Top 5 goals of the Champions League round-of-16 first leg

MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 13: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his sides equalizing goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between Real Madrid and Manchester United

The Champions League round-of-16 has just finished with the first legs of all the fixtures, and there have been some incredible performances from various sides. What has been heartening to see is that the low-profile clubs such as Shakhtar Donetsk, for example, have put up a good fight, and have a decent chance of progress when the second legs are played out in a couple of weeks’ time. In the meanwhile, here are five of the best goals from the run of first leg fixtures.

Ezequiel Lavezzi (PSG) vs Valencia

If for nothing else, then for the sheer power with which Lavezzi strikes the ball, this goal makes it to our list. What you will not see in the video is Lavezzi’s run from the midfield, which is then followed by the 1-2 with Pastore, the dribble past a couple of defenders, and an absolutely hammer-footed shot which gives Guaita no chance.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) vs Manchester United

In the game against his former club, Cristiano Ronaldo proved yet again why he is one of the most dangerous players in the world with a header, describing which as towering would be an understatement. Getting well above 130 cm off the ground, Ronaldo connects with the ball perfectly, thanks to his hang time, and makes sure that Madrid have something to show for all their effort on the pitch.

Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk) vs Borussia Dortmund

One of the cleanest goals of the round, this direct free kick was one that the Dortmund ‘keeper, Wiedenfeller could have done much more about. Yet, the ease with which Srna gets the ball to dip, after having comfortably cleared the reasonably tall wall is more than enough reason to include it in our list of top goals.

Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich) vs Arsenal

The goal which undoubtedly required the greatest amount of technique in this round of fixtures was the one which started off Bayern’s romp against Arsenal. With a misfired cross from Muller taking a slight wobble on its way, Kroos adjusts brilliantly to volley it into the ground so perfectly that it leaves Szczesny no chance, in spite of curling in towards the ‘keeper. One sweeping motion, and then basking in admiration from the fans.

Douglas Costa (Shakhtar Donetsk) vs Borussia Dortmund

So many things about this goal that make it one of the top goals, not only of this round, but of the tournament so far. First, the run from Costa, which is picked out with an excellent pass right from the back, followed by his incredible first touch, and a finish worthy of a goal all by itself. It was the goal which gave Shakhtar the lead for the second time, and in spite of conceding a late goal, some hope that they can repeat this performance in Germany.