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20 goals and 4 sensational semi-final matches later, we finally have our two finalists. Liverpool and Real Madrid, the two European powerhouses, will fight it out on May 26 in Kiev to be crowned the worthy champions of this season's UEFA Champions League.
Bayern Munich and AS Roma fought till the last second of their respective ties but could not find that extra something. In the end, it was fine margins that decided the outcome.
In both ties, some players stood on a pedestal higher than their counterparts and displayed character and skill in both the legs. In this piece, we compile the best XI from the semi-final matches - players who performed at a high level for close to 180 minutes:
Goalkeeper: Keylor Navas (Real Madrid)
Making 12 saves across two legs, Keylor Navas was one of the biggest reasons why Real Madrid are in the grand finale of the competition. He was decent in the first leg but took his performance to a whole new level in the second leg.
Despite conceding two on the night, Navas made one save after another to keep Bayern Munich at bay. He was adjudged the Man of the Match for his heroics and once again proved his worth to the reigning champions.
Defence
Right-back: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
Scoring in both the legs, Kimmich was one of the best players on the field despite finishing on the losing side. Over 180 minutes, the right-back scored two goals, made 8 interceptions and 7 key passes, completing 101 passes in total.
Keeping the numbers aside, Kimmich guarded the right flank with maturity beyond his age and kept Marco Asensio under wraps in the second leg. With and without the ball, Kimmich made his presence felt in both the legs.
Centre-back: Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid were under a barrage of attacks from Bayern Munich in the second leg. They needed a big performance from their trusted centre-back partnership of Ramos and Varane. Both delivered the goods but at the end, it was Raphael Varane who was more influential for his side than the club captain.
Varane made 18 clearances across both the legs and was up for the challenge of handling the flurry of attacks that came from his side of the field. His last-ditch block on James Rodriguez late in the second leg was absolutely colossal in the grand scheme of things.
Centre-back: Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)
As a defensive unit, Liverpool failed to impress in both the legs against AS Roma. But individually, Virgil Van Dijk stood his ground and once again proved why he is now considered one of the best in the business.
Van Dijk made 11 clearances in the second leg and handled the aerial threat of Edin Dzeko to perfection. His physicality and aerial prowess helped Liverpool during Roma's set pieces The centre-back was also useful in possession.
Left-back: Marcelo (Real Madrid)
Defensively, Liverpool's Andrew Robertson was miles better than Marcelo in the semi-finals. But the left-back who has made a living out of his attacking output once again stayed true to his reputation and influenced the game with his attacking intent.
With one assist and one crucial away goal to his name, there was no way I could keep Marcelo out of this list. The Brazilian was found wanting while defending but made up for it handsomely with his attacking contributions.
Midfield
Central midfielder: Radja Nainggolan (AS Roma)
Barring his error of judgement that led to Liverpool's first goal in the second leg, Radja Nainggolan was AS Roma's most creative player over two legs. Be it his brilliant assist to Edin Dzeko in the first leg or his brace in the second that gave Roma a glimmer of hope, Nainggolan was a force to reckon with!
The Belgian enforcer was neat with his passing, providing Edin Dzeko with a lot to work with, and joined in the attack whenever possible. Liverpool's midfield was overrun by Roma in the second leg and Nainggolan was a major reason for that.
Central midfielder: James Milner (Liverpool)
In many ways, Liverpool's tireless gameplay was epitomized by none other than James Milner. The veteran midfielder was at his best in both the legs against Roma, putting in an industrious shift at Anfield and the Stadio Olimpico.
Providing an assist in the first leg, Milner was a crucial cog in Liverpool's build-up play. He pressed with intent and retained the ball well. In the second leg, Milner often provided an option for the forwards.
Central attacking midfielder: James Rodriguez (Bayern Munich)
The Colombian played with a point to prove and showed Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid why they were wrong to ship him out on loan. He scored at the Bernabeu, hit the woodwork once and had numerous chances to score the winner for his current side.
He also helped Bayern Munich press high up. From his crosses into the box to forays into dangerous positions and passes into halfspaces, Rodriguez was one of the best players in this tie.
Forwards
Left wing: Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)
Game after game, Roberto Firmino is showing the world why he is one of the best at what he does. Combining his goalscoring output with his defensive abilities, Firmino was once again the difference for Liverpool against AS Roma.
Firmino was everywhere in the second leg. Chasing lost causes and winning 50-50 duels, the Brazilian was crucial to Liverpool's cause. In the first leg, Firmino notched up two goals by being in the right place at the right time, and also provided two perfectly timed assists.
Centre forward: Edin Dzeko (AS Roma)
The Bosnian was Roma's biggest bet to topple Liverpool. Although he could not guide his side to Kiev, Dzeko did impress with his overall performance. He scored in both the legs and could have easily had more to his name.
Roma played to his strengths in both the legs. Holding up the ball, bringing his teammates into play and being a menace in the box, Dzeko did what was asked of him with conviction.
Right-wing: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Can you keep Salah out of any list this season? Hell no! With a sensational solo performance in the first leg that reminded many of Lionel Messi's impact on a big game, Mohamed Salah helped Liverpool score 5 in the first leg.
Scoring two sublime goals and then following it up with two brilliant assists, Salah once again reiterated his status as a big game player for Liverpool. Though he had one of his quieter nights in the second leg, his presence meant Roma had to keep two defenders on him.
Call it Real Madrid vs Liverpool or Ronaldo vs Salah, the Champions League final on May 26 may well decide the next Ballon d'Or winner.
Bench: Loris Karius (Liverpool), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Andrew Robertson (Liverpool), Danielle De Rossi (AS Roma), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Sadio Mane (Liverpool), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
