An exciting ride in the second leg of the Champions League Quarterfinals helped determine the last four most deserving teams for the Semifinals. Real Madrid is on the quest to defend the title and will take on a powerhouse in Manchester City led by Pep Guardiola. On the other side of the bracket, the Derby della Madonnina between AC Milan and Inter Milan is a must-watch. En route to the Semifinals, some players came up big in the second leg to help their teams. Let’s look at the most notable players in the Champions League Quarterfinals’ second leg.
GK: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
Thibaut Courtois had another world-class performance with six saves to keep a clean sheet against Chelsea. The clutch play on N’Golo Kante‘s shot is just one of the lightning reflexes from one of the world’s best goalkeepers.
DF: Alejandro Grimaldo (Benfica)
Despite being unable to advance, Alejandro Grimaldo was one of Benfica’s bright sparks in the second leg against Inter. He had an assist to his name and some beautiful passes that opened up the play for the Portuguese side.
DF: Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan)
Federico Dimarco was phenomenal down Inter’s left-wing against Benfica. The Italian provided two assists to Lautaro Martinez and Joaquin Correa in the second half to help seal the faith of the game.
DF: Eder Militao (Real Madrid)
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Eder Militao is Real Madrid’s best defender and one of the world’s best. He was rock-solid for Real Madrid against Chelsea and solidified himself as a starter over Alaba and Rudiger.
DF: Reece James (Chelsea)
Reece James is a hot take to make this squad. He couldn’t help Chelsea advance, but he initiated almost every dangerous attack from the London side. Had the attackers been more composed, the big chances created by James could have made some impact.
MF: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
Bayern’s captain again proved his class as a midfield general. The German did everything in his power to control the middle of the park against Manchester City’s stacked midfield. It wasn’t enough, but he grabbed Bayern’s only goal to avoid the loss at home.
MF: Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
Voted Man of the Match in the second leg, there was no doubt that Federico Valverde was class. The versatile midfielder assisted Rodrygo, doubling the lead. Chelsea did not have the tools to stop the Uruguayan from terrorizing their final third.
MF: Jack Grealish (Manchester City)
It’s about time Jack Grealish’s talent gets recognized. Manchester City’s record deal was a force on the left-hand side, not only attacking well and providing key passes but also helping Nathan Ake on the other side of the ball. His dribbles were immaculate in the late-game situation.
FW: Rafael Leao (AC Milan)
Rafael Leao single-handedly created every AC Milan’s big play against Napoli in the second leg, earning him the Man of the Match award. The Portuguese superstar drew a penalty, but Giroud couldn’t convert. Only minutes later, an outrageous solo effort from midfield brought in Milan’s only goal.
FW: Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
Don’t let the performances at the World Cup fool you into thinking Lautaro Martinez isn’t great. Inter Milan’s captain was on another level against Benfica in the Champions League Quarterfinals second leg, scoring and assisting Barella on the first goal. A real captain performance to secure the ticket to the Semifinals.
FW: Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
Rodrygo is back in his Champions League form. The young Brazillian grabbed a brace against Chelsea to increase his campaign tally to five. Rodrygo was easily this week’s most impressive performer.
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