The Champions League semi-finals showcased two very different match styles: an exhilarating goal-laden encounter and a more calculated, tactical battle focused on frustrating the opponent.
The selection of our team of the week leaned heavily towards attacking players, as the defensive performances were less inspiring.
GK: David Raya
While none of the four goalkeepers managed a clean sheet during their semi-final matches, David Raya stood out as the best performer. He made several key saves against Atletico Madrid, notably stopping a close-range effort from Julian Alvarez that nearly caught him off guard.
RB: Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi faced misfortune during PSG’s thrilling match against Bayern Munich, as a hamstring injury may sideline him for the remainder of the season and the World Cup. He played exceptionally well until his injury, contributing defensively and registering an assist.
CB: William Saliba
William Saliba did not deliver his best performance, but given the overall lack of strong defensive displays in the semi-finals, he met expectations with several crucial clearances.
CB: Dayot Upamecano
Despite conceding five goals against PSG, Dayot Upamecano did find the net himself, earning him some credit. While he struggled defensively, much of Bayern Munich’s attacking strategy left him exposed on counter-attacks.
LB: Matteo Ruggeri
Matteo Ruggeri exemplified a classic fullback performance, excelling defensively while also supporting his team’s attack. His tactical awareness helped contain Arsenal’s threats, and he created numerous chances, narrowly missing out on an assist.
RM: Desire Doue
Desire Doue showcased his creativity against Bayern, taking full advantage of the space afforded to him, ultimately providing two assists before making way for Bradley Barcola.
CM: Declan Rice
Declan Rice delivered another commanding midfield display, making more passes than any other player with a total of 83. His performance reaffirmed his status among the world’s top central midfielders.
CM: Joao Neves
Joao Neves proved to be an exceptional goalscoring midfielder. His ability to arrive late in the box was highlighted when he scored with a well-timed header to give PSG an early lead.
LM: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Considered by many to be the best player globally at this moment, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia demonstrated his prowess with two goals against Bayern, including a critical early response to Bayern’s opening score.
ST: Harry Kane
Harry Kane is currently regarded as the top goalscorer in the world. He scored and assisted in the match against PSG, showcasing his ability to contribute both in finishing and playmaking.
ST: Ousmane Dembele
The recent Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembele, solidified his status as a leading player with a remarkable performance, scoring a penalty and a clever near-post finish during PSG’s thrilling 5-4 victory against Bayern.