UEFA CL: Salah shines, Osimhen injured plus more

The second night of the eighth finals of the Champions League, was concluded on Wednesday and it offered spectacular scenarios and diverse fortunes for the African players. Between individual brilliance, injuries and eliminations, the balance sheet is contrasted at the end of a night rich in lessons.


Salah as a boss, Liverpool overturns everything

Beaten in the first leg in Turkey (1-0), Liverpool had to react to Anfield against Galatasaray in a duel marked by the strong African presence. And the Reds did not tremble.
In a masterful match from start to finish, the English outclassed the Turks (4-0) to validate their qualification in the quarter final. At the heart of this recital, Mohamed Salah once again assumed his status. The Egyptian international scored a penalty goal in the 62nd minute and delivered an assist for Ryan Gravenberch, constantly weighing on the opposing defense.
In front, the evening was much more complicated for the African representatives of Galatasaray. Victor Osimhen, much anticipated in this clash, saw his match turn over very early. Hit by a hand after a rough duel with Ibrahima Konaté, the Nigerian was forced to give up his place at the break, a hard blow for his team. Around him, Mario Lemina, Ismaïla Jakobs and Wilfried Singo never managed to reverse the trend in the face of Liverpool’s collective superiority.

Qualified, the Reds will meet in the quarter-finals the Paris Saint-Germain of Achraf Hakimi, in a team that already qualified.

Lookman active, but Atlético ensures the essential

On the side of London, Tottenham tried to overthrow Atlético de Madrid after their heavy defeat in the first leg (5-2). Despite a victory (3-2), the Spurs leave the competition, eliminated in both matches.

In this meeting, Ademola Lookman distinguished himself by his offensive activity. The Nigerian international even thought he was opening the score in the first minutes, before his goal was denied for offside. Always available between the lines, he participated in Atlético’s rapid transitions, notably on Julian Alvarez’s goal action.
Despite the English pressure and a tense end of the match, the Spaniards managed to retain their overall advantage to make it into the quarter-finals, where they will face FC Barcelona.


Bayer's total domination

Already strong winners in the first leg (6-1), Bayern Munich confirmed their superiority against Atalanta by winning again (4-1). A one-sided double confrontation (10-2 cumulatively). In a match generally mastered by the Bavarians, the African players were not the main actors. On the German side, no African stood out particularly in a team led by Harry Kane and an oiled collective. In front, the Atalanta, exceeded, never seemed able to compete, despite the presence of Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Bayern are now moving towards a prestige clash against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.


Results of the 8th finals:

 • Liverpool 4-0 Galatasaray (4-1 on aggregate)
• Bayern Munich 4-1 Atalanta (10-2 cumulatively)
• Tottenham 3-2 Atlético de Madrid (5-7 in total)
• FC Barcelona 7-2 Newcastle (8-3 cumulatively)