The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second legs have wrapped up, and it’s time to spotlight the players who made the biggest impact in our UCL Team of the Week. This Team of the Week celebrates the standout performers from a thrilling set of fixtures that had everything, intensity, surprises, and moments of pure brilliance across Europe.
The decisive matches delivered plenty of drama and unexpected outcomes. Barcelona stole the headlines with a stunning 7-2 demolition of Newcastle, while Sporting pulled off a remarkable comeback against Bodø/Glimt, underlining their quality and attacking flair on the grand stage.
Throughout these encounters, several individuals rose to the occasion, shaping the games with decisive goals, creative assists, defensive dominance, and clutch contributions. Taking their overall influence into account, we’ve handpicked the players who truly left their mark in the Round of 16 second leg.
Now, let’s dive in and take a closer look at our UEFA Champions League Team of the Week, featuring the stars who earned their place after an unforgettable round of fixtures.
UCL team of the week: Round of 16 Second Leg
Goalkeeper
David Raya (Arsenal)
David Raya didn't have to do much for Arsenal against Leverkusen, but one of the saves he made was nothing less than world-class. Additionally, he kept a clean-sheet as well and hence we've chosen him.
Defenders
Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
Achraf Hakimi is arguably the best right-back in world football at the moment. He was fabulous against Chelsea, solid in defense, and also assisting one of the goals in their masterclass against the Blues.
Marquinhos (PSG)
Gabriel (Arsenal)
Gabriel has established himself as one of Arsenal's most important players and best defenders in the world this season. He was solid as usual against Leverkusen at the Emirates.
Maximiliano Araújo (Sporting Lisbon)
Sporting Lisbon made a legendary comeback against Bodø/Glimt and Araújo was one of their star players in the historic game. He even managed to score one of the goals as well.
Midfielders
Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid)
Tchouaméni was impressive for Los Blancos in the second leg fixture against Pep Guardiola's City side, and he helped them control the game from midfield. Moreover, he grabbed an assist as well.
Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)
Ryan Gravenberch is one of Liverpool's important players, especially from a tactical perspective, as there's no one else with his traits to play similar in Liverpool's midfield. He was phenomenal against Galatasaray.
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Declan Rice is making a hundred million transfer fee look like a joke at Arsenal. He is absolutely certain to become a legend of the club if he continues to mesmerize at this rate.
Forwards
Raphinha (Barcelona)
Raphinha showed everyone why he's one of the most dangerous forwards in world football against Newcastle. He was directly involved in 4 of the 7 goals Barcelona scored.
Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
Robert Lewandowski is simply an inspiration for footballers and other athletes across the world. He is still scoring for fun, even at the age of 37.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Lamine Yamal simply has the world at his feet, and it's still hard to digest the fact that he is just 18 years old. We are years away from seeing the best of him.
The following is our Champions League team of the week:
To sum up, the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 brought a wave of excitement, unexpected twists, and standout individual displays. Whether it was decisive goals or dominant performances at the back, several players rose to the occasion and left a lasting impact for their sides at this stage of the tournament. Our Team of the Week recognizes those key contributors who helped define the outcomes of these gripping ties. With the quarter-finals now on the horizon, supporters can look forward to even more intensity and elite football in Europe’s premier club competition.
