A year has passed since the death of Diego Maradona, Napoli and the fans knew how to mark it before the start of the duel with Lazio, and Dries Mertens made sure that the night in Naples was special.
The Serie A leader outclassed the Romans 4:0, and the Belgian shone, scoring goals that even El Pibe himself would have admired. He scored masterfully for 2:0, then demonstrated his class for 3:0, and the audience had their say in the 64th minute when they gave the best Serie A scorer in the club's history a standing ovation as he left the field. "Ćiro, Ćiro" echoed from the stands, which is Mertens' nickname given to him by the Neapolitans.
Jadon Sancho scored his second goal in a row as a starter for Manchester United, while Sassuolo striker Gianluca Skamak drew attention to himself with increasingly good performances.
We present the players who marked the European football weekend:
THE GOALKEEPER
Ter Stegen (Barcelona) - it is the German who certainly gives Barca's defense. Against Villarreal, he was one of the best links in the 3:1 victory.
DEFENSE
Demiral (Atalanta) - Juventus loaned him to Atalanta with an option to sell, it is being discussed whether it was a good decision by the "old lady". The Turk was almost infallible in the derby, and his "goddess" won three big points in Turin.
Tomijas (Arsenal) - he arrived from Bologna through the back door, but in the Japanese, Mikel Arteta got a reliable right back who is ready for the rhythm imposed by the Premier League.
THE MIDDLE
Gindogan (Manchester City) - he is not as deadly as last season, but the German always does what Pep Guardiola wants on the field. Against West Ham, he opened the way to victory, so the champion is one point behind the leader Chelsea.
Saka (Arsenal) - is no longer a surprise, no longer just a talent, but a football player who can make a difference. He did exactly that in the duel with Newcastle with a goal for 1:0.
Lemar (Atletico Madrid) - when he shook the Cadiz net at the beginning of the second half, it became clear that the "Kolćoneros" would have no problem winning three points.
ATTACK
Mertens (Naples) - as if he subscribed to Eurogoals against Lazio. On Sunday, he was a double scorer, so the Neapolitans forgot, at least for the night, that Viktor Osimen was injured and that a long break awaits him.
Skamaka (Sassuolo) - another top game is behind the young and controversial Italian striker. He played with Milan's defense and if Azura coach Roberto Mancini continues like this, he can get a big reinforcement in the attack for the World Cup playoff duel.
Vinicius (Real Madrid) - he did a lot of good things under Zinedine Zidane, but he exploded under Carlo Ancelotti. He has already scored nine times in La Liga this season, his best performance since joining Real. In the derby, he scored from twenty meters and brought victory against Sevilla.
Sancho (Manchester United) - the English public is still waiting for Sancho's real performance in United's shirt. He was the scorer against Chelsea, he hinted at his class. Now it's up to Ralf Rangnik to get the most out of him...
Jadon Sancho is 21 years and 248 days old and is the third youngest scorer for Manchester United against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge - after Paul Scholl (20/339) and Phil Neville (21/38).
Vardy (Leicester) - he did not have many emotions against Claudio Ranieri, with whom he won the historic title with the "foxes". The Italian received a well-deserved standing ovation at "King Power", and the experienced striker "delivered" two goals in his own style.
Bonus video:
