One of the world’s best players dazzled yet again, while several perennial powerhouses made major statements against fellow title contenders. Here are SBI’s picks for The Weekend’s Best (as voted by SBI’s editorial staff):
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
LIONEL MESSI (BARCELONA). While his penalty-kick theatrics proved the most viral of his highlights, Lionel Messi’s performance against Celta Vigo was nothing short of spectacular. After uncorking a free kick finish early, Messi added a pair of assists and drew a penalty to life Barcelona to yet another resounding win.
Honorable Mention– Robert Lewandowski, Pedro
TEAM OF THE WEEK
JUVENTUS. In a battle of Serie A’s top two sides, Juventus knocked off rival Napoli via a late Simeone Zaza strike. Now with a one-point lead atop the table, Juve is riding a 15-game win streak as the Serie A powerhouse looks to seize control in the race to the Scudetto.
Honorable Mention– Arsenal, Barcelona, Tottenham
MATCH OF THE WEEK
ARSENAL 2, LEICESTER CITY 1. Down a goal but up a man, Arsenal stormed from behind on Sunday against league leaders Leicester City. Following a finish from substitute Theo Walcott, Danny Welbeck marked his return from a long-term injury absence with a 95th-minute winner to keep Arsenal within striking distance of the English Premier League crown.
Honorable Mention – Hamburg SV 3- 2 Borussia Monchengladbach, Manchester City 1 – 2 Tottenham, Fiorentina 2 – 1 Inter Milan
GOAL OF THE WEEK
ANDRE-PIERRE GIGNAC (Tigres). The Frenchman unleashed a long-distance laser that serves as Tigres’ lone highlight in a 2-1 loss to Tijuana.
Honorable Mention – James Rodriguez, Lionel Messi
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What did you think of this weekend’s action? Agree with SBI’s picks? If not, who did you see as this weekend’s best?
Share your thoughts below.