Another exciting week in the Champions League came to end with Liverpool getting the better of Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena. The 3-1 win came after a goalless draw at home. Sergio Aguero, Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus and Bernardo Silva all found the back of the net as City smashed Schalke 7-0 to win 10-2 on aggregate. Cristiano Ronaldo yet again proved his worth in the Champions League with a hat trick to book a quarter-final place for the Old Lady. While Lionel Messi himself had a dazzling display against Lyon at home. Scoring twice and setting up another to see his side through 5-1 on aggregate.
In our round-up to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, here is the team of the week:
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper:
Alisson Becker: Alisson's quiet night in the Allianz Arena reflected Bayern's failure in the final third of the Liverpool half. But it wasn't as if he had nothing to do. Bayern players were quick to close him down. But Alisson was so comfortable on the ball that he was always playing to the feet of his defenders. Starting the move from the back rather than putting it forward for Hummels and company to deal with it. He displayed all the qualities that a modern-day goalkeeper should have.
Defenders:
Giorgio Chiellini: Juventus knew that conceding a goal meant that they have to score four against Atletico’s defence. And it was their talismanic captain once again who led the foundation from the back. The 34-year-old led by example and was firm in defence. Chiellini was seen drawing fouls and inviting tackles, putting his body on the line. Displaying a typical Central Defender play.
Virgil Van Dijk: The Dutch international has been instrumental in their season so far. Providing the stability in defence that Liverpool lacked for a major part of the last season. He made a great tackle on Lewandowski, lovely ball for Mane and a match-winning header to round up the things for Liverpool. Dijk's long balls were a threat throughout the match.
Jordi Alba: Probably the best left-back in the world, Jordi Alba was yet again great in their win against Lyon at Camp Nou. The 29-year-old defender was an important part of Barcelona's triangles. He was full of energy throughout the game. Nullifying attacks on the left side and provided great support for Messi going forward too.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: Franck Ribery and James Rodriguez running at a 20-year-old defender, it could be the worst possible situation for anyone. But not for Alexander-Arnold. He came on top of this battle from time to time. He stood firm and stopped any Bayern attack from the right flank. He combined well with Salah up front too.
Midfielders:
Ilkay Gundogan: The 28-year-old midfielder put up a dominating performance in the middle of the field. Spreading the play on the flanks to let Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling deal with it. While also threading some great passes into the middle. It was his clever pass that drew the penalty for the first goal for City.
Sergio Busquets: One of the best defensive midfielders in the world, Sergio Busquets ran the show from the middle of the park for Barcelona. He kept his side on top against a disorganized Lyon Midfield. He is known for those cheeky interceptions. And made the odd challenge when needed to stop any threat from their opponents.
Emre Can: The former Liverpool man hasn't had a sort of start at Juventus that he must have liked. But it was as if he kept his best performance for this game only. He covered every blade of the grass on the pitch and outmuscled Atletico's defenders with ease. He threaded some great passes to the flanks too. The 25-year-old German provided the perfect defensive cover for their defence.
Forwards:
Cristiano Ronaldo: One of those rare nights where a player deserves 10 out of 10 ratings and Ronaldo deserved every inch of it. He is known as ‘Mr Champions League’ for a reason. He is the man to look out for in big games. And more often than not, he will never disappoint. Two thumping headers to level the tie on aggregate before a perfectly placed penalty to win the game for Juventus. He was seen waving his hands for support from the fans and when the crowd backed him up, he was unplayable. It was as if this was what he wanted at Real.
Lionel Messi: Barcelona drew against Lyon away to set up a grandstand finish in Spain. And at Camp Nou, you could not help but fancy Messi to do the job for you. And this is exactly what Messi did. Two goals and a pinpoint assist to put the tie beyond the reach of Lyon. He scored a cheeky Panenka penalty before slipping home a tidy finish to help restore a two-goal cushion for Barcelona. It was his lovely assist which forced a fourth for them.
Sadio Mane: The Senegalese international is having the time of his life. And he was the most dangerous forward on the pitch that had the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino too. A sublime first goal that had everything, depth control, cheeky twist and a resounding finish. And a second in the dying seconds to settle the tie in favour of Liverpool. Apart from the goals, he was a major threat in front of goal too.
Substitutes: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Gerard Pique, Federico Bernardeschi, Fabinho, Leroy Sane, Roberto Firmino.
