'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Two weeks since the opening games of this season's Champions League kicked-off, Europe's elite competition takes centre stage once again this week for the second round with some mouthwatering clashes in the pipeline.With several big European teams in action, there are a few key players who could make the difference for their respective teams.We look at 5 such players who are vital to the team and could have an impact on the game.Disclaimer: The views expressed here are that of the author and do not reflect those of the website.
#1 Carlos Tevez
Juventus’ Carlos Tevez has been in red hot form of late and was the cynosure of the Bianconeri's victories in all competitions in the ongoing season.
The Argentine striker will be the key player for the Italian outfit when they travel to Madrid for a much anticipated clash against last season's runners-up Atletico Madrid. The Spanish champions have been erratic this season, managing to win by the skin of their teeth and had even lost the Champions League opener to Olympiakos.
Tevez, who joined the club last summer from Manchester City, has scored 6 goals in all competitions, including the brace against Malmo on match day 1.
Boasting the capability of clinical finishing and accurate passing, the 30-year-old will be a constant threat for the home side and Juventus' hopes of edging past one of the most sternest defences, lie on his broad shoulders.
#2 Steven Gerrard
After being away from the bright lights of Europe for half a decade, Liverpool scampered their way back into the Champions League, on the back of a runners-up position in the EPL last season.
In their first game since 2009, the Reds narrowly squeezed out a victory over debutants Ludogorets and are now off to Switzerland for their second fixture against FC Basel.
Pegged back by the 1-1 stalemate at home to Everton last week, Brendan Rodgers' side are not guaranteed a victory. But if there is one player capable of making the difference, then that is none other than the Reds' captain Steven Gerrard.
Having scored an exquisite free-kick against their Merseyside opponents this past week, the 34-year-old remains a paramount figure for his side. Following a sluggish start to the new season, Gerrard will lead his side’s surge once again and attempt to bounce back from their EPL disappointment.
#3 Neymar
Following a shaky debut season with Barcelona, the Brazillian international has finally attuned to life in Spain this season which can be visibly seen in his recent performances.
The 22-year-old bagged a hat-trick in his side's 6-0 shellacking of Granada over the weekend and will once again be the focal point of Barcelona’s attack when they fly to Paris for their intriguing encounter against PSG.
Neymar, who will be playing for only the second time in Europe's coveted stage, had 4 goals to his name in his debut season. And he will definitely try to better that tally, thereby inflicting a pernicious influence on the home side.
#4 Sergio Aguero
The Argentine international was the key to City's league title triumph last season, although niggling injuries kept him out for a considerable number of games.
However, Aguero has once again hit top form this season and he is the player whom AS Roma must be most wary of. A lethal finisher, great dribbler and a set piece threat, the 26-year-old is bound to create a nuisance in Roma's defence, which has been water tight until now.
The Italian outfit have conceded only 1 goal in the opening 5 games, albiet against lesser challenging sides. And this will be first time this season they will be competing against highly fancied opponents.
Having scored 4 goals in the EPL, the former Atletico Madrid striker has been convincing so far, and the Citizens know they have the firepower in him to exploit one of the most rigid defences in Italy.
#5 Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo has finally put his injury woes to bed and has been at the heart of the resurgence for the capital club till now.
Having accumulated 13 goal in all competitions so far, the Portuguese international will once again try to hog the limelight as he is on course for yet another record - the all time top scorer of Champions League.
The former Manchester United talisman is second only to Raul (71) and is just three goals short of claiming the record.
Naturally, Ronaldo will go all guns blazing as he will be eyeing the record when his side set foot in the Razgrad arena to take on Champions League debutants Ludogorets this week.
