CF: Erling Haaland (Dortmund) - Even against a famously resolute Sevilla defence, the Norwegian juggernaut broke through. His two goals, both products of aggressive running and finessed shooting, take the 20-year-old’s Champions League goal tally to 18. And that’s in just 13 games. Reuters
GK: Agustin Marchesin (Porto) - Chief backstop for the remarkable Porto defence, which has now conceded just one goal in six Champions League matches. Against a poor Juventus, Marchesin still made big saves from Adrian Rabiot and Alvaro Morata in his team’s 2-1 win. AFP
RB: Jesus Navas (Sevilla, left) - Sevilla had a poor night defensively against Dortmund, but their veteran, reinvented full-back never bowed his head and drove the recovery from 3-1 down that keeps his side, at 3-2 behind, still in the tie.
CB: Ozan Kabak (Liverpool, right) - Liverpool’s new signing needed a solid match. His Premier League debut last weekend at Leicester had been dispiriting, His Champions League bow was much improved, and a depleted Liverpool benefited from having a genuine centre-back on site against RB Leipzig. Getty
CB: Pepe (Porto, left) - The old warrior still has it. Pepe organised Porto’s steadfast back four, kept Juventus’s Cristiano Ronaldo unusually quiet - apart from CR7’s vain protests for a late penalty - and could not be faulted for the late away goal in Porto’s statement 2-1 win at the Dragao. AP
LB: Andy Robertson (Liverpool) - Flag-bearer for team spirit and fight in a difficult period, the Liverpool left-back covered his customary mileage and combined attacking zest with defensive vigilance against RB Leipzig. When the full-backs fly, Liverpool look like themselves again. AFP
DM: Leandro Paredes (PSG, left) - Commanded midfield at a Camp Nou where the home side usually assume the right to govern that area of the pitch. The Argentinian’s passing, positioning and skill with a free-kick all helped PSG to their 4-1 win at Barcelona. Reuters
LM: Mahmoud Dahoud (Borussia Dortmund) - A cracking equaliser from the Syria-born midfielder launched Dortmund’s dynamic comeback from 1-0 down to 3-2 winners in Seville and his mix of deft touches and busy running helped his team establish control of most of the first leg. AP
RM: Sergio Oliveira (Porto) - Key to Porto’s highly effective pressing of a bewildered Juventus, the midfielder’s energy and confidence will embolden his side when they go to Turin a goal ahead for the second leg. Went close to capping an impressive display with a goal of his own. AFP
AM: Marco Verratti (PSG) - The Italian has thrived in a more advanced role under new PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino. He was an ally to Kylian Mbappe at one end and typical authoritative at the other, with one superb tackle to thwart Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann. AFP
CF: Kylian Mbappe (PSG) - A sensational night for the 22-year-old, with a hat-trick in what was his first-ever match against Barcelona. Three fine finishes and an all-round performance not just of pace, but tactical nous, creativity and maturity. Reuters
CF: Erling Haaland (Dortmund) - Even against a famously resolute Sevilla defence, the Norwegian juggernaut broke through. His two goals, both products of aggressive running and finessed shooting, take the 20-year-old’s Champions League goal tally to 18. And that’s in just 13 games. Reuters
GK: Agustin Marchesin (Porto) - Chief backstop for the remarkable Porto defence, which has now conceded just one goal in six Champions League matches. Against a poor Juventus, Marchesin still made big saves from Adrian Rabiot and Alvaro Morata in his team’s 2-1 win. AFP
RB: Jesus Navas (Sevilla, left) - Sevilla had a poor night defensively against Dortmund, but their veteran, reinvented full-back never bowed his head and drove the recovery from 3-1 down that keeps his side, at 3-2 behind, still in the tie.
CB: Ozan Kabak (Liverpool, right) - Liverpool’s new signing needed a solid match. His Premier League debut last weekend at Leicester had been dispiriting, His Champions League bow was much improved, and a depleted Liverpool benefited from having a genuine centre-back on site against RB Leipzig. Getty
CB: Pepe (Porto, left) - The old warrior still has it. Pepe organised Porto’s steadfast back four, kept Juventus’s Cristiano Ronaldo unusually quiet - apart from CR7’s vain protests for a late penalty - and could not be faulted for the late away goal in Porto’s statement 2-1 win at the Dragao. AP
LB: Andy Robertson (Liverpool) - Flag-bearer for team spirit and fight in a difficult period, the Liverpool left-back covered his customary mileage and combined attacking zest with defensive vigilance against RB Leipzig. When the full-backs fly, Liverpool look like themselves again. AFP
DM: Leandro Paredes (PSG, left) - Commanded midfield at a Camp Nou where the home side usually assume the right to govern that area of the pitch. The Argentinian’s passing, positioning and skill with a free-kick all helped PSG to their 4-1 win at Barcelona. Reuters
LM: Mahmoud Dahoud (Borussia Dortmund) - A cracking equaliser from the Syria-born midfielder launched Dortmund’s dynamic comeback from 1-0 down to 3-2 winners in Seville and his mix of deft touches and busy running helped his team establish control of most of the first leg. AP
RM: Sergio Oliveira (Porto) - Key to Porto’s highly effective pressing of a bewildered Juventus, the midfielder’s energy and confidence will embolden his side when they go to Turin a goal ahead for the second leg. Went close to capping an impressive display with a goal of his own. AFP
AM: Marco Verratti (PSG) - The Italian has thrived in a more advanced role under new PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino. He was an ally to Kylian Mbappe at one end and typical authoritative at the other, with one superb tackle to thwart Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann. AFP
CF: Kylian Mbappe (PSG) - A sensational night for the 22-year-old, with a hat-trick in what was his first-ever match against Barcelona. Three fine finishes and an all-round performance not just of pace, but tactical nous, creativity and maturity. Reuters
CF: Erling Haaland (Dortmund) - Even against a famously resolute Sevilla defence, the Norwegian juggernaut broke through. His two goals, both products of aggressive running and finessed shooting, take the 20-year-old’s Champions League goal tally to 18. And that’s in just 13 games. Reuters
