As the quarter-finals of the Champions League came to an end, we witnessed some shock results as a few tournament favourites were knocked out by less-fancied teams in single-legged ties.
While Barcelona were thrashed by Bayern Munich, Lyon and Leipzig knocked out Manchester City and Atletico Madrid, respectively and Paris Saint-Germain had to rely on two late goals to edge out a resilient Atalanta team.
Champions League quarter-final results and semi-final fixtures:
On that note, let us take a look at the players who performed well for their respective teams and made it to the Champions League Team of the Quarter-Finals. The formation used is 4-2-3-1.
Goalkeeper: Anthony Lopes (Lyon)
Anthony Lopes had a stellar game against Manchester City as he helped his team to a shock 3-1 win, with Lyon reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time in 10 years.
If not for Lopes, who made the highest number of saves (6) in the game, Manchester City would have knocked out Lyon. The Portuguese international will have to be at his best in the semi-finals if the Ligue 1 outfit are to have any chance against Bayern Munich.
Right-back: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
Joshua Kimmich is one of the most versatile players in the world and can play as a central defensive midfielder or a right-back. The German international was unstoppable against Barcelona and played a vital part in his side’s commanding victory.
The former Stuttgart man scored a goal and provided one assist as Bayern Munich thrashed Barcelona 8-2.
Centre-back: Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig)
Dayot Upamecano is one of the best young central defenders in Europe at the moment. The Frenchman proved his worth throughout the Bundesliga season and was key to RB Leipzig’s third-place finish.
The centre-back was at his dominating best against a stubborn Atletico Madrid side in the Champions League quarter-finals as he managed the second-highest number of passes (74), the highest number of tackles (2) and interceptions (3) in the game.
Upamecano’s performance was one of the main reasons behind RB Leipzig reaching their first-ever Champions League semi-finals.
Centre-back: Jason Denayer (Lyon)
Jason Denayer was an absolute rock for Lyon against the mighty Manchester City. The Belgian international was in sublime form as he kept the Citizens’ attackers quiet, especially Gabriel Jesus.
The former Manchester City man made two vital blocks at crucial junctures to help Lyon to a shock 3-1 win.
Left-back: Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
Alphonso Davies, who has simply been outstanding this season, was at his absolute best against five-time European champions, Barcelona.
The Canadian international made a mockery of Nelson Semedo and provided a sublime assist for Joshua Kimmich’s goal as Bayern Munich romped to an 8-2 victory.
Defensive midfielder: Houssem Aouar (Lyon)
The world was taking notice of the young Frenchman, and he delivered in style. Houssem Aouar had a phenomenal game against Manchester City as he helped his team with two assists in a shock 3-1 win.
The Lyon academy graduate, 22, played beyond his years against one of the best midfields in the world and kept the counter-attacking football ticking for Lyon.
Defensive midfielder: Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich)
Leon Goretzka is finally getting the recognition he deserves after making his move to Bayern Munich from Schalke two seasons back. The German international was a key player for the Bavarians against Barcelona as he provided one assist, managed the highest number of tackles (2) and interceptions (4) in the game.
Right-winger: Philippe Coutinho (Bayern Munich)
Philippe Coutinho came on as a substitute and inflicted more pain and misery on his parent team. The Barcelona loanee played a short but effective cameo as he provided an assist and scored twice to help Bayern Munich to a resounding victory.
Attacking midfielder: Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)
Thomas Muller almost always performs in big matches and the game against Barcelona was no different. The German international was up and running from the first whistle and looked like a man on a mission.
Muller scored twice and provided two more assists as Bayern Munich hammered Barcelona 8-2.
Left-winger: Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich)
Serge Gnabry, who has come a long way since leaving Arsenal, has been in record-breaking form throughout the season and showed no signs of stopping against Barcelona. The German international scored two goals in Bayern Munich’s 8-2 rout of Barcelona.
Striker: Moussa Dembele (Lyon)
Moussa Dembele replaced a tired looking Memphis Depay when the game between Lyon and Manchester City was tied at 1-1 and played the cameo of his life. The former Celtic striker was in outstanding form as he scored a quick-fire brace to knock the English giants out of the Champions League.
Here’s how our Champions League Best Quarter-Final XI would line up:
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