In a thrilling first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, fans were treated to some of the most exhilarating football of the season. UEFA has now unveiled their much-anticipated Team of the Week, highlighting the standout performers who gave their all on the pitch. With Real Madrid, Manchester City, Inter Milan, and AC Milan all battling for a place in the final, the chosen eleven showcase the immense talent and critical moments that made this semi-final clash unforgettable.
Champions League Semi-Finals: Key Highlights
The semi-finals featured breathtaking action, including Real Madrid’s fierce contest with Manchester City, which ended in a tense 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabéu. Vinicius Jr.’s spectacular strike lit up the pitch, only to be matched by Kevin De Bruyne’s incredibly placed equaliser from outside the box. This clash of European giants set the stage for an epic battle in the second leg.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan demonstrated their dominance in the Milan derby with a 2-0 victory over AC Milan. Early goals from Edin Džeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan gave Inter a solid advantage, leaving AC Milan with a steep challenge in their quest to reach the final. Both matches displayed tactical prowess, individual brilliance, and unforgettable goals that will be etched in fans’ memories.
UEFA’s Team of the Week
Based on performances in these critical matches, UEFA’s Team of the Week is as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
- Defenders: Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Francesco Acerbi (Inter Milan), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), Theo Hernández (AC Milan)
- Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Marcelo Brozović (Inter Milan), Luka Modrić (Real Madrid)
- Forwards: Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid), Edin Džeko (Inter Milan), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
This selection reflects the players who made a significant impact through their defensive solidity, creative midfield work, and lethal finishing in front of goal.
Player Performances and Impact
Thibaut Courtois was a wall in goal, making crucial saves to keep Real Madrid in the match. Kyle Walker demonstrated his defensive capabilities, vital in curbing Vinicius Jr.’s speed. For Inter Milan, Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni were essential in maintaining a clean sheet against AC Milan’s attacks. Theo Hernández, despite being on the losing side, showcased his dynamic presence on the left flank for AC Milan.
In midfield, Kevin De Bruyne showcased why he is considered one of the best playmakers in the world. Marcelo Brozović‘s control and distribution were key in Inter’s dominance, while Luka Modrić continued to defy age with his enduring quality and composure.
Upfront, Vinicius Jr. was electrifying, once again proving to be a thorn in the side of Manchester City. Edin Džeko was clinical, and Lautaro Martinez‘s work rate and movements created spaces and opportunities for Inter Milan.
Predictions for the Second Leg
With both ties finely poised, each team must bring their A-game to advance to the final. Real Madrid will look to capitalise on their away leg at Etihad Stadium, while Manchester City will aim to leverage their home advantage. Inter Milan appear in a commanding position but AC Milan, ever resilient, have the potential to upset their city rivals in the return fixture.
As we anticipate the next chapter, anything can happen in the world’s most prestigious club competition. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if any adjustments in form or tactics can shift the balance in these captivating encounters.
This Team of the Week encapsulates the essence of the semi-final drama, but opinions will vary on who else deserved recognition. How about you? Would you make any changes to this star-studded lineup?
