A couple of stars produced mouth-watering performances this week in the Champions League to help push their teams to the quarterfinals.
Here is Bolanews’ UEFA Champions League Team of the Week:
GOALKEEPER
Andre Onana: The Inter shot-stopper was a man mountain at the back, keeping a valuable clean sheet for the Nerazzurri.
The Cameroonian international produced six important saves on Tuesday, including three from inside-the-box shots.
DEFENDERS
Denzel Dumfries: Inter needed to shut out FC Porto’s attack to qualify, and Dumfries understood the assignment.
The right-back made the most decisive action of the match when he blocked a shot on the line that was destined for the back of the net.
Nacho Fernandez: Nacho was very impressive in his makeshift role at left back against Liverpool on Wednesday. Stopping Mohamed Salah is not an easy task, and Nacho did exactly that. The Spaniard had the joint-most tackles in the game (four).
Nathan Ake: The Dutchman has been a more influential player for Pep Guardiola than most people thought he would be when he signed. In Manchester City’s 7-0 demolition of RB Leipzig, Nathan Ake won more aerial duels than anyone else on the pitch (four).
MIDFIELDERS
Kevin de Bruyne: Erling Haaland stole the headlines at the Etihad on Tuesday, but De Bruyne was the man pulling the strings in midfield.
Along with his creativity, the Belgian playmaker produced the most exceptional goal of the seven from outside the penalty area.
Hakan Calhanoglu: The Turk was a very influential figure in the middle of the park against a resilient FC Porto side. He had the most recoveries of any Inter Milan player (10) on the night. The midfielder was also awarded the official UEFA Man of the Match accolade.
Piotr Zielinski: Zielinski was everywhere on the pitch, dominating the midfield at the Diego Maradona stadium on Tuesday. The Pole created the most chances of any player in the game (5), along with his goal from the penalty spot.
FORWARDS
Vinicius Jr.: Trent Alexander Arnold was no match for Vinicius Jr.’s pace and skill. The Brazilian winger completed more successful dribbles than anyone else on the pitch (five). Despite lying on the turf, the 22-year-old was able to assist Benzema’s match-winning goal.
Victor Osimhen: Nobody seems to know how to stop Victor Osimhen right now. The Super Eagles’ striker scored twice on Wednesday to blow away UEFA Europa League holders Frankfurt. That brace took the Nigerian’s tally to 24 goals in all competitions and inspired Napoli to a maiden quarterfinal berth.
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Karim Benzema: Last season’s Champions League top scorer has continued to shine in his favorite competition. His match-winning goal against Liverpool meant he has scored 13 goals in his last eight Champions League knockout games. If the Frenchman can replicate last year’s heroics, it’s difficult to see anyone stopping Real Madrid from defending the title.
Erling Haaland: The most obvious addition to Bolanews’ Champions League Team of the Week. We are running out of superlatives to describe the Norwegian. The Manchester City striker became just the third player to score five goals in a Champions League match. And if the Premier League champions can end their UEFA Champions League drought this season, Haaland is the man to produce the goods.
