Is Saul Niguez set to become Europe’s next in-demand youngster?
THERE WAS A story in the UK tabloid press last month linking 21-year-old Saul Niguez with a £31 million move to Manchester United.
With Jorge Mendes as his agent and after his performance against Bayern Munich tonight, we should all prepare ourselves for more of the same rumour and conjecture in the coming weeks and months regarding his future.
His current contract runs until 2020, having signed a new deal last May.
This was a shop-window display from the youngster.
His goal was magical – something akin to a Lionel Messi special. As much as he showed superb trickery and fleet of foot to create the opening, he also had the composure to steady himself and bend the strike to the far corner.
There were other flashes throughout the game – most notably a wicked cross to the near post that Koke almost flicked to the net.
Three La Liga goals this season, three Champions League goals this season and he’s not finished yet.
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We should be wary of the hype but Saul seemed a calm head on young shoulders in a high-profile fixture and that says a lot.
Pep under pressure ahead of Premier League switch
It’s a reflection of just how highly-regarded Pep Guardiola is and the ridiculous pressure he places himself under that a trophy-laden three-season spell in Munich could be seen as an under-achievement.
Brought to the club to oversee European dominance, Bayern have failed to even make a final. Under Jupp Heynckes, they reached two Champions League deciders – winning one and losing the other in a penalty shootout.
Paul White / AP/Press Association Images
Paul White / AP/Press Association Images / AP/Press Association Images
The victory came after Guardiola’s appointment had already been announced. The 2013 final was Heynckes’ swansong and he had every right to feel aggrieved and bitter that he was being ousted despite bringing plenty of success to the club.
Sound familiar?
The tie is far from over but Atletico are a stubborn opposition and fearless too – they’ll think nothing of heading to Munich. In fact, they’ll fancy their chances of winning there too.
Guardiola is a special coach but even he has admitted that his legacy in Munich will come down to whether or not he brings Champions League success.
He’s never been a failure before and he won’t particularly enjoy heading to the relentless pressure-cooker of the Premier League having felt the weight of anti-climax on his shoulders.
City full of Hart but litany of chances a Real worry
It wasn’t the prettiest game but Manuel Pellegrini’s side were hanging on by their fingernails towards the end.
They had their goalkeeper to thank for ensuring a scoreless draw but it’s hard to see how profligate the Spanish giants will be in their own backyard.
Peter Byrne / PA Wire/Press Association Images
Peter Byrne / PA Wire/Press Association Images / PA Wire/Press Association Images
Able to call on Cristiano Ronaldo for the return leg, it’s a substantial, game-winning addition to the side and how badly they missed him at the Etihad, where Gareth Bale showed only glimpses of his ability to play the leading man.
Ominously for City, the Bernabeu brings out the best in this Real side. From their last six games at home, they’ve scored 23 times and conceded one.
Once they eventually decided to get going against City, they created quite a few decent opportunities. Expect much more of the same on their own turf.
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Europe's next star is born, Pep under pressure and more Champions League talking points
Is Saul Niguez set to become Europe’s next in-demand youngster?
THERE WAS A story in the UK tabloid press last month linking 21-year-old Saul Niguez with a £31 million move to Manchester United.
With Jorge Mendes as his agent and after his performance against Bayern Munich tonight, we should all prepare ourselves for more of the same rumour and conjecture in the coming weeks and months regarding his future.
His current contract runs until 2020, having signed a new deal last May.
This was a shop-window display from the youngster.
His goal was magical – something akin to a Lionel Messi special. As much as he showed superb trickery and fleet of foot to create the opening, he also had the composure to steady himself and bend the strike to the far corner.
There were other flashes throughout the game – most notably a wicked cross to the near post that Koke almost flicked to the net.
Three La Liga goals this season, three Champions League goals this season and he’s not finished yet.
We should be wary of the hype but Saul seemed a calm head on young shoulders in a high-profile fixture and that says a lot.
Pep under pressure ahead of Premier League switch
It’s a reflection of just how highly-regarded Pep Guardiola is and the ridiculous pressure he places himself under that a trophy-laden three-season spell in Munich could be seen as an under-achievement.
Brought to the club to oversee European dominance, Bayern have failed to even make a final. Under Jupp Heynckes, they reached two Champions League deciders – winning one and losing the other in a penalty shootout.
The victory came after Guardiola’s appointment had already been announced. The 2013 final was Heynckes’ swansong and he had every right to feel aggrieved and bitter that he was being ousted despite bringing plenty of success to the club.
Sound familiar?
The tie is far from over but Atletico are a stubborn opposition and fearless too – they’ll think nothing of heading to Munich. In fact, they’ll fancy their chances of winning there too.
Guardiola is a special coach but even he has admitted that his legacy in Munich will come down to whether or not he brings Champions League success.
He’s never been a failure before and he won’t particularly enjoy heading to the relentless pressure-cooker of the Premier League having felt the weight of anti-climax on his shoulders.
City full of Hart but litany of chances a Real worry
It wasn’t the prettiest game but Manuel Pellegrini’s side were hanging on by their fingernails towards the end.
They had their goalkeeper to thank for ensuring a scoreless draw but it’s hard to see how profligate the Spanish giants will be in their own backyard.
Able to call on Cristiano Ronaldo for the return leg, it’s a substantial, game-winning addition to the side and how badly they missed him at the Etihad, where Gareth Bale showed only glimpses of his ability to play the leading man.
Ominously for City, the Bernabeu brings out the best in this Real side. From their last six games at home, they’ve scored 23 times and conceded one.
Once they eventually decided to get going against City, they created quite a few decent opportunities. Expect much more of the same on their own turf.
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
As it happened: Atletico Madrid v Bayern Munich, Champions League
Reign in Spain: Magical strike sees impressive Atletico get the better of Bayern
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Analysis UEFA Champions League saul niguez Atlético Madrid Bayern Munich Manchester City Real Madrid