With the last 16 stage of the UEFA Champions League nearing its conclusion, we take a look back at some of the best goals from of this year’s group stage:
5. MARLOS vs. Feyenoord (01.11.17)
Shakhtar Donetsk’s Brazilian-born Ukrainian attacking midfielder Marlos capped off a brilliant 3-1 win over Dutch side Feyenoord with a delightful finish on Matchday 4.
Following a slick passing team move, Marlos received the ball on the edge of the box with space ahead. The skilful midfielder then faked to shoot with his left before dragging the ball onto his right foot, leaving the opposition defender twisted and stumbling.
With the keeper fast approaching and the goal angle narrowing, Marlos kept his composure to produce an exquisite chipped shot that floated into the back of the net and sent the fans wild.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7u4ZgW3qj0
4. TOSUN vs. Porto (13.09.17)
In the opening game of group G, Turkish giants Besiktas travelled to play Porto at the Estádio do Dragão in what was to be an exciting match with the visitors winning 3-1.
The pick of the goals on that evening would come courtesy of Cenk Tosun. The Besiktas forward – now of Everton following a £27 million January move – received a pass around 30 yards from goal, opening his body and taking the ball on the turn.
With one touch to set himself, Tosun then unleashed a thunderous dipping effort at goal, rocketing into the top of the net leaving the keeper no chance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYyaSx8FEEQ
3. EL SHAARAWY vs. Chelsea (31.10.17)
As two of Europe’s big hitters met in the Italian capital, many expected a close and intense affair. However, an outstanding individual performance from Stephan El Shaarawy compiled with 2 goals, sent the hosts on their way to a comfortable 3-0 victory.
A player renowned for his trickery, pace and moments of magic, the Italian forward opened the scoring with a beauty of a strike after just 38 seconds. A long ball forward towards Dzeko was knocked back to the edge of the box, where El Shaarawy was quickest to react.
Arriving at speed, he produced a wonderful piece of technique to strike the ball on the half volley with the outside of his foot, sending the ball spinning towards the top corner of the Chelsea goal.
2. BALE vs. Borussia Dortmund (26.09.17)
Plagued with injury since his move to Real Madrid in 2013, Bale has struggled to show his best form for the ‘Galacticos’, Bale proved he is still full of quality with an impressive finish in the match against Dortmund.
A highly anticipated clash in the so called group of death, containing three potential champions, the meeting at the Signal Iduna Park would be a crucial fixture for both. With the game poised at 0-0, Bale opened up the scoring in the 17th minute of his sides 3-1 victory.
Peeling away from his marker at the far post, the Welshman was found by an excellent cross from full-back Carvajal, Bale watched as the ball dropped over his shoulder before producing a magnificent side foot volley across the goal into the roof of the net.
1. GRIEZMANN vs. Roma (22.11.17)
In what was a must win game for his side, Frenchman Antoine Griezmann produced the goal of the group stages with an acrobatic overhead kicked to send his side to 2-0 victory to keep Atletico’s champions league dreams alive.
As the game ran on scoreless, both teams pushed for a breakthrough, however it was Griezmann’s moment of magic that put the Spanish side ahead. A break down the left found teammate Correa in a crossing position, who in turn lobbed a ball in towards the back post. Griezmann peeling off into acres of space found the cross slightly behind him. Brimming with confidence and undoubted technique the striker swivelled and produced an outrageous over head kick into the net.
