Our Champions League Awards honour the best – and worst – of the midweek action, featuring Alisson Becker, Julian Alvarez and more.
Moment of the Week
An absolute smash and grab.
Liverpool were clinging to the ropes for much of their Champions League clash at Paris Saint-Germain, with the French champions dominant from start to finish. The Reds rode their luck at the Parc des Princes, as a narrow offside and questionable red card decision went in their favour inside the opening 45 minutes. PSG peppered the visitor’s goal but found Alisson in outstanding form for Liverpool. The Brazilian made nine saves, setting the stage for a stunning late winner.
-25 – Liverpool beat PSG despite having 25 fewer shots than them (2 to 27) – the joint-biggest negative difference in shots by a winning team on record (from 2003-04) in a UEFA Champions League knockout stage game (after PSG, v Bayern in April 2021). Miracle. pic.twitter.com/ghdsS1Sot0
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 5, 2025
Arne Slot’s side refused to throw in the towel despite being pummelled in Paris, before a moment that could decide the tie. In the 87th-minute, two substitutes combined for Liverpool, as Darwin Nunez teed up the onrushing Harvey Elliott to score the winner with his first touch. He’d been on the pitch just 47 seconds, while it was Liverpool’s first shot on target.
Liverpool, somehow, lead in this tie.
Football, bloody hell.
Player of the Week
Harvey Elliott called him the best in the world. Alisson admitted afterwards it was perhaps the finest performance of his career. Both appear applicable.
The Brazilian’s brilliance kept Liverpool in the contest at Paris Saint-Germain, with Alisson a one-man act of defiance in the face of fierce PSG pressure. Chance after chance arrived. Save after save was made. A strong hand kept out Khvicha Kvaratskhelia low hit, before a full-length sprawl stopped Desire Doue late on.
Liverpool’s last trip to Paris in the Champions League saw them defied the trophy by a goalkeeping masterclass from Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois. This time, it went in their favour. An elite shot-stopper can make all the difference.
Manager of the Week
Fair play, Mikel Arteta.
The Arsenal manager has had hit critics this season, with the club’s failure to sign a striker contributing to their stuttering title challenge. Europe offers an alternative route to a historic season and the Gunners are making a good fist of it.
The first team in history to score 7+ goals in a Champions League knockout stage. All without a recognised forward. This will do the North Londoners a world of good.
7 – Arsenal are the first team in UEFA Champions League history to score 7+ goals away from home in a knockout stage match. Narrative. #PSVARS pic.twitter.com/bRoMGxhoIf
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 4, 2025
Goal of the Week
Madrid came to a standstill on Tuesday night when the capital’s clubs collided on the Champions League stage. Real Madrid will take a narrow lead into the second leg, though this Julian Alvarez goal leaves the tie finely poised.
An unstoppable finish from the Argentine.
Ladies & gentlemen, let me introduce you the #UCL Goal of the Day 🤟 pic.twitter.com/PltOcTHy0X
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) March 5, 2025
However, we couldn’t let this week’s awards pass without a mention for Karim Adeyemi.
Just look at that view.
Can’t stop watching this. pic.twitter.com/C9t9683fBy
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) March 5, 2025
Save of the Week
Why choose just one?
Alisson Becker at his very best in Paris.
Sit back and enjoy the Alisson masterclass from tonight 🍿
All the saves from a memorable night for the Reds. pic.twitter.com/H3DPCC21M8
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 5, 2025
Stat of the Week
Inter Milan are the toughest of nuts to crack this season.
Nine games, just one goal conceded. The Nerazzurri are a dark horse for the trophy.
Inter have conceded just 1 goal in 9 #UCL matches this season 🤯 pic.twitter.com/gxDk0YJdfC
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 5, 2025
Read – Liverpool ‘keeper Alisson calls PSG performance ‘the best of my life’
See more – Lizbeth Ovalle has scored the best goal you will see all year
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