When the dates for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg were announced, many looked forward to seeing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo light up the first week of the knockout stage. This did not turn out to be the case as instead, it was Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland who shined for their respective teams.
Mbappe put together a hat-trick performance for PSG against Barcelona, while Haaland notched a brace against Sevilla. Both talents had these superb showings away from home.
To see these star talents deliver on the biggest stage in club football is not new. Since last season, they have combined for 28 goals in Champions League play, which is more than what Messi and Ronaldo (15) have combined for over this time period.
Desde la #ChampionsxESPN 2019-20…
Messi y Cristiano Ronaldo: 15 goles
Mbappé y Haaland: 28 anotaciones¡Qué momento estamos viviendo! ⚽ pic.twitter.com/vs12HItcoK
— Sportscenter en español (@SportsCenter_nt) February 18, 2021
The two star forwards sure are on track for standout runs with their respective clubs.
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