Real Madrid and Atlético dominate the team of the week
The UEFA Champions League semi-final second-leg dream team includes four representatives from each of the two finalists as well as three Bayern Munich players.
Following the midweek semi-final second leg action in Munich and Madrid, UEFA have now published their Champions League ‘team of the week’. Atlético were beaten 2-1 at the Allianz Arena, but thanks to Saúl’s solo effort (a contender for goal of the season) the previous week, the rojiblancos managed to secure their place in the San Siro for 28 May. Real Madrid edged past Manchester City 1-0 in the Spanish capital to set up yet another mouthwatering Madrid derby in the final, just two years after defeating their cross-city rivals 4-1 to lift La Décima in Lisbon.
The team includes four representatives from each of the two finalists as well as three Bayern Munich players:
Oblak: The Slovenia goalkeeper was the hero for Atleti in Munich, producing a string of fine saves to keep the Germans at bay. His commanding penalty block in the second half to deny Thomas Müller was perhaps the pick of the bunch.
Carvajal: The Spaniard’s defensive and offensive positioning was spot on against City. The ex-Leverkusen defender terrorised Pellegrini’s charges down the right flank and kept De Bruyne in his pocket from start to finish.
Juanfran: The Atlético full back had the unenviable task of keeping Bayern quiet on the left wing, but still managed to excel at it as Franck Ribéry and David Alaba failed to find a way around the feisty Spaniard.
Godín: The Uruguayan’s reading of the game was exemplary as he kept appearing in the right place at the right time to clear the danger.
Alaba: The versatile Austrian helped set up Lewandowski for Bayern’s second goal with a superb cross.
Xabi Alonso: The Basque midfielder was pivotal to Bayern's play on Tuesday night. Not only did he score the opening goal, but he also covered the most ground at the Allianz Arena (12.08 kilometres) and completed 75 passes (88%).
Kroos: The German set the tempo for Real Madrid in the middle of the park and was a calming influence for his team-mates in a very tense game of football.
Modric: The Croatian's vision and passing ability (88% completion rate) facilitated Real0s attacking moves.
Vidal: The Chilean showed plenty of heart and strength against Los Colchoneros and was a pillar in the centre of the park for the Bavarians. He also laid up Lewandowski for Bayern's second goal of the night.
Bale: The Cardiff Express was a handful for the City defence all night. His deflected cross wound up being the goal that decided the tie.
Griezmann: The Frenchman kept his nerve to slot past Manuel Neuer and score the goal that sealed Atleti's passage to the final.
