William Troost-Ekong marked his first victory in the Saudi Pro League on Thursday night, leading Al Kholood to a hard-fought 1-0 win against Al Wehda, where Odion Ighalo plays. This match was significant for Troost-Ekong, who had previously experienced two losses and one draw in his initial three appearances since joining Al Kholood from Greek champions PAOK this summer.
In this fourth match, Troost-Ekong showcased his leadership as the Super Eagles captain, helping his team turn the corner. The fixture proved crucial, especially as he faced Ighalo, the top goalscorer from the 2019 AFCON, who was eager to find the net for the second time this season. Troost-Ekong's defensive prowess ensured that Ighalo was kept at bay, allowing Al Kholood to secure their first clean sheet of the campaign.
The decisive moment of the match came in the 60th minute when Spanish forward Álex Collado scored the only goal, providing Al Kholood with a vital three points and lifting them out of the relegation zone. The team's performance was a testament to their resilience and determination to improve after a shaky start to the season.
Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman created two significant scoring opportunities for Atalanta, but his team was unable to convert them, resulting in a frustrating goalless draw against their opponents in Bergamo. The missed chances highlighted the struggles the Italian side faced in making the most of their attacking potential.
Victor Boniface, on the other hand, excelled as Bayer Leverkusen enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 victory over Feyenoord in the Netherlands. His standout performance contributed significantly to the team's success, further establishing him as a key player in their lineup.
In Serbia, Peter Olayinka put in a commendable effort for Red Star Belgrade, yet his contributions were not enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat against the Portuguese powerhouse, Benfica. This match underscored the challenges facing his team in the competitive landscape of European football.
George Ilenikhena made headlines by scoring a spectacular second-half goal, leading AS Monaco to a thrilling 2-1 win over a ten-man Barcelona. The 18-year-old's remarkable achievement not only helped secure the victory but also made him the youngest Champions League goalscorer in Monaco's history, surpassing the record previously held by Kylian Mbappé.
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