4 Champions League takeaways, Which teams stepped up when it mattered most
 |
| 4 Champions League takeaways, Which teams stepped up when it mattered most |
The final matchday of the Champions League group stage is rarely short of drama. Seedings, records, pride and much more are on the line. As teams battled for their respective goals, here are the best storylines you might have missed from Tuesday's slate of action
Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich had nothing to play for on Tuesday, with Atleti having already clinched first in the group and Bayern second. Despite that, they still spent a lot of time kicking each other like there was a trophy on the line. It didn’t make for very exciting soccer, but watching Diego Simeone was a treat and Robert Lewandowski’s free kick was sumptuous
Lucas Perez is back, and he could be Arsenal's ace in the hole
Lucas Perez is back from injury and scored a 47-minute hat trick against Basel to help assure Arsenal top spot in Champions League Group A. Arsene Wenger has used Alexis Sanchez as his main striker to deadly effect this season, but Lucas' return and subsequent showing against Basel could prove to be a turning point for the Gooners. With Perez in the side, Alexis could return to his preferred wing role, knowing they have a bona fide poacher and Olivier Giroud waiting in the wings to provide competition and support. Arsenal's been crying out for depth and quality at the striker position for years now, and they might just have it with Lucas Perez. It was "only" Basel, but it could be a sign of things to come
Napoli step up when it matters
Napoli haven't been in the Champions League knockout rounds since 2012, and it's largely been due to them underperforming on the biggest stage. They've had plenty of quality through the years, but the mental block of putting it all together in Europe has seen them struggle over and over again. This year looked like it'd be another episode of the same show, with a strong start turning into a shambles. Napoli started with two wins before losing to Besiktas at home and drawing two on the trot. They needed a big game against Benfica not only to assure qualification, but to take top spot in the group. This time, they stepped up when everything was on the line. They beat Benfica 2-1, and they're the Group B champs. Things are looking up in Naples
Barcelona still embarrassingly loaded up top
Barcelona already had their group locked up so they fielded a weakened team against Gladbach, but even a "weak" Barca team is stacked. Somewhat forgotten winger Arda Turan reminded everyone he's still a force to be reckoned with. In the 50th minute he had his first goal and needed fewer than 20 minutes to book his hat trick. In a team chock full of attacking talent, it can be tough to carve out a niche. Turan won't be stealing minutes from the usual suspects, but it's reassuring for Barca to know that they can count on him if need be
