Angel Di Maria has etched his name in the UEFA Champions League history books by surpassing his former teammate Lionel Messi’s assist tally. In a thrilling match against Monaco, Di Maria was instrumental in Benfica’s comeback, providing two crucial assists in the final six minutes of the game. His exceptional performances this season have been a testament to his skill and dedication, with eight goals and five assists in 16 appearances across all competitions.
Di Maria’s progress in the UEFA Champions League has been remarkable, and he is now just one assist shy of the competition’s record, jointly held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs. Considering his relatively fewer appearances compared to Ronaldo and Messi, Di Maria’s achievements are a testament to his hard work and dedication. His contract extension has proven to be a shrewd move by Benfica, as he has become a vital cog in the team’s machinery.
The encounter against Monaco was a nail-biter, with Benfica trailing 1-2 at one stage. However, Di Maria’s exceptional crossing and vision helped his team claw back the lead, with Arthur Cabral scoring the equalizing goal in the 84th minute. The winning goal came in the 88th minute, courtesy of Zeki Amdouni’s header, which was set up by another pinpoint cross from Di Maria. His display was reminiscent of his peak days at Real Madrid, where he was known for his pace, skill, and creativity.
Di Maria’s understanding with his teammates is evident in his ability to provide assists and create opportunities for his squad. His experience in the Champions League, although limited compared to Messi and Ronaldo, has allowed him to make the most of his opportunities and rack up an impressive assist tally. His ability to read the game and provide crucial passes has made him an indispensable asset for Benfica.
Meanwhile, another 36-year-old, Robert Lewandowski, is closing in on Messi and Ronaldo’s records in the UEFA Champions League. The Barcelona forward has scored a league-leading 15 goals this season and has taken himself up to third in the all-time scoring charts with 101 goals. He is just 40 goals shy of Ronaldo’s record and requires 29 goals to surpass Messi’s tally. Like Di Maria, Lewandowski’s achievements are a testament to his consistency and goal-scoring prowess.
Di Maria’s remarkable performance against Monaco has cemented his status as one of the finest wingers in the UEFA Champions League. His ability to read the game, provide assists, and score crucial goals has made him an indispensable asset for Benfica. As he closes in on Ronaldo’s record, Di Maria’s legacy in European football is likely to continue for years to come. His contract extension has proven to be a shrewd move by Benfica, and it will be exciting to see how he fares in the remainder of the season.
