Essien Is Back! Atsu Impresses In Champs League

It was a tale of two stories for Ghanaians, Michael Essien and Christian Atsu who were both influential for their teams as the UEFA Champions League got undrway .

Though Essien is no newcomer to the elite competition, he made his long awaited debut for Spanish giants, Real Madrid following his surprise last minute loan move last month. Atsu,on the other hand, came on as a 77th minute substitute as he made his debut in any competition in Europe but on the night, they both gave good accounts of themselves.

After featuring for Chelsea in several Champions League campaigns, Essien who missed out of action for a greater period last season due to a long lay-off through injury, returned to the big stage.

Touting Essien’s strength and quality, it was no surprise that Jose Mourinho handed Essien his cameo role in the starting line-up knowing what his side would come up against in Manchester City.

For 65 minutes, Essien did not make Mourinho have any regrets, starring as an attacking midfielder and perhaps, kept his eyes on the ball. His matter-of-factly handling of sticky situations, constantly alert and on the look out for an opportunity to move his team forward and precise tackling of his opponents, all justified his inclusion.

Coincidentally, almost immediately after his substitution with Mesut Ozil, Real fell behind on two occasions but recovered and eventually won the game 3-2 with a Cristiano Ronaldo winner.

“ I guess he was cautious but it was important to test his readiness with a starting role and I think he was impressive. He proved he’s got what it takes to play at that level ,” Real Madrid’s assitant coach Aitor Karanka said of Essien.

For Atsu, there could not have been a better moment. Currently, the star in Ghana’s Black Stars, he also proved how right his Porto coach, Vitor Pereira was to give him a first team place after playing out on loan last season.

When Atsu came on Silvestre Varela, Porto were already 1-0 up, but they needed to seal the win and they had the Ghanaian to thank for that second goal. Atsu yet again proved his mettle in midfield and broke on the left before sliding the ball across to an unmarked Steven Defour.

The Belgian international took a touch before lifting the ball over Ivan Kelava and into the roof of the net.

The Champions League saw other Ghanaians, Kwadwo Asamoah in action for Juventus who drew 2-2 with Essien’s former club, Chelsea.

Kevin Prince Boateng made a return for AC Milan and worked very hard on the night, but Milan could not overcome a tough Anderlecht side, who earned a vital away from point with a 0-0 draw in San Siro.