Champions League Fantasy Football: Forwards

UEFA.com takes a look back at the top-performing UEFA Champions League forwards during Matchday 7, and runs the rule over those who may make a similarly big impact on Matchday 8 of #UCLfantasy, presented by Playstation.

Just one forward recorded a double figure score on Matchday 7, in which only one of the eight matches featured more than two goals. That was at Anfield, where Real Madrid came from two down to beat Liverpool 5-2 with Karim Benzema (€10.6m) a key protagonist thanks to two goals and an assist to earn a 13-point Fantasy haul. Given the Frenchman's prolific record in last season's UEFA Champions League, and the fact he has found the net in six of his last seven knockout appearances, it would be no surprise if he was to make his mark once again on Matchday 8.

The second highest-scoring forward in the eight first legs was Karim Adeyemi (€7.9m), who recorded nine points after getting the only goal in Dortmund's 1-0 home win against Chelsea. The young German showcased his blistering pace on the counterattack and that could again come to the fore with Chelsea needing to go on the front foot on Matchday 8. However, a hamstring injury has made Adeyemi a major doubt for the trip to Stamford Bridge, and Fantasy managers should wait for more information on his fitness.

In-form Victor Osimhen (€7.8m) was highlighted as one to sign ahead of Matchday 7, and the 24-year-old did not disappoint. After opening the scoring for Napoli at Eintracht Frankfurt, the Nigerian had a second ruled out for offside and also won a penalty. Osimhen finished with eight points, and has now scored at least once in Napoli's last seven fixtures in all competitions.

Aside from Benzema, other premium forward assets failed to live up to their large price tags on Matchday 7. Kylian Mbappé (€11.4m), the highest-scoring Fantasy forward and second top scorer in all positions, failed to gain an attacking return, as did team-mate Lionel Messi (€10.7m) as Paris were shut out by Bayern. Both Mbappé and Messi will need to be at their best for the return leg in Munich, and it would be unusual for either to go without a goal contribution for consecutive matches.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland (€11.0m) also drew a blank on Matchday 7 despite his excellent goalscoring record against Leipzig. With their tie level at 1-1, the Norwegian will seek to draw on his form at the City of Manchester Stadium, where he has already struck four Premier League hat-tricks this season.