The first week of the Champions League quarterfinals was truly exciting, with a total of 14 goals scored in the first leg matches. Next week will see the return legs to determine who advances. While Arsenal secured a dominant 3-0 victory against Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium and PSG defeated Aston Villa 3-1 in Paris, Inter Milan was the only team to win away from home, overcoming Bayern Munich 2-1 at the Allianz Arena. They are now close to reaching their first semifinals in 15 years. Barcelona also impressed with a 4-0 home win against Borussia Dortmund, highlighted by Robert Lewandowski`s brace and goals from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. One thing stood out across all these games: incredible goals. Here are the top five, ranked:
5. Desire Doue, PSG
The 19-year-old Desire Doue was a standout performer this week, making an immediate impact by scoring 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 a remarkable goal from outside the penalty area while falling to his right, making the strike even more impressive.
Golaz-o-meter: 7/10
4. Lautaro Martinez, Inter
Lautaro Martinez, a key player in Inter`s victory against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, scored the opening goal following exceptional team play. The move involved Martinez himself, who passed to Alessandro Bastoni, then to Carlos Augusto, and finally a brilliant assist from Marcus Thuram, who found Martinez unmarked in the box. Martinez`s touch to finish was simply superb.
Golaz-o-meter: 7.5/10
3. Declan Rice, Arsenal
Declan Rice was the hero for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in their 3-0 win over Real Madrid. This match is considered one of the season`s best Champions League games. Rice scored twice against Real Madrid with two free kicks. Surprisingly, despite his extensive professional career of 338 appearances before this, Rice had never scored directly from a free kick in club or international football.
Golaz-o-meter: 7.5/10
2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, formerly of Napoli, scored a sensational goal for PSG against Aston Villa early in the second half, giving his team the lead. The goal came after an excellent solo run into the box. Kvaratskhelia`s precision and clever touch to get past Emiliano Martinez was a highlight of this Champions League season.
Golaz-o-meter: 8/10
1. Declan Rice, Arsenal
We`ve already highlighted Rice`s outstanding performance against Real Madrid and his crucial role in Arsenal`s 3-0 victory. However, his second free kick was truly iconic. Words can hardly describe it. The placement of the ball was absolutely perfect, unstoppable for any goalkeeper.
Golaz-o-meter: 9/10
Adrian Whitmore