The Champions League playoffs are over – as such, the knockout rounds are now locked in. But who were the top individual performers over the course of the second leg ties?
In this piece, we will only be looking at games that took place in the second leg of the Champions League playoffs – first leg ties won’t be considered.
We’ll be looking at players from Atalanta, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid in this XI – who made it into your team?
GK: Nikita Haikin
Nikita Haikin was ready for the deluge of attacks that Inter Milan were poised to throw at him – he couldn’t keep a clean sheet, but he played a vital role in Bodo/Glimt’s historic victory.
Haiken made six saves to secure Bodo’s victory at the San Siro, winning by a score of 2-1 on the night and 5-2 overall.
RB: Davide Zappacosta
Former Chelsea defender Davide Zappacosta was on fire during Atalanta’s unlikely comeback win over Borussia Dortmund, taking complete control of his right flank.
He scored a goal on the stroke of half time, then put forth a tireless display to ensure that Dortmund couldn’t mount a fightback.
CB: Federico Gatti
Federico Gatti also couldn’t help his team to maintain their clean sheet – additionally, he was also on the losing end on aggregate. However, we would be remiss to overlook his herculean efforts on Wednesday evening.
Gatti was determined to drag Juventus into the knockout rounds. To this end, he never shied away from the ball and scored their second goal of the game – sadly, two late goals from Galatasaray ultimately sank the Old Lady.
CB: Jarell Quansah
Jarell Quansah didn’t set the world on fire at Liverpool – thankfully, he has found a home for himself in the form of Bayer Leverkusen.
Olympiacos simply couldn’t get past him as they sought to find a way back into the tie. Quansah performed his defensive duties diligently, shutting the Greek champions out.