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The draw for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League provided football fans with four riveting ties. The standout tie of the last 8 stage pitted defending champions Real Madrid against Italian giants Juventus.
A Ronaldo-inspired Real Madrid took control of the tie in Turin with a 3-0 lead having seemingly put the game out of Juventus' hands. However, Juventus came roaring back to level the tie 3-3 heading into extra time until a controversial Ronaldo penalty in the last minute of stoppage time saw the Galacticos through.
We also witnessed an all-English quarter-final for the first time in 7 years with Manchester City drawn to face Liverpool. Manchester City, who were favorites to advance, were sent packing by a professional Liverpool side with the front 3 showing their class, and the defence holding firm against the Manchester City engine to win the tie 5-1.
AS Roma registered the biggest shock of the round with an unreal 3-0 comeback at home after suffering a 4-1 loss at Camp Nou. Roma, therefore won the tie on away goals to book their place in the semifinals for the first time in 34 years.
Sevilla, who shocked Manchester United in the previous round faced German champions Bayern Munich, who saw off the Andalusians 2-1 in the quietest contest of the round.
Many players gave heroic performances to lead their respective teams into the semifinals of the competition. Here we will take a look at the best XI performing players from both legs of the quarter-final stages.
Goalkeeper: Loris Karius (Liverpool)
Liverpool's goalkeeping situation is one that has caused fans headaches ever since Pepe Reina left the club. Despite Karius showing good form over the past few weeks, doubts persisted over whether the German would be able to step up in the big matches.
Surprisingly, Karius hardly had anything to do in the first leg at Anfield as Manchester City failed to register a single shot on target.
In the second leg, there wasn't much that he could do about Jesus' early opener, but he was brave when he needed to be, making a few good punches and interventions in the box to clear in dangerous situations.
He cleared his lines decently when put under pressure by the City attackers and his displays showed the manager that he could indeed be the man between the sticks for a long time for the Reds.
Right Back: Trent Alexander Arnold (Liverpool)
Alexander-Arnold was identified as the weak-link in Liverpool's defence after a shaky performance against Marcus Rashford in the game against Manchester United. The 19-year old right-back went into the high-pressure tie having to deal with City's tricky winger Leroy Sane on the flanks.
He put in probably his best performance till date in the first leg by managing to keep Sane at bay. In the second leg with City chasing goals, Sterling and Sane swapped sides on a regular basis to attack the young Englishman, but were once again dealt with expertly by the Liverpool man. He was brave while defending against the pacy wingers and he looked comfortable circulating the ball across the pitch.
He showed a maturity well beyond his years and similar performances like this might earn him a place on the England squad for the World Cup.
Centre Back: Dejan Lovren (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk's presence beside him as done him a world of good. Lovren has improved by leaps and bounds and more of it was seen in his solid performances against Manchester City. With Manchester City's array of attacking talent searching for goals after falling three behind in the first half of the first leg, it was imperative that the defense held firm amidst the waves of attacks.
He was solid in defense as he kept Jesus quiet. He made a crucial block when he deflected a goal-bound Bernardo Silva shot onto the post and made numerous interceptions and clearances. Such impressive performances are encouraging from a man who has been under constant pressure due to numerous errors at the back.
Centre Back: Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich)
Mats Hummels did his best to nullify all the dangerous Sevilla attacks. Though Sevilla were not as threatening as most of the other teams left in the competition, the defense still had to maintain their concentration as the Andalusians were capable of hitting against the run of play, as Manchester United found out.
Hummels' positioning and understanding of his partner helped him control the game. His passing from the back was as crisp as ever.
Hummels and Boateng didn't allow Sevilla to create too many clear-cut opportunities and it was crucial for Bayern escaping with a 2-1 win over the two legs.
Left Back: Marcelo (Real Madrid)
The Brazilian proved why he is considered the best left-back in the world with his performance in the first leg. His attacking play from the back is second to none and his surging runs created problems for Juventus all-through the tie.
His link-up play with Ronaldo was precise and it enabled Ronaldo to impose himself on the game. He grabbed the crucial third goal in Turin to put serious pressure on Juventus.
