From 2010 to 2014, Angel Di Maria represented Real Madrid with distinction and played a starring role in helping the club win their much-awaited La Decima in his final season with the club. He departed to Manchester United where he experienced mixed fortunes but rediscovered his best form since arriving at PSG in 2015.
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Thomas Tuchel could not call on the services of Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe who were injured as well as star man Neymar who is facing a two-game suspension for comments made against the officials last season. But in the absence of the star trio, Angel Di Maria took the mantle and almost single-handedly dismantled his former side.
The Argentine put up a masterclass on display, scoring two goals to down Real Madrid. This feat made him only the third player in history to score a brace against both Real Madrid and Barcelona in Champions League history (after Porto's Mario Jardel and AC Milan legend Andriy Shevchenko).
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The 31-year-old had three shots in the game, with two of those ending in the back of the net. He also made two key passes, attempted four crosses into the Real Madrid box and could have had a hat-trick if he had maintained more composure in the 54th minute.
On a night when Real Madrid's forwards faltered, Di Maria starred to show them what they were missing and Zinedine Zidane must have wished he had the former Benfica man on his books.
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About the author
Ume Elvis
Elvis is a seasoned football journalist and has been with Sportskeeda for more than 6 years. He specializes in writing match previews across several leagues and competitions around the world, and his insightful tips have amassed a total readership in excess of 9.2 million till date. Elvis' meticulous attention to detail and strictly following SK's editorial guidelines have been key to achieving a vast readership. He has also exclusively covered the 2021 Nigerian Universiy Games and has provided research for an upcoming biography for a Nigerian football legend.
Elvis has been a Super Eagles fan since 2004, and them beating defending champions Cameroon in the AFCON that year left a lasting impact on him. He supports Sporting Lagos at club level and loves to watch games live at the Onikan Stadium due to its buzzing atmosphere. His favorite football players are former Nigerian forward, Osaze Odemwingie and former Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez.
If Elvis could change one football rule, it would be to not be booked for celebrating with pitch side fans. He believes that football is a passionate game and celebrations should be encouraged to the fullest. When not analyzing the latest previews, Elvis indulges in activities such as swimming, reading, and karaoke.
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