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The 2021-22 UEFA Champions League group stage had no shortage of drama or shocks across six matchdays. All six matchdays were filled with exciting high-voltage clashes, producing many incredible moments.
All but one of the Round of 16 places have been decided. The last place will be taken up by Atalanta or Villarreal, whose clash was postponed to Thursday because of heavy snowfall in the north of Italy on Wednesday.
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A few superstars performed below expectations in the UEFA Champions League this season
While there were many players who created records galore in the group stage this season, some stars underperformed massively. With a lot of expectations around them, these players have not live up to their billing in the Champions League thus far this campaign.
On that note, here's a look at the five players who have failed to impress in the Champions League this season:
#5 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is showing no signs of slowing down even at the age of 40. The veteran sharpshooter continues to play a key role for Serie A giants Milan, racking up six goals and two assists in the Italian top flight so far this campaign.
However, Ibrahimovic failed to make any impact in the Champions League, registering zero goal contributions in four group games. The Swedish legend could not help but watch helplessly as Milan failed to qualify for the knockouts of this season's Champions League.
Despite being an asset to Stefano Pioli's side, Ibrahimovic failed to help his team on the European stage. The sharpshooter remains one of the modern-day greats to have never won the UEFA Champions League.
#4 Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong has proven himself to be one of the best midfielders in the world. However, he has endured a difficult start to his 2021-22 campaign, with Barcelona's managerial change being of little help to the player.
De Jong undoubtedly had a poor outing in the Champions League this campaign as the Blaugrana failed to qualify for the knockout stage. The Dutchman failed to control the tempo of games, and looked like a fish out of water in the big moments.
De Jong has been a key piece in the Blaugrana midfield under new manager Xavi Hernandez. However, the 24-year old's lacklustre displays in the Champions League will be a bitter pill to swallow for fans and critics alike at Barcelona.
#3 Lautaro Martinez
Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez has failed to deliver in the Champions League this season despite his reputation for being one of the best in the business. The Argentine has garnered huge attention from top European clubs after developing as a top sharpshooter with Inter.
Martinez is yet to make any kind of impact in the Champions League, though. The 24-year old had zero goals and zero assists in the group stage, which was unexpected from him considering his stellar form in Serie A.
He has racked up eight goals and two assists in the Italian top flight this season. However, the striker flopped in Europe as veteran Edin Dzeko was the one with all the tricks in the final third.
Although Inter qualified for the Champions League knockouts, Martinez's poor performance will be a major concern for them.
#2 Neymar
Lionel Messi's arrival was supposed to make things easier for Neymar at PSG. Surprisingly, that has not been the case for the Brazilian, who has been a shadow of his illustrious self so far this campaign.
Neymar had nothing to show for in four Champions League games this season, failing to connect with his attacking colleagues, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. The 29-year-old has endured a difficult start to his campaign, not just in Europe but also in the French top flight.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino is still trying to get the best out of Neymar and PSG's famed attacking trio. The winger remains a key piece in the PSG puzzle, but has failed to light up Ligue 1 or the Champions League this campaign. His poor form will be a major headache going forward if he continues to disappoint.
#1 Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay's first season at Barcelona is turning out to be a disappointing affair despite his bright start. The Dutchman was one of the bright spots for Barcelona initially, bagging eight goals and two assists in La Liga.
However, Depay has been poor in the Champions League, where the Blaugrana needed him the most. The forward had no involvement in any of Barcelona's goals in this season's Champions League, failing to be decisive in the final third.
Although Depay is not to be sublime and dominant, he has struggled for consistency this season. The 27-year old's zero impact in the Champions League meant Barcelona have dropped to the Europa League after a third-place finish.
