http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=594478Champions League Team Of The WeekGoal.com picks out the best performers in the Champions legaue last 16 leg 1.
This week's best line up in an attacking version of the 4-4-2.
Goalkeeper
Julio Cesar (Inter)
Might have been beaten twice towards the end, but was one of the biggest reasons for Inter remianing in the game until the 85th minute. Four or five top notch saves before he was eventually beaten by a deflection, and then by a stinging Steven Gerrard effort onto the far post.
Defenders
Ivan Cordoba (Inter)
The Colombian was simply the best Inter player on the pitch. Was absolutely rock solid throughout, snuffing out anything Liverpool had to throw at him. A classic display of backs-to-the-wall defending. No surprise then that after his injury Liverpool quickly scored twice.
Senderos (Arsenal)
There was a massive blow for Arsenal when Kolo Toure hobbled off early in a game as big as this, but the blow-hot-blow-cold Swiss defender was right on the money when his team needed him. A rock solid display to keep Milan firmly on the back foot. What is more, the understanding with Gallas continues to improve thanks to some continuity. With the Ivorian out for three weeks, it will give Gunners some respite.
Maldini (Milan)
The veteran had been saved for this game, and he showed just why. The 39-year-old rolled back the years to produce a classy display. Had some uncomfortable moments on the left early on, but once he moved to the centre after Nesta's injury, he barely put a foot wrong. Takes on a central berth this week to make toom for another legend on the left. And you can bet your house that he will be saved again for the clash in two weeks' time.
Roberto Carlos (Fenerbahce)
The Brazilian left-back was another veteran who rolled back the years with a faultless performance. He marshalled the ever-dangerous Jesus Navas throughout the gane and made it impossible for him to get any joy down the right hand side, and pushed forward well to support Alex and Boral as well. A candidate for Man of the Match, unfortunately went off injured when he received a cut to his leg when attempting to stop Escude's equaliser - great performance.
Midfielders
Robben (Real Madrid)
He was the brightest light on the Olimipico pitch, putting in an explosive display to move thoughts of Robinho's absence into the background. Was unplayable at times and skinned Panucci and Cassetti on numerous occasions, and caused Juan and Mexes plenty of problems too when he got to run at them.
Gerrard (Liverpool)
Steven Gerrard on the pitch, Liverpool needing inspiration in the Champions League - you know what comes next. A never say die attitude throughout the match, repeatedly bursting forward to support his front men. Got his just reward when scoring his team's decisive second goal in the final minutes. Mr. Champions League, to quote Jamie Carragher!
Rakitic (Schalke)
Performed very well on the night and had a few decent chances but his finishing let him down slightly. Still, it was a confident display for one so young, a display that could well hand Schalke a quarter-final place. No wonder you hear this morning that the race for him his getting more furious.Mancini (Roma)
Easily Roma’s most dangerous and productive offensive player. Miguel Torres looked like a novice and even the reliable Sergio Ramos was made to look ordinary on the right. Helped create the first goal, and scored the second by showing some explosive pace, and then a delightful touch after rounding Casillas.
Forwards
Messi (Barcelona)
What a display from the Champions League top scorer this season! Was on the money from the word go. The one-twos with Deco and Iniesta, the twinkle-toed runs past his stunned markers, and some attractive finishing make him the player of the week. Marshalled an attacking masterclass from Barcelona, to sum it up.
Benzema (Lyon)
A class act. Showed Alex Ferguson that he has both the pace and the technique to cut it at the top level. Was constantly running into dangerous gaps, though when he did score, it was a case of creating something out of nothing - something that stars are known for. The only pity was that his goal was not the match-winner.
