Though with differing outcomes, young talents Florian Wirtz and Lamine Yamal shine in the Champions League.
Just after dazzling the European Championship, two of the most promising young players in the world made their mark on the greatest platform in club football.
In the Champions League on Thursday, 10-man Barcelona lost 2-1 to Monaco, capping the Spanish team’s undefeated season. Teenage Lamine Yamal’s goal could not salvage the victory.
Florian Wirtz, meanwhile, scored his first goal in the Champions League in less than five minutes during his maiden game in Europe’s top club tournament.
At Feyenoord, Bayer Leverkusen dominated, winning 4-0, and Wirtz added another goal.
“I’ve been eagerly anticipating this game for the past several days, and I also approached it in that manner. But I believe it was the case for everyone,” Wirtz remarked.
“I had two chances, and I simply took advantage of them, but I didn’t plan on ending with two goals. After that, you can just expand on it, and I can just attempt to win every game by taking my opportunities.
After winning the Bundesliga and German Cup, Leverkusen’s sole loss of the incredible season came in the Europa League final in May.
The Atalanta club, who defeated Leverkusen four months prior, drew 0-0 at home with Arsenal after having a penalty saved.
Benfica defeated Red Star Belgrade 2-1, Atlético Madrid defeated Leipzig 2-1, and Brest triumphed 2-1 against Sturm Graz in their inaugural European campaign.
It was the third night of the Champions League, the new structure that took the place of the old group stage.
In order to determine which teams move on to the knockout stage, 36 clubs will now face eight different opponents each through January and will be rated in a single league table.
Teenage celebrity
Unusually for the bright 17-year-old, Lamal’s objective was not to set yet another record.
