Champions League Team of the Round: Olise, Mbappe, and Mignolet Shine in the Playoffs

The initial knockout matches of this season’s Champions League have concluded, leaving behind a trail of surprising outcomes and remarkable displays. In the midst of the excitement, who emerged as the standout performers across both legs?

One of the most shocking developments is the departure of Manchester City, who now face serious concerns. They appeared to lack inspiration, falling victim to a Real Madrid team that made a significant impact at the Bernabeu, largely thanks to Kylian Mbappe’s best performance yet for Los Blancos.

Other unexpected results featured Belgian club Club Brugge, who triumphed over Atalanta, AC Milan’s defeat at the hands of Feyenoord, and Juventus’s elimination by PSV.

Our selection for the Team of the Round was made by analysing player performances across the two legs, using our internal ratings system. Only players who participated in both matches and played at least 60 minutes were considered. Find our chosen XI below:

Goalkeeper

Simon Mignolet (Club Brugge) 8.7

In our rankings, Club Brugge’s Simon Mignolet was recognised as the standout goalkeeper of the playoffs, attaining one of the highest average scores for all players due to his exceptional displays against Atalanta.

Mignolet played a crucial role for his team, having already demonstrated his prowess with a stellar performance against Manchester City in the group stage’s final match.

Defenders

Ryan Flamingo (PSV) 7.7

Young Dutch defender Ryan Flamingo netted the decisive goal that propelled PSV into the last 16, delivering a significant blow to Thiago Motta’s Juventus in a nail-biting encounter.

Marquinhos (PSG) 7.9

Brazilian defender Marquinhos has been a steadfast figure for PSG’s backline. As a reliable leader, he aims to guide the team towards their first Champions League trophy.

Nuno Mendes (PSG) 8.3

Under Luis Enrique’s management, PSG showcased dominance in their two Champions League playoff matches, culminating in a staggering 7-0 victory in the second leg at Parc des Princes, where Nuno Mendes notably contributed to the scoreline.

Midfielders

Michael Olise (Bayern) 8.8

Bayern’s talented playmaker, Michael Olise, opened the scoring in the first leg against Celtic.

The Frenchman enjoyed an outstanding round, achieving the highest average rating of any player and solidifying his importance in Vincent Kompany’s setup.

Joshua Kimmich (Bayern) 8.2

Joshua Kimmich’s versatility is invaluable to Bayern, as he oscillates between midfielder and full-back roles, consistently demonstrating his exceptional skills and reliability during the playoffs against Celtic.

Vitinha (PSG) 8.2

With such an impressive win for PSG, it’s only right to have multiple players represented in the Team of the Round. Vitinha is a classy midfielder, always present in the Champions’ efforts.

Desire Doue (PSG) 8.2

The young maestro, Desire Doue, continues to shine for Luis Enrique’s squad. At just 19, his dribbling, pace, and finishing ability make him a standout as one of the rising stars of French football.

Forwards

Chemsdine Talbi (Club Brugge) 8.4

Chemsdine Talbi’s two-goal effort in the second leg propelled Club Brugge past Atalanta, securing their position in the last 16 of the Champions League and marking him as one of the top performers of the round.

Ousmane Dembele (PSG) 8.1

The resurgence of Ousmane Dembele is remarkable, as he has defied expectations this season, becoming an essential part of Luis Enrique’s forward line while playing as a false nine.

Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) 8.5

Kylian Mbappe delivered an outstanding performance this round, breathing life into Real Madrid in the first leg at the Etihad before following it up with a stunning hat-trick at the Bernabeu. His ability to take charge in crucial moments showcases his potential to be the focal point of Los Blancos’ success.