Champions League Team of the Week: Rice Shines, But Who Else Stood Out?

The Champions League quarter-finals delivered an electric mix of encounters, remarkable goals, and standout individual displays. But who made it into our top XI?

Utilising our internal rating system, we present our Team of the Round. To be considered, players needed to have played in both legs of the quarter-finals for at least 60 minutes combined.

Accompanying each player’s name is their average rating from both fixtures.

Goalkeeper

Yann Sommer (Inter) 7.8

Although he conceded three goals over the two matches, Sommer’s overall performance was commendable in Inter’s clash against Bayern Munich, his former club.

The 36-year-old’s standout moment came in the first leg where he made six saves, ensuring Bayern could only net once despite having an expected goals (xG) of 2.30.

Defence

Achraf Hakimi (PSG) 7.6

Hakimi was an absolute dynamo from right-back, posing significant threats during both of PSG’s confrontations with Aston Villa.

His crucial role came in the second leg where he netted the opening goal, while also contributing defensively with five clearances, two tackles, and two interceptions across both matches.

Alessandro Bastoni (Inter) 7.4

Demonstrating prowess, Bastoni was instrumental in Inter’s victory in Munich, winning nine of his 11 duels and completing five tackles.

While he faced a tougher outing in the return leg, he nevertheless maintained a solid performance.

Nuno Mendes (PSG) 7.8

Mendes stood out as one of the star players of this year’s Champions League, further proving his worth during the quarter-finals.

The left-back recorded two goals and one assist in the matches against Villa, both strikes showcasing his exceptional finishing skills.

Midfield

Desire Doue (PSG) 7.8

Desire Doue is enjoying a breakout season, with the 19-year-old firmly cementing his reputation as one of the world’s most promising talents in his games against Villa.

He scored a sensational equaliser in the first leg with a stunning strike from outside the box and was pivotal in creating numerous chances throughout both fixtures.

Fermin Lopez (Barcelona) 8.0

Fermin has emerged as an integral player for Barcelona this season, demonstrating his abilities in the clash against Borussia Dortmund.

He assisted his team’s third goal with a brilliant run and precise cutback, while only misplacing two passes throughout the two matches, effectively orchestrating play as his team’s number 10.

Declan Rice (Arsenal) 8.0

Rice was undoubtedly the standout player of the quarter-finals, making headlines with two stunning free-kicks in Arsenal’s first-leg victory over Real Madrid.

While his performance in the second leg wasn’t as theatrical, he was equally influential, proving vital in both defensive and offensive duties with a high-energy display.

Khivicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG) 7.7

Despite a quieter second leg, Kvaratskhelia earns his spot in the team for his breathtaking performance in Paris alone.

The winger opened the scoring with a spectacular goal, displaying finesse by rolling the ball past the defender before finishing with a powerful strike from a tight angle. He also created several chances through his dribbling and passing prowess.

Attack

Ousmane Dembele (PSG) 7.8

Dembele is in scintillating form, having recorded two assists and a total of 11 key passes throughout both matches against Villa.

With impactful displays on such a grand stage, he’s undoubtedly placing himself in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or.

Mikel Merino (Arsenal) 7.7

With injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, Merino has stepped up as Arsenal’s surprise asset in attack.

He netted Arsenal’s third goal in their opening leg victory against Real Madrid with a stunning finish, which might have garnered even more attention had it not followed Rice’s free-kick heroics. He also provided two exquisite assists in the Spanish capital.

Lautaro Martinez (Inter) 8.0

This season, Martinez has been making waves in the Champions League, now boasting eight goals in 11 matches.

He scored in both encounters against Bayern, with his opener in the second leg being an exquisite outside-of-the-boot finish.