The first week of the Champions League quarterfinals was full of excitement, with 14 goals scored in the first leg matches. Arsenal defeated Real Madrid 3-0 at home, and PSG won against Aston Villa 3-1 in Paris. Inter Milan was the only team to win away, beating Bayern Munich 2-1 at the Allianz Arena. They are aiming for their first semifinal appearance in 15 years. Barcelona dominated Borussia Dortmund with a 4-0 victory at home, thanks to two goals from Robert Lewandowski and goals from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. One thing was consistent across all games: incredible goals. Here are the top five, ranked:
5. Desire Doue, PSG
The 19-year-old Desire Doue stood out as one of the best players this week. He scored a fantastic equalizing goal for PSG against Aston Villa just minutes after Aston Villa`s opening goal at Parc des Princes. Doue, who joined PSG from Rennes in the summer of 2024, scored an amazing goal from outside the penalty area while falling to his right.
Golaz-o-meter: 7/10
4. Lautaro Martinez, Inter
Lautaro Martinez, a key player in Inter`s victory over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, scored the first goal of the match. The goal came after a brilliant team play, starting with Martinez himself. He passed to Alessandro Bastoni, who passed to Carlos Augusto, and then Marcus Thuram provided a perfect assist, finding Lautaro alone in the box. Martinez`s touch to finish was exceptional.
Golaz-o-meter: 7.5/10
3. Declan Rice, Arsenal
Declan Rice was the hero for Arsenal in their 3-0 win against Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, in what was likely one of the best Champions League matches of the season. The English midfielder scored twice from free kicks against Real Madrid. Surprisingly, it was Rice`s first direct free-kick goal in his 338 professional games for club and country.
Golaz-o-meter: 7.5/10
2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, formerly of Napoli, scored a spectacular goal for PSG against Aston Villa early in the second half, giving PSG the lead. The goal followed an impressive solo run into the box. His precision and clever touch to get past the defender and face the goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was a highlight of this Champions League season.
Golaz-o-meter: 8/10
1. Declan Rice, Arsenal
Declan Rice`s performance against Real Madrid was crucial to Arsenal`s 3-0 victory. His second free kick was truly remarkable. It was placed perfectly, unstoppable, and simply iconic.
Golaz-o-meter: 9/10
