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Karim Benzema (C) of Real Madrid celebrates with his team mates Gareth Bale (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo (R).
The four Champions League round of 16 first-leg ties this week threw up some real crackers, with 17 goals, two away wins, one score draw and a comfortable home victory. With the cream of the crop on show from around the continent, who has made it into our Champions League team of the week based on Squawka Performance Score? Here’s a clue, there aren’t any players from Manchester United.
Goalkeeper – Roberto (48)
Olympiakos’ shot stopper was the only man to keep a clean sheet this week and it wasn’t surprising as he had a comfortable night against David Moyes’ lacklustre side. The Greeks were expecting a bombardment but United fired just one shot on target, forcing the 28-year-old had into a solitary save, although he also had a 100% claim and punch success rate.
Right-Back – Daniel Carvajal (28)
The 22-year-old Real Madrid defender won a huge 80% of his tackles as the Spaniards tormented Schalke up top and left their defence with little to do. An 89% passing accuracy actually left him lingering in the bottom half of Carlo Ancelotti’s team, but four interceptions snubbed out any threat on his flank and gave his side’s attacking trident plenty of service.
Centre-Back – Aurélien Chedjou (81)
The Cameroon international enjoyed a huge passing accuracy of 95% and won 100% of his headed duels, but wins a place in the team for his goal that gave Galatasaray a route back into the tie. With Chelsea cruising a a combination of errors from John Terry and Petr Cech let the 28-year-old sneak in unmarked and poke home from close range to the delight of the Turk Telekom Arena crowd.
Centre-Back – Sergio Ramos (50)
Flawless in the air and tackle on the night, Ramos produced a typically solid performance with a total of 11 defensive actions and a 91% passing accuracy, the highest in Madrid’s defence. The Spaniard’s excellent performance was capped with a disguised through ball for Gareth Bale late on that the Welshman dully converted to leave Schalke with no hope of progression.
Left-Back – Cesar Azpilicueta (21)
With the majority of the defenders on the left flank not enjoying a night to remember, Chelsea’s Spanish defender makes the cut. Although he had a respectable 60% tackle success rate and won three aerial duels, his attacking play provided the difference for Jose Mourinho’s side. He was the only player in Chelsea’s side to create more than one chance and provided the assist for Fernando Torres’ early opener after good build up play.
Central Midfield – Luka Modric
The Croatian is in fine form at the moment and has become an integral part of Ancelotti’s team. Very much at home alongside Xabi Alonso, the 28-year-old former Tottenham favourite had a passing accuracy of 92%, with just seven of his 83 passes misplaced. Although he did not have his most creative night, he delivered several excellent crosses into dangerous areas and pulled the strings from the middle of the park.
Central Midfield – Axel Witsel (30)
Interestingly, several traditionally high performers such as Xabi Alonso and Frank Lampard had poor Performance Scores, paving the way for Witsel’s inclusion. The Belgian’s decision to move from Benfica to Zenit St Petersburg was a strange one and he is now a leading light in one of the poorest sides left in the competition. Dismantled by Borussia Dortmund early on, Witsel had a decent game in the centre of midfield but could not prevent the Germans all but sealing progression with four away goals.
Right Midfield – Gareth Bale (95)
The mercurial Welshman begins a Madrid twang to our attack due to their rout of Bundesliga outfit. Bale helped himself to a brace either side of half time, the second of which was a wonderfully taken strike. He also provided an assist and his partnership with Ronaldo is beginning to look like a deadly combination amongst the best in world football. With an outstanding duel success the former Spurs man has continued to torment defenders using his pace and power with five completed take ons.
Attacking Midfield – Marco Reus (41)
Borussia Dortmund’s star man in midfield, Reus led his side’s sharp start out of the blocks. A dangerous run at the heart of Zenit’s defence created the chance for Henrikh Mkhitaryan to open the scoring just four minutes into the match and Reus added a strike of his own just a minute later. The 24-year-old German’s passing accuracy was below par with 73% but he produced an energetic display in tough conditions and last season’s finalists should cruise through the second leg and into the quarter finals.
Left Midfield – Cristiano Ronaldo (189)
Recently crowned Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo made his return after a spell on the sidelines and normal service was immediately resumed. His two goals, that were both finished with aplomb move him into double figures for the competition with 11. He also provided an assist and completed a huge seven take ons throughout the game as Schalke, like any side in world football, struggled to contain the Portuguese forward. The 29-year-old looks destined to finish as top scorer and could inspire Madrid to their 10th European triumph.
Striker – Karim Benzema (111)
The Frenchman has been forced to play second fiddle at the Bernabeu more often than not since his move from Lyon in 2009 but is now their first choice striker. The striker finished the game with a 100% passing accuracy and did not lose a single duel in any category as he produced a performance as good as any he has mustered in the white of Madrid. His brace with two right footed strikes was complemented by a pair of assists as he destroyed Schalke’s defence along with Bale and Ronaldo. Ancelotti’s trident of attackers have hit form at the right time and will be a team to avoid in the next round.
