Saúl: Bright future for Atletico ace

The name on everyone's lips on Thursday morning is Saúl Niguez. 

The Spaniard's sublime solo goal is the difference between Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich at the half way stage of their Champions League semi-final. 

Before this week's ties, Bayern v Real Madrid was being touted as the final everyone wanted, and Lewandowski and Ronaldo backed to deliver once again to ensure the "Big Two" made it to the San Siro for the final.  

At the halfway stage, however, it is clear that without their talismanic goalmachine Real may lack the cutting edge necessary to see off Manchester City. 

"Giant Killers"

For many, City progressing to the final would still pale in comparison to the achievement of Atletico Madrid putting Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich to the sword. 

Celebrated Argentinian coach Simeone has forged a group of players, in the mould of goalscorer Saúl, which are more than capable of going toe-to-toe with the best in the world and they have already despatched Barcelona in the quarters. 

Saúl Níguez' stunner was his third 15/16 Champions League goal. Astana, Benfica and now Bayern. Hot prospect. #ucl #atletico #playmaker

— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) April 27, 2016

Simeone has also managed to revive the once-fading talent of Fernando Torres whose fine outside-of-the-boot strike hit a post late on against Bayern. 

Saúl, though, is rightly taking the plaudits for one of the most sensational Champions League goals in many a year. So why have so many never heard of the man who could inspire Atletico to a second Champions League final in three years?

With 91 games under his belt for the Rojiblancos, he has nine goals this season and has elevated himself to a regular in Simeone's beautifully balanced side. 

Saúl Níguez is the youngest Atletico Madrid player to score in a semi-final in European competition: 21 years, 5 months and 7 days) #UCL

— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) April 27, 2016

When Saúl has scored this term his side have never lost (8W, 1D, 0L) and, alongside the likes of Koke, the midfielder is threatening to break the Real/Barca stranglehold on places in the Spanish starting XI.  

The 21-year-old has yet to feature for the Spanish senior side, but his 23 youth appearances (13 at U21 level) suggest a step up is on the cards.

'That' goal last night has certainly put him in the spotlight at just the right time ahead of Euro 2016...