Beyond the possibility: which of the Russians will shine in the decisive round of the Champions League

In the last rounds of the Champions League group stage, Nikita Khaikin's Buda-Glimt will visit Atletico Madrid and try to break into the play-in zone. Alexander Golovin's Monaco will play Juventus at home and try to stay in the play-in zone. Matvey Safonov, who is fighting for entry into the playoffs of PSG, may return to the application for the home match with Newcastle. Egor Sorokin's Kairat will finish the tournament with a trip to Arsenal in London. Read more about our foreign players in the main European cup in the Izvestia article.

Monaco: Golovin's experience

Alexander Golovin has become a key figure in Monaco's attack this season. In the Champions League, he appeared in almost every match, demonstrating his experience. In the decisive game, the coaching staff is certainly counting on him, because it is such players who can benefit the team. Monaco is in 21st position with nine points before the eighth round, which gives them a good chance of qualifying for the play-offs. In the last round, they host Juventus at home, where victory is desirable for a guaranteed continuation of the fight and entry into the top 24. However, even in case of defeat, flight is not required.

"It's difficult to name any one reason for the unsuccessful season for Monaco," Golovin said in an interview with Izvestia. — There are a lot of injured players. Then, we have problems with referees in the championship, and big problems: a lot of red cards, some controversial decisions — and constantly not in our favor. But I don't want it to look like an excuse, I'm not going to call it the main reason that we're losing. But still, when a team is going through a difficult period and the referees are still putting pressure on you, it's doubly difficult to play. In the last Champions League match (1-6 against Real Madrid), the referee definitely had nothing to do with it. We will try to improve in the last round.

In the Champions League, Alexander Golovin played five matches for Monaco without scoring.

PSG: Safonov's reliability

Matvey Safonov, defending the gates of PSG, played only one match in the Champions League against Athletic Bilbao, demonstrating reliability. The Russian goalkeeper broke his left arm in the legendary Intercontinental Cup match with Flamengo, in which he brought the trophy to the team. Recently it became known that Safonov trains without restrictions after recovering from an injury.

Parisians share 6th-13th places with 13 points, so they can count on direct entry into the 1/8 finals (places from first to eighth). To do this, they need to beat Newcastle at home in the last round. But they have already guaranteed themselves the joints. The goalkeeper of the Russian national team in the Champions League played one match for PSG without conceding a single goal.

—Safonov can replace Chevalier and take a place in the starting lineup if he doesn't make mistakes," Anzor Kavazashvili, the award—winning goalkeeper and semi-finalist of the World Cup 68, suggested in an interview with Izvestia. — The main thing is whether he is physically ready or not. If Safonov performs well in the first game after the fracture, then everything will turn out well for him. Let's hope that our goalkeeper will be on the gate at the French club. All our young girls will be rooting for him."

Attacking flags: how Russian legionnaires start the new year in UEFA tournaments

Khaykin stopped Manchester City, Golovin's Monaco lost heavily to Real Madrid, PSG lost to Sporting without Safonov

"Bude-Glimt": the role of Haikin

Nikita Khaykin is reliable on the goal line, but even his outstanding saves in matches against powerful opponents did not always save the team. Against the background of the top clubs, it is obvious that the Norwegians need to strengthen all lines in order to qualify for the playoffs. At the same time, Bud Glimt staged one of the main sensations of the group stage: a 3-1 home victory over Manchester City showed that the team is capable of miracles. However, with six points and the 28th position in the table, the chances of entering the playoff zone are very slim. Even a victory in the last round is unlikely to allow you to rise above 24th place. But the Norwegians are going to visit Atletico.

Nikita Khaykin played seven matches in the Champions League, where he conceded 14 goals.

—Buda-Glimt continues to amaze, climbing higher and higher and has already reached the grandees," said Vitaly Kafanov, goalkeeper coach of the Russian national team. — There were few chances at the Norwegian goal in the first half, but Nikita saved the winning score in the second half. You can't achieve anything without a good goalkeeper in football at this level. Therefore, Nikita's role in what Bud Glimt has achieved over the years is very important.

Kairat: Sorokin's success

Defender Egor Sorokin played all seven matches in the Champions League for Kairat. Having made their debut in the Champions League group stage, Almaty scored one point after seven matches, minus 14 on goal difference and 36th place in the table. This means not only elimination from the Champions League, but also the end of all appearances in European competitions. The path of Kazakhstanis in Europe is completed. But for Kairat, reaching the main stage is already a great success, and there is still a meeting with Arsenal itself.