Karim Adeyemi has been playing his best football at Borussia Dortmund since returning from the World Cup with Germany, and against Chelsea at Signal Iduna Park in Wednesday night's Champions League Round of 16 first leg the 21-year-old truly announced himself with a match-winning solo goal.
The game was very reminiscent of Diego Maradona vs. England in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals.
First, Thiago Silva tried to do his best "Hand of God" impression. The center back had the ball in the back of the net but the ref spotted the infringement and booked the Brazilian. Booo.
Tarjeta amarilla para Thiago Silva por rematar con la mano
EN VIVO por TUDN, @UniMas y Vix +https://t.co/jakPYqQULq #TUChampions | #UCL | #BVBCHE pic.twitter.com/ogoSQKU959
— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) February 15, 2023
Then it was time for the "Goal of the Century."
In the 63rd minute, Adeyemi took possession deep in his own half and dribbled at Enzo Fernández. The Argentine World Cup winner tried to dance with the bull but only got the horns.
Adeyemi squared Fernández up outside Chelsea's area, beat him by shifting up a gear and then rounded Kepa in goal. Woof.
If that wasn't mean enough, Adeyemi hit a backflip.
KARIM ADEYEMI. STOP THAT.
A devastating Dortmund counter-attack after Chelsea hit the bar! pic.twitter.com/XEC1tqhmPp— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 15, 2023
In his 79 minutes on the pitch, Adeyemi was Dortmund's most consistent threat with four dribbles, four shots and one key pass. He also has two goals and one assist in his last four Bundesliga games. Chelsea should think about buying him for $100 million.
The return leg at Stamford Bridge is scheduled for Tuesday, March 7.
Giovanni Reyna didn't get off the bench because life's a cruel mistress.
