In Barcelona’s 5-1 demolition job of Viktoria Plzen, it was Ferran Torres’ stunner to cap off his side’s victory that perhaps stood out amongst the collection of goals on the night.
With Ousmane Dembele playing a delightful lobbed ball into the box, the former Manchester City forward turned his body and struck a venomous volley with his weak foot into the back of the net.
As a result, the screamer, courtesy of the Spanish international, was nominated as one of the candidates to be recognised as the Champions League ‘Goal of the Week’.
Torres’ strike was nominated alongside some other scorchers, such as Kylian Mbappe’s volley against Juventus, Alejandro Grimaldo’s long-range belter against Maccabi Haifa and Leroy Sane’s exquisite touch and finish against Inter Milan.
However, Mbappe’s sublime hit against the Bianconeri has been voted the best strike of Matchday 1, with Torres’ strike coming second.
🥇 Kylian Mbappé takes the prize for Matchday 1 👏👏👏#UCLGOTW | @Heineken pic.twitter.com/o7GbGWPd43
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 8, 2022
Having featured in a mere 124 minutes in the ongoing campaign, the former Valencia talisman has played a rather reduced role so far.
With the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha thriving this term, it has been a tall task for Torres to claim a place in the side, both upfront as well as a winger.
Joining the Catalan giants in January, it seemed like the 22-year-old would find a new lease of life after departing Pep Guardiola’s side. Despite showing early signs of settling into life under Xavi, the versatile forward is yet to cement his place in the starting XI at the club.
However, Torres’ encouraging cameo against Viktoria Plzen could spark him back into form.
While all the strikes that were nominated were top of the range, Ferran Torres’ goal may well have been the most challenging one to execute, which one hopes is the start of his redemption arc this season.
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