3) David Luiz: For PSG vs Chelsea
David Luiz’s career has so far been akin to a yo-yo swinging between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. Having played for the Premier League side between 2011 and 2014, a world record bid (for a defender) of £50m saw Luiz switch London for Paris and he became an instrumental player in the Ligue 1 club’s project to dominate France and Europe.
While they did repeatedly conquer France, the Champions League turned out to be a much tougher task. But they did manage to consistently reach the quarter-finals and on one such occasion, they had Luiz’s former club to beat in the Round of 16 to get there.
With the tie tantalisingly poised at 2-1 on aggregate to Chelsea, it was Luiz who came to the rescue in the 86th minute. A corner saw him lose his marker before thumping a header goalward. Thibaut Courtois had no time to react as the ball came hit the underside of the bar before finding the back of the net.
In front of the away fans, Luiz did the traditional fist-pump before sinking to his knees in prayer – as he always does. He would apologise after the game, though.
“I said I wouldn't celebrate but my emotions – I couldn't control. Thank you to Chelsea and sorry I celebrated because I was so emotional.” – Luiz
PSG would soon go through on away goals in extra-time. Surprisingly, he would return to Chelsea for £34m in 2016 and even the fans had buried the hatchet by then.
