Several stars have already left the competition, whilst many other remain. This week, fans of European football will be treated with two top clashes in the first legs of the Champions League Semi finals. Real Madrid will host Chelsea on Tuesday night, and 24 hours later, Paris Saint Germain will go to battle against Manchester City. Here are five players to keep an eye on during the two thrilling encounters.
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
On glorious nights like these, an extra plot involving an ex-player is always welcomed. The giant goalkeeper played for Chelsea between 2014 and 2018, before earning a move to Los Blancos.
The Belgian has been on a fine form recently, and will be ready to put on another solid display that would undoubtedly frustrate his former side.
Timo Werner (Chelsea)
The German striker sealed his transfer to West London last summer, but it has been a largely underwhelming season for him, as he consistently struggled in front of goal.
Nonetheless, the number 11 has found the net for Thomas Tuchel on Saturday, earning his side a crucial league win over West Ham United.
So perhaps the former Leipzig man is hitting his stride just when Chelsea needs him the most.
Marco Verratti (PSG)
Whilst the Serie A clubs have long left the Champions League, Azzurri fans will have three PSG players to cheer on in the semi finals.
The former Pescara native missed the Bayern Munich clashes after contracting Covid-19, but he will be looking to make up for his team by pulling the strings against Manchester City.
Neymar (PSG)
The stardom of the former Barcelona player had been somewhat fading in the past few season in favor of his younger teammate Kylian Mbappé, but he reaffirmed his status as one of the greatest talents in the past few decades with two spectacular performances against Bayern Munich.
However, the Brazilian superstar has to prove that he can still deliver such brilliant displays on regular basis, and will have the opportunity to do so against the Cityzens.
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Anyone who paid attention for the Belgian playmaker will surely reach a simple conclusion – Kevin De Bruyne is one of the best midfielders on the planet, if not the very best.
The former Wolfsburg man will soon celebrate his 30th birthday, but for one reason or another, he’s still being overlooked when it comes to the biggest individual awards.
Therefore, the talented midfielder will eager to lead his side past the French champions and towards a historic triple. If he succeeds in his mission, De Bruyne can no longer be denied