He was assured at the back in the first leg when Juventus failed to get going, but when they did, Marcelo was caught out badly and he came up with a poor performance defensively in the second leg at home.
Holding Midfield: Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich)
Javi Martinez put in brilliant performances in both legs by playing at the base of the midfield and helped Bayern retain their shape. The Spaniard was an imposing player in the middle of the pitch and quietly put in a great performance while the forward players hogged all the limelight. Martinez helped create space for his fellow midfielders by creating space with his accurate passing.
He made several crucial interceptions and blocks which prevented Sevilla from creating too many goal scoring opportunities. More such displays might help him win back a place in the Spanish national team.
Centre Midfield: James Milner (Liverpool)
James Milner is probably Liverpool's most underrated player. He made his former club Manchester City realize that it was a mistake letting him leave on a free.
In the first leg, he contributed immensely to both the defense and attack. His long pass set up the counter attack for the first goal and he provided an excellent assist for Chamberlain's second goal. Surprisingly, James Milner has provided the most assists in the competition this season with 7.
He was also excellent out of possession as Henderson and he didn't allow the City midfielders any time to breathe, constantly making challenges and flying into tackles.
He led the side in Henderson's absence in the second leg away from home and provided an experienced head at a time where the Reds found themselves under pressure down 1-0 early on. He made numerous blocks, interceptions and clearances to ensure that the defense wasn't troubled as much as was it was expected.
Centre Midfield: Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)
Toni Kroos once again demonstrated his class over the two legs. He completely ran the show for Madrid in the first leg by taking up excellent positions and playing some brilliant passes with his unique vision. He was unlucky not to get on to the scoresheet as his thunderous strike struck the bar.
In the second leg, with Madrid under immense pressure, the German was the calm head despite the home side losing at the Bernabeu. His composure helped slow the game down at numerous times and it was his exquisite pass that allowed Ronaldo to knock down to Vazques, who won the winning penalty.
Right Winger: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
What more can be said about this great man! Cristiano Ronaldo showed over the two legs why he will go down in history as one of the greatest players of all time. He took the game by the scruff of the neck by putting in a complete performance in the first leg in Turin.
While his first goal was all about excellent anticipation and awareness, his second goal was absolutely sensational. The bicycle kick was so spectacular that Juventus fans bowed down to applaud the legend despite seeing their home team fall behind by two goals.
In the second leg, with the tie level at 3-3, Madrid were awarded a controversial penalty and the Portuguese stepped up coolly under immense pressure after loads of drama to slot home the penalty and book Madrid's place in the semi-finals.
Left Winger: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
In a tie billed to be the battle between the two best players of the Premier League, Salah brilliantly led his team into the semi-finals, as de Bruyne failed to inspire his team.
Salah was taken off early in the second half of the first leg, but the time was enough for the forward to completely impose himself on the game. He latched onto a loose ball to slot home Liverpool's first and then produced a precise cross for Sadio Mane to head in Liverpool's third in a breathtaking first half.
Liverpool fans were left praying that the injury to their star-man was not all that serious and thankfully he was back in time for the second leg.
With Manchester City mounting pressure on Liverpool's defense at home, fans were hoping for a moment of brilliance from their Egyptian Messi. Salah, despite being devoid of service in the first half, duly punished the Citizens at the end of a fast counter-attack by dinking Otamendi from close range to grab the crucial away goal.
Centre Forward: Edin Dzeko (AS Roma)
Edin Dzeko grabbed the crucial away goal at Camp Nou, which at that point looked like mere consolation as Barcelona had racked up a 4-1 lead. It was ultimately away goals on which Roma ultimately progressed spectacularly, with the ex-Manchester City man playing a major role in it.
Roma started the second leg at home on the front foot, and Dzeko scored the opener early on to give his teammates and fans some hope. 13 minutes into the second half, the Bosnian shielded the ball well from Pique and brilliantly won a penalty which skipper de Rossi slotted home to put them a goal adrift.
Dzeko's all-round performance holding the ball up and bringing his teammates into play apart from his two finely taken goals and the penalty win saw him claim the Man-of-the-match in the second leg.
