We are now down to the quarter-finals of the 2025/26 Champions League. Only eight teams remain – but who were this week’s top individual performers?
We saw some big wins for PSG, Arsenal and Liverpool, while the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur all crashed out of the competition. How made it into our team of the week?
GK: Matvey Safonov
Chelsea may have suffered an humilating defeat at the hands of PSG on wednesday night, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. The Blues rattled off plenty of shots on goal – Matvei Safonov had to remain alert throughout.
Safonov made a total of nine saves to keep Chelsea at bay. Having temporarily deposed Lucas Chevalier, performances like this could see him become PSG’s permanent number one.
RB: Ashraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi put forth a textbook modern full-back dislay against Chelsea. This shouldn’t come as a surprise – he is frequently touted as one of the best right-backs in the world for good reason.
Hakimi did his diligent defensive work down the right flank, making a number of tackles and clearances, then found Bradley Barcola for PSG’s second goal of the game in a 3-0 away win.
CB: Gabriel
Is Gabriel the best centre-back in the world at the moment? Many point to his strengths from an attacking perspective, but one should not ignore his defensive prowess.
The Brazilian international was practically faultless against Bayer Leverkusen – he dealt with everything that the former Bundesliga champions could throw at him.
CB: Goncalo Inacio
Goncalo Inacio was crucial towards Sporting CP’s famous comeback on Tuesday night – not only did he keep a clean sheet, he also scored their first goal of the game.
Inacio is on the cusp of becoming one of the world’s leading defenders. He’ll have a chance to show his stuff at the World Cup for Portugal – could we see a big-money move in the summer?
