year-old Brazilian scored twice as the Blues pulled off an incredible comeback in Naples, winning 3-2 in a crucial Matchday 8 clash.
Pedro, who reportedly cost £55 million plus add-ons to move from Brighton to Stamford Bridge in the summer, performed well for the West London team when it counted most. His goals helped Chelsea rally after falling behind, tying the score at 2-2 before securing the victory. The Brazilian is now in the elite group vying for the weekly award thanks to this nomination.
Enzo Fernandez had opened the scoring for the Blues against the Italian giants, thanks to a penalty in the 19th minute. However, their hosts had no intentions of sitting still, as they powered ahead with two goals in the first half. However, Joao Pedro was in top form, scoring with his left and right foot later in the second half to seal the game for the Blues.
Who Are The Other Nominees For Player Of The Week?
Three other players were nominated in addition to João Pedro for their outstanding performances during the middle of the week. Andreas Schjelderup, a winger for Benfica, scored twice against Real Madrid. He equalized the score by going through Thibaut Courtois’ legs and then restored Benfica’s two-goal lead with a second goal from close range. The Spanish powerhouses were eliminated from automatic qualification, largely due to his performance.
With a dominant midfield performance and two goals to cap it off, Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool led his team’s crushing defeat of Qarabag, and the Reds concluded their league phase campaign with a powerful statement. Malik Tillman, meanwhile, scored an unusual first goal by charging down Villarreal goalkeeper Arnau Tenas’ attempted clearance thanks to his clever pressing. He then added a calm second from the edge of the penalty area.
After fan voting on UEFA’s website concludes, the winner will be revealed.