USMNT Hopeful Joins Cristiano Ronaldo's Champions League Clutch Goal Record
Manchester City legend Sergio Agüero once shared an impressive Champions League record with Cristiano Ronaldo, the tournament's all-time top scorer. Now, USMNT hopeful Ricardo Pepi has joined this elite group.
On Tuesday evening, Pepi scored his third decisive stoppage-time goal in the Champions League, securing a 1–1 draw for PSV Eindhoven against Olympiacos in the 93rd minute. His knack for late heroes in Europe's biggest nights is clear.
Pepi's Impactful Champions League Moments
- Pepi's first Champions League goal came in November 2023, a 92nd-minute winner against Sevilla. He had been on the pitch only 10 minutes when he headed in the dramatic winner, completing a comeback after PSV trailed by two goals.
- Last season, PSV fell behind 2–0 to Shakhtar Donetsk. Malik Tillman scored twice near the end of regular time, and Pepi delivered a 95th-minute winner to complete the turnaround.
Record-Setting Late Goals
In the 33-year history of the modern Champions League, no player has scored more second-half stoppage-time goals that decisively altered the match outcome than Pepi, according to Opta.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the tournament’s most prolific player, but Pepi's clutch goals place him in a highly select company alongside legends like Sergio Agüero.
Author's summary: Ricardo Pepi has matched a unique Champions League record for decisive late goals, highlighting his rising star power on Europe's biggest stage.
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