The two best players of this generation proved why they are titled as such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s heroics earned victories for their respective teams in Europe. it was a huge win for Manchester United who have been struggling recently whilst Messi’s heroics saved Paris-Saint Germain from losing to the worst team in the group.
How Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s Heroics Earned Victories
Lionel Messi Rescues PSG
Messi scored two goals to help secure the 3-2 win over RB Leipzig . Without a doubt he could have had a hat trick but Kylian Mbappe was the man to take a late penalty. Mbappe completely blew it. Messi has been PSG’s best player in two of their Champions League games. His sensational strike versus Manchester City ended Manchester City chances of coming back. A loss or draw to Leipizig would put PSG behind Manchester City. Peter Gulacsi the Leipzig goalkeeper had no shot to save Messi’s shot after a beautiful pass from Kylian Mbappe. Messi’s penalty secured the win. Leipzig is a team who will not give up during the game but they just won’t win. It’s a reason they are struggling in the Bundesliga as well. It should be noted Neymar did not play in this game.
Neymar’s absence showed his importance to the team. With Neymar it opens it up for other players to score and teams have to worry about three prolific goalscorers. Keylor Navas showed why he’s a multiple Champions League winner making some big saves to keep PSG in it.
Ronaldo’s Late Heroics
This is the second straight game in which Ronaldo has scored the late winner to get Manchester United the win. Atalanta had looked like they were going to put the game away after goals by Mario Pasalic and Merih Demiral but Manchester United seemed to play their best football with their backs against the wall in a must win game and scored three second half goals.
Despite not scoring, both Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani set up Ronaldo’s heroics because of their assists for Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire. Ronaldo’s winner helped Manchester United to go top of the group and keep Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s job safe for now. This win could carry momentum into the Liverpool game on Sunday 24th October. Ronaldo now has 137 Champions League goals and is the all-time Champions League top goalscorer and is one competition where he excels over Messi.
Possible Future Matchup
These two teams could potentially meet in the Champions League knockout stage. PSG have arguably the most talented team if everyone is fit and by the time they reach the knockout stage and have their strongest eleven they could well be playing their best ever Football.
Ronaldo has shown he can carry a team and lead them to success and he has been the best player in Champions League history with the trophies and goals to back that up. If either Messi or Ronaldo do win the Champions League this season it would just add to their sensational legacy. PSG are expected to win it right now whilst Ronaldo winning it in his first season back with Manchester United would be a far bigger story.
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