Monaco turn to Falcao to knock Man City out
Monaco owe most of their recent success to their young guns, but when they face Manchester City looking to overturn a two-goal deficit in their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday, they will turn to a more experienced player in Radamel Falcao.
The Colombia striker, who endured two dismal injuryplagued seasons in the Premier League, has been near his best since he returned this season from a season-long loan at Chelsea. “This season, I’ve been playing consistently. The club has full confidence in me, the staff and my team mates make me feel important,” said Falcao, who scored two but missed a potentially decisive penalty in Monaco’s 5-3 defeat in the first leg in Manchester.
“With confidence, the rest comes naturally. I don’t think players forget how to play football. I just needed playing time and continuity. You don’t forget how to score goals,” Falcao added.
Monaco, who geared up for the game with a 2-1 victory over Girondins de Bordeaux on Saturday, will need to show more focus if they are to go through.
“We’re at a crucial stage in the season. In the Champions League, one mistake in a game can be fatal,” said Falcao, who scored 16 goals in Ligue 1 this season and six in Champions League.
Atletico Madrid will rely on leading striker Antoine Griezmann as they bid to finish off Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday and reach the quarter-finals for the fourth season in a row.
Having romped to a 4-2 victory in Germany in the first leg, Atletico have a clear advantage and with their talisman back in form have high hopes of progressing.
Frenchman Griezmann has six goals in his last seven games, with his 84th minute strike helping the Rojiblancos to a 1-0 win at Granada on Saturday.
Spain media reported that the player has decided to stay with Atletico next season despite strong interest from the Premier League.