We’re through with the first leg of the Europa League last 16 – with just 13 goals scored across eight games, we’ll be expecting much more entertainment in the second leg.
Despite the lack of drama, we saw some big wins for Aston Villa, Panathinaikos and Porto – but who were this week’s best individual performers?
GK: Elías Ólafsson
Elias Olafsson had plenty of work to do at the City Ground, but he was equal to everything that Nottingham Forest could throw at him.
All in all, the Icelandic international made a total of six saves against Forest – he played a crucial role in their famous away win.
RB: Zakaria El Ouahdi
Zakaria El Ouahdi was the star of the show when Genk took on SC Freiburg, scoring the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win.
Not only did El Ouahdi score the game’s only goal, he also put forth some vital defensive work to ensure that Freiburg remained at arm’s length.
CB: Pau Torres
Pau Torres has been the subject of criticism as of late – even we’ve been guilty of this. However, he silenced the critics with a monolithic display against LOSC Lille.
Aston Villa’s Premier League form may have dropped off, but they managed to keep their Europa League dreams alive – making a series of clearances and blocks, Torres was outstanding against Lille.
CB: Carl Starfelt
Former Celtic centre-back Carl Starfelt couldn’t keep a clean sheet for Celta Vigo against Lyon, but it certainly wasn’t for lack of trying.
Celta came under heavy pressure from the French giants, especially so after Borja Iglesias was sent off. Winning plenty of aerial duels, Starfelt will be highly disappointed to have so little to show for his herculean efforts.