Champions League - Team of the week

Marco Reus scoring past Iker Casillas

The last two nights have justified the hype that the Champions League gets. European nights where Europe’s big guns go head to head in the UEFA Champions League are just what people want to watch. There were many good displays by players from all the four sides involved. We examine the best starting XI over the course of this match day.

Goalkeeper:- Iker Casillas

The Captain put in a great display for his side at the Signal Iduna Park making sure that Real Madrid progressed to the semi finals of the Champions League. If it wasn’t for him, Real Madrid wouldv’e conceded 4 to 5 goals easily. His performance on the night was second to none. He brilliantly denied Mkhitaryan 3 good goalscoring chances and made many vital saves during the course of the 90 minutes. Casillas once again showed that what difference a goalkeeper of his quality and experience can make when it comes to deciding big games like these.

Right back:- Juanfran

Juanfran was quite good in limiting the attacks from the left side of Barca’s midfield with him keeping a lid on the likes of Neymar , Jordi Alba and even Ineista who often drifted to the left. He put in a solid display and was resilient under pressure. Him marking Neymar tightly was a major reason why Barcelona failed to cause any real damage from the left side. He fully deserves making it to the team of the week.

Centre Back:- Mats Hummels

The German was as always an imposing presence at the back against Real Madrid. He didn’t allow the likes of Karim Benzema much room, as a result Benzema had quite a disappointing game. Hummels was instrumental in keeping the Madrid attack at bay. Benzema had a great chance when he rounded the keeper and was about to tuck the ball into the back of the net , only for Mats Hummels to intervene and make a great tackle to save his side from conceding an away goal.

Centre back:- Gary Cahill

Gary Cahill had a great game against PSG. He was the leader at the back and lived upto what Jose expected of him. Cavani’s poor play with his back to goal was due to Cahill’s strong marking, as a result of which the Uruguayan didn’t get the desired space and time. Keeping Cavani quite was the one of the main reasons PSG couldn’t score at the Bridge. Cahill was also a real threat during set piece situations.

Left Back:- Fillipe Luis

One of the most underrated fullbacks in the world, Filipe Luis put in another good and stable display at the Calderon. The most consistent left back in Spain was rock solid against Barcelona. He contributed both defensively and joined in during attacks. Furthermore , he was excellent in keeping the ball for those quick one touch moves Atletico depended on in order to get their crosses and passes in. He was essential in maintaining the shape of the Atletico Madrid defense and was reliable as always.

Left Midfield:- Marco Reus

Reus was again the main link through whom Dortmund played their game on the night. When on the ball, he always looked a threat going forward and constantly kept making good runs in behind Carvajal. When presented with chances, he was clinical. This game might go a long way to prove what Reus can do against big teams even when he’s not playing in a team full of stars. Big players rise to the occasion, and Reus definitely did that, and in some style too.

Centre Midfield:- Koke

The Spaniard took over the creative burden as Raul Garcia was played in a deeper role last night. The Barcelona midfield could not handle his technique and skill set as he pulled the strings in a calm and composed way. He was a constant supplier to the likes of Adrian and Villa, be it balls over the top or through balls splitting open the defense. He always looked dangerous in the final third, and scored the only goal in the game, which was decisive in Atletico progressing to the semis.

Centre Midfield:- David Luiz

Luiz was instrumental for Chelsea as the Blues made a stunning comeback to win the game. His no-nonsense approach was key here. He shielded the Chelsea back four brilliantly and after all 3 strikers were on the pitch, was literally a one man midfield. Thiago Motta and Matuidi were given a good run for their money and Luiz always came out on top in the physical battle. His link up play was brilliant and he didn’t commit harsh or silly fouls.

Right midfield:- Arjen Robben

Robben once again had the final say when it came to deciding the tie. He was involved in all 3 of Bayern’s goals last night . Often criticized for being selfish , the Dutchman didn’t disappoint and got the better of Patrice Evra almost every time when he was one on one with the Frenchman. Robben allowed Bayern the luxury of overloading their midfield, providing them the pace and the outlet necessary to stretch the United defense.

Centre Forward:- David Villa

Villa exchanged positions very frequently with Adrian. This interchange of positions made a massive impact in the first 25 mins as constant pressing by David Villa and Adrian led to Barcelona making some errors at the back. Villa provided the cross for Koke’s goal and he himself hit the post two times where everybody thought that he scored. In all , he lived up to his reputation of a big game player. Even though he didn’t score, the Barcelona defense couldn’t handle him all game.

Striker :- Mario Mandzukic

His physical strength and his assist for Schweinsteiger’s goal at Old Trafford after coming on as a substitute went some way to convincing Pep Guardiola to start him at the Allianz Arena . And he didn’t disappoint. His presence was felt all game and he gave Vidic a tough time. When presented with a chance, he took it by scoring a fine header leaving his marker for dead. The timing of that goal had a major say in denting Utd’s hopes of qualification and deflating their morale.