Who should be my Champions League Fantasy Football captain for Matchday 10?
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Article summary
Nahuel Molina, Kylian Mbappé, Kevin De Bruyne and Harry Kane lead the potential captaincy options for the quarter-final second legs.
Article top media content
Article body
With a quick turnaround from Matchday 9 to 10, UEFA.com is already looking ahead to the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second legs, with four potential captains on #UCLfantasy, presented by Playstation.
TUESDAY 16 APRIL
Nahuel Molina (€6.1m) vs Dortmund (A)
Although every team conceded on Matchday 9, Atlético de Madrid came the closest to a clean sheet with only a late Sébastien Haller goal denying them. Holding a slender advantage following their 2-1 victory, a clean sheet in Dortmund would take Diego Simeone's side into the semi-finals, and there are few better teams at navigating such situations. With that in mind, Molina looks to be the standout defensive choice from the Spanish side. The right-back has started all nine of his side's Champions League games this season, keeping three clean sheets, providing three assists and also winning a penalty.
Kylian Mbappé (€11.6m) vs Barcelona (A)
Mbappé is not often overshadowed but that was certainly the case on Matchday 9, with Barcelona's Raphinha taking the headlines thanks to his two goals as the Spanish side won 3-2 in Paris. Despite failing to record any meaningful Fantasy returns, Mbappé could well be worth sticking with as a captaincy option given his history of performing in big games. The Frenchman has scored 39 goals in all competitions for Paris this season, including six in the Champions League, and he will no doubt play a key role if Paris are to turn this tie around on Matchday 10.
WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL
Kevin De Bruyne (€10.6m) vs Real Madrid (H)
Manchester City's enthralling 3-3 draw with Real Madrid in the first leg was played out without the involvement of De Bruyne, who was a last-minute withdrawal due to illness. The Belgian will almost certainly take to the pitch for the return leg in Manchester and, given that many Fantasy managers may have sold De Bruyne prior to the Matchday 9 deadline, he could end up being a differential captain in the second leg. With three goals and four assists in his last six appearances against Real Madrid, including a starring role in both legs of last season's semi-final, the premium midfielder is a standout captaincy option.
Harry Kane (€10.1m) vs Arsenal (H)
Kane continued his long history of scoring against old rivals Arsenal in Matchday 9's first leg, the Bayern striker coolly converting from the penalty spot in a pulsating 2-2 draw. With the tie finely balanced, the England international could once again play a crucial role in the return leg in Germany, as his side chase what is their only realistic chance of silverware this season. Kane has 15 goals in 20 career appearances against the Gunners and is the top scorer in the Champions League this season having found the net seven times – compelling numbers for a potential Fantasy captain.