Discover the Champions League Team of the Week Highlighting Exceptional Performances After the Play-Offs

Outstanding Goalkeeping: Simon Mignolet – Club Brugge

Simon Mignolet showcased his incredible skill and resilience as he stood firm in goal for Club Brugge, helping them secure a place in the Champions League knockout stage. His performance against Atalanta was nothing short of spectacular, as he made an impressive nine saves, including a crucial penalty stop from Ademola Lookman. Brugge’s 3-1 victory in Bergamo resulted in a commanding 5-2 aggregate win. Notably, Mignolet’s 3.32 xG prevented is the highest recorded by any goalkeeper in a Champions League match over the last three seasons, cementing his status as a key player in this competition.

Defensive Excellence: Eduardo Quaresma – Sporting Lisbon

Despite facing a challenging first leg, Eduardo Quaresma led Sporting Lisbon to a hard-fought draw against Borussia Dortmund in the return fixture, demonstrating his defensive prowess. The talented right-back was instrumental in maintaining the team’s integrity, registering seven crucial interceptions and winning nine tackles throughout the match. Additionally, he dominated in ground battles, winning 10 out of 13 duels. Quaresma’s performance not only helped restore respect for the Portuguese champions but also highlighted his potential as a rising star in European football.

Rising Star in Defense: Ryan Flamingo – PSV Eindhoven

Ryan Flamingo is quickly gaining recognition as a formidable defender, and his performance against Juventus further solidified his growing reputation. The 22-year-old played a pivotal role in PSV’s dramatic victory, making 11 vital clearances and executing five solid tackles. In addition to his defensive contributions, Flamingo scored the crucial extra-time winner, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His statistics underline his defensive capabilities while also highlighting his potential as an offensive threat, making him a player to watch in future competitions.

| 𝐑𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐨 (𝟐𝟐) vs Juventus:

Winning Goal.
11 Clearances.
5 Interceptions.
3 Tackles.
89% Pass Accuracy.
7/10 Successful Long Balls.
5/11 Ground Duels Won.
4/8 Aerial Duels Won.

He literally put PSV in the Last 16 Round.

𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑. pic.twitter.com/NjjqHtEtUm

— Rising Stars XI (@RisingStarXI) February 19, 2025

Defensive Mastery: Joel Ordonez – Club Brugge

Joel Ordonez is emerging as a significant talent in the football world, and his performance in the second leg against Atalanta was remarkable. The 20-year-old defender delivered an impressive display, amassing 15 clearances and winning 7 out of 8 defensive duels. His contributions were crucial in leading Club Brugge to a stunning upset against the Italian side. Ordonez’s skills and tenacity have made him a standout performer, and he is poised to become one of the next big stars to emerge from the thriving Ecuadorian football scene.

Dynamic Left-back: Nuno Mendes – Paris Saint-Germain

Nuno Mendes was instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain’s resounding 7-0 victory over Brest, a match that felt like a training exercise for the Parisians. His performance alongside teammate Bradley Barcola on the left flank was particularly noteworthy, as Mendes not only contributed defensively but also got on the scoresheet. His ability to push forward and create opportunities demonstrates his versatility and importance to the team. As PSG continues to assert their dominance, Mendes’s contributions will be vital in their quest for European glory.

Midfield Maestro: Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich

Joshua Kimmich is a key asset for Bayern Munich, consistently delivering impactful performances even when the team faces challenges. In their match against Celtic, Kimmich was pivotal in ensuring Bayern’s progress, showcasing his passing accuracy and vision. He completed an impressive 114 of 119 attempted passes while also creating six scoring opportunities, the highest among players in the midweek Champions League fixtures. Kimmich’s ability to control the tempo of the game and his exceptional skill set make him one of the top midfielders in Europe, elevating Bayern’s chances of success.

Joshua Kimmich’s game by numbers vs. Celtic:

139 touches
119 passes attempted
114 passes completed
8 long passes completed
8 crosses
6 chances created

Another dominant performance in CM. pic.twitter.com/9ezUbBpc9Z

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 18, 2025

Playmaking Impact: Fabian Ruiz – Paris Saint-Germain

Fabian Ruiz played a central role in Paris Saint-Germain’s dominant display against Brest, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive output. With two assists to his name, Ruiz was instrumental in the team’s relentless attack, helping PSG to a comprehensive victory at the Parc des Princes. While there are still areas for improvement within the squad, Ruiz’s performance highlights the team’s current form and confidence. As they prepare for a high-stakes match against either Liverpool or Barcelona, the upcoming clash promises to be one of the most exciting encounters in the tournament.

Emerging Talent: Chemsdine Talbi – Club Brugge

Chemsdine Talbi has made a significant impact in the Champions League, marking his arrival on the big stage with a memorable performance. The 19-year-old forward scored two goals in the crucial match against Atalanta, further solidifying his growing reputation. Following an assist in the first leg, Talbi’s scoring prowess was on display as he netted twice within the opening 27 minutes, contributing to Brugge’s impressive victory. With 10 goal involvements this season, he is fast becoming a player of interest for talent scouts and recruiters, as his skill and potential continue to shine.

This shot of Club Brugge’s 19-year-old Chemsdine Talbi with his Champions League POTM award goes incredibly hard pic.twitter.com/aMNgcZ6sn6

— OneFootball (@OneFootball) February 19, 2025

Impactful Winger: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia made a striking debut in the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, showcasing his talent and creativity on the pitch. The Georgian winger formed a dynamic partnership with Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive efforts against Brest. Kvaratskhelia scored the second goal of the match and assisted in the final goal of the 7-0 rout for Senny Mayulu. His ability to seamlessly integrate into PSG’s attacking framework is a promising sign for the club as they aim for European success.

Exceptional Forward: Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe delivered a breathtaking performance against Manchester City, demonstrating why he is regarded as one of the world’s best players. The French forward’s hat-trick was pivotal in Real Madrid’s victory at the Bernabeu, as his speed, agility, and technical skill left the opposition helpless. He opened the scoring with a deft finish within the first four minutes and displayed his clinical ability by slamming in a second before halftime. Completing his treble with a precise shot into the far corner, Mbappe’s performance was a statement of intent and showcased his value to the team.

Kylian Mbappe was unstoppable this evening!

pic.twitter.com/B35mbNk1JZ

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 19, 2025

Goal-Scoring Sensation: Vangelis Pavlidis – Benfica

Vangelis Pavlidis is having an impressive season in Europe, further enhancing his profile as a prolific goalscorer. With his latest performances, he has now tallied seven goals in this Champions League campaign. Pavlidis was instrumental in Benfica’s match against Monaco, where he showcased his playmaking ability with a brilliant assist for Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s opener, followed by scoring a penalty to secure Benfica’s second goal. This remarkable achievement has allowed him to match his total goal tally in the Primeira Liga, demonstrating his growth and effectiveness on the European stage.

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