Champions League - Team of the week

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.

Substitutes :- Petr Cech, Patrice Evra, Dante, Adrian, Andre Schurrle, Robert Lewandowski, Neymar.

Manager:- Diego Simeone

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