With fragmented rounds of 16 over two weeks and other more attractive posters, this Champions League evening did not promise to be the most hectic. The attackers from Bergamo and the (French) Tottenham goalkeeper finally made it very interesting…
What you must remember
Happy Italians, stunned Spaniards, a little frustrated Germans and almost miraculous Englishmen. Here is the summary of the second batch of the knockout stages of the Champions League. Atalanta Bergamo is in a very favorable waiver after its wide success over Valencia (4-1) for the first campaign in its history in the Champions League. For his part, Tottenham miraculously avoided a final Brexit at home against Leipzig (0-1). If they were to be eliminated on the return - where the Londoners will however have to metamorphose - the men of Julian Nagelsmann risk ruminating for a long time about their missed opportunities ...
The man of the evening: Hugo Lloris
On his lawn, Tottenham had little fun. And if the Spurs avoided the worst in the first half, they largely owe it to Hugo Lloris. Without him, Mourinho's men might have been led 0-2 at the break. The captain of the French team, in great shape since his return from injury (dislocation of the left elbow), was once again decisive on his line, especially in the face of attempts by Werner, Angelino and Schick. But one man can't get it all when his defense takes on water. In the second half, the last bulwark of London had to bow to a penalty by Werner (58th) after a stupid foul by Davies in his area. A lesser evil.
The gesture: Josip Iličić
On the Milanese lawn of San Siro, which shelters Atalanta during the works of its stadium, Josip Iličić signed one of the best goals of the Champions League season. After a great collective action, the Slovenian striker recovered the ball at the entrance to the surface before a sudden shot from the right deflected by goalkeeper Domenech in his skylight. The goal of the knockout for the Italians, in good shape for the return.
Incredible ilicic GOAL for 2-0 😳 pic.twitter.com/4VH04WuaEH
- GAz Etter (@GazEtterYTB) February 19, 2020
