The exciting Champions League returned with matches in the first leg of the Quarterfinals. Exciting results in all four games favor Real Madrid, Manchester City, and the two Milano teams, Inter and AC. Some players showed up big-time to give their teams a slight advantage before the second leg next week. Let’s look at the best stars from the Champions League Quarterfinals’ first leg.
GK: Mike Maignan (AC Milan)
In another impressive win against Napoli, Mike Maignan again is AC Milan’s most important player on the pitch. His five saves, including three inside the box, give Stefano Pioli‘s squad much-needed safety in the crucial stage of the competition.
DF: Nathan Ake (Manchester City)
Experimenting with Nathan Ake as a left-back proved to be one of Pep Guardiola‘s most remarkable successes this season. The Dutch international was locked down on the left flank, even against an in-form speedster in Kingsley Coman.
DF: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)
He was quite easily Inter’s best player against Benfica this midweek. Alessandro Bastoni provided on both defense and offense. Not only did he shut down the highest-scoring team in the Champions League this year, but he also gave an assist to open the scoreline.
DF: Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Ruben Dias against Bayern Munich was a highlight tape that defenders need to look at as an example. Textbook tackles after textbook clearances. His presence prevented the likes of Serge Gnabry or Kingsley Coman from creating any significant chances.
DF: Matteo Darmian (Inter Milan)
Feels like it’s a long time since Matteo Darmian was this impressive. The Italian produced solid enforcement for Denzel Dumfries on the right side. His nine interceptions were one of the most notable statistics of the week.
MF: Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodri displayed another world-class performance against Bayern Munich in the Champions League Quarterfinals. That curler for the opening goal with his left foot is an HIM moment. And per usual, he also provided significant help to his defensive line, not allowing the opponent to score.
MF: Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan)
Nicolo Barella is always the heart and soul of Inter midfield. In his first Champions League Quarterfinals, he displayed zero fear and hesitation. His close-range header goal gave the Italian side momentum to control the rest of the game to gain a slight edge.
MF: Ismael Bennacer (AC Milan)
Like Nicolo Barella, Ismael Bennacer has been one of Milan’s best midfielders in the past few years. The Algerian’s first-touch finish was all needed for the red and black to capture a narrow lead going into the second leg.
MF: Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Bernardo Silva absolutely terrorized Bayern’s left flank, making one of the world’s best left-backs, Alphonso Davies, a shell of himself. The dribblings from the little magician created City many big chances. Silva also grabbed himself a goal from close range.
FW: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Ramadan Benzema, Champions League Quarterfinals Benzema, whatever you want to call this man, but Karim Benzema is the definition of Champions League DNA. He scored against Chelsea to help Real Madrid set one foot into the Semifinals.
FW: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
What more to say about this beast of a player? Erling Haaland gave Dayot Upamecano hell all game. He stole the ball from the Frenchman, then assisted Bernardo Silva to double the lead before sealing the faith of the game himself with his 11th goal of the campaign.
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