We’re now into the knockout rounds of the Europa League – with the playoffs behind us, who made it into our team of the playoffs XI?
In this piece, we’ll only be looking at players’ performances in the second leg of the playoffs – game that took place in the first leg won’t taken into consideration.
GK: Viljami Sinisalo
Celtic might have fallen by the wayside, but they put forth a fantastic effort in the away leg at Stuttgart to retain a modicum of pride.
Viljami Sinisalo had plenty of work to do, as Stuttgart rattled off eight shots on target against the Celts, but Sinisalo was equal to everything they could throw at him.
RB: Javi Rueda
Celta Vigo’s tie against PAOK was on a knife edge coming into the second leg – Javi Rueda did everything in his power to make sure the Spaniards progressed.
He made a nuisance of himself down the right flank and also made sure to perform his defensive duties – it was a complete display from the 23-year-old.
CB: Chancel Mbemba
Lille mounted a phenomenal fightback away from home to secure their spot in the knockout rounds – Chancel Mbemba was at the heart of their efforts.
The former Newcastle United man put forth a fantastic defensive display, clearing anything that came his way to maintain a clean sheet.
CB: Toon Raemaekers
Likewise, Robbie Keane’s Ferencvaros also completed an impressive comeback to keep their Europa League dreams alive.
Toon Raemaekers made sure that they were able to shut Ludogorets Razgrad out, winning by a score of 2-0 to progress.