UEFA Champions League Team of the Week: Stars Shine in Knockout Stage

The UEFA Technical Observer Group, supported by the UEFA Game Insight Unit in Nyon, Switzerland, has selected the standout performers from the latest Champions League action. This Team of the Week, presented by Crypto.com, recognizes players who have demonstrated exceptional skill and impact during the knockout phase play-offs.

Key Performers

Goalkeeper

Jan Oblak (Atlético Madrid): Oblak proved crucial in Atlético Madrid’s match against Club Brugge, making a vital save from Hugo Vetlesen’s close-range header with the score level at 1-1. His accurate long kick initiated the play that led to Alexander Sørloth’s opening goal.

Defenders

Davide Zappacosta (Atalanta): The Atalanta wing-back showcased both tactical intelligence and physical strength in their game against Borussia Dortmund. He scored the second goal and provided consistent attacking width while remaining defensively solid during transitions.

Odin Bjørtuft (Bodø/Glimt): Bjørtuft embodied Bodø/Glimt’s resilience in their stunning victory at Inter Milan. His strong defensive performance was highlighted by six clearances and three blocked shots.

Edmond Tapsoba (Leverkusen): Tapsoba dominated his duels and recorded a league-leading 14 clearances in the Champions League this week, securing a second consecutive clean sheet for Leverkusen against Olympiacos.

Midfielders

Weston McKennie (Juventus): Despite Juventus’s loss to Galatasaray, McKennie scored his fourth Champions League goal of the campaign and demonstrated energetic work rate with nine ball recoveries.

Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid): Tchouaméni impressed both defensively and offensively, diligently fulfilling his defensive duties while contesting more duels than any other Real Madrid player. He also scored his first goal of the season to equalize against Benfica.

Sandro Tonali (Newcastle): Tonali was an energetic force in the Newcastle midfield, scoring the opening goal and playing a vital role in his team’s ability to control possession and dominate the center of the pitch.

Forwards

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain): Kvaratskhelia scored Paris Saint-Germain’s second goal against Monaco and covered the most ground of any winger or striker this week (422m). He also completed 33 passes in the attacking third with a 93% success rate.

Jens Petter Hauge (Bodø/Glimt): Hauge continued his impressive form, scoring the opening goal at Inter Milan – his fourth in his last five Champions League games – and providing the assist for Håkon Evjen’s goal.

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray): Osimhen’s composed finish in extra time shifted the momentum back in Galatasaray’s favor during their thrilling tie against Juventus, bringing his season tally to seven goals.

Alexander Sørloth (Atlético Madrid): Sørloth achieved a Champions League hat-trick against Club Brugge, proving to be a key attacking outlet with his height, power and skillful ball control.

About UEFA

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is one of six continental bodies of governance in association football. Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Nyon, Switzerland, UEFA governs football, futsal, and beach football in Europe and several transcontinental countries [UEFA Official Website]. It comprises 55 national association members and organizes prestigious competitions such as the European Championship, Champions League, and Europa League.