Champions League Team of the Round: Premier League stars headline

Arsenal's Kai Havertz marked his return to the Champions League in style
Arsenal's Kai Havertz marked his return to the Champions League in styleREUTERS / Hannah Mckay / Flashscore

After a memorable evening and a thrilling multiplex, it's time to look back at this eighth round of the Champions League. Below, discover the starting XI selected using the Flashscore rating system.

Team of the round
Team of the roundFlashscore

Goalkeeper

Simon Mignolet (Club Brugge) - 9.0

His team won comfortably at home against Marseille, but if Brugge kept a clean sheet, it was largely thanks to their goalkeeper. Mignolet made nine saves!

Defenders

Bruno (Pafos) - 7.9

The least well-known player in this XI, but according to Flashscore, no other right-back outperformed him on Wednesday night. Pafos missed out on qualifying for the knockout stage, but finished the group phase in style.

A 4-1 win over Slavia Prague was due in large part to this 31-year-old Brazilian's performance. He put his team ahead in the 53rd minute with one of the goals of the tournament so far and was a constant threat down the right flank.

Ousmane Diomande (Sporting CP) - 8.7

One of the most promising centre-backs of his generation, the 22-year-old Ivorian put in a superb performance at San Mamés. Diomande scored the equaliser in the 12th minute and, despite Sporting conceding twice, he was impressive at the back.

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) - 8.6

Three assists in a single Champions League match for a centre-back had never happened before. Van Dijk made history.

Andrew Robertson (Liverpool) - 8.7

Arne Slot's men are in the spotlight after their big win at Anfield, and the Scottish full-back played a major role. Down the left, he was a constant attacking threat. Robertson deserved a goal or an assist for his efforts.

Midfielders

Aleksandar Stankovic (Club Brugge) - 9.0

Already decisive last week, the 20-year-old Serbian did it again on Wednesday night. Without dominating the midfield, Stankovic changed the game by providing assists for his team's first two goals - both within the opening eleven minutes.

Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) - 8.4

The opposition may not have been the toughest - though Qarabag did qualify for the playoffs—but the Argentine midfielder truly shone. He helped the Reds to a convincing win, scoring twice on Wednesday night- his first Champions League brace.

Kai Havertz (Arsenal) - 10

With a goal and an assist against Kairat Almaty, the 26-year-old German marked his return to the Champions League in style. Every time he got into the final third, he was a threat. After just fifteen minutes, the Gunners were already 2-0 up thanks to Havertz. In just one half, he set his team on course before his coach decided to rest him.

Forwards

Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona) - 9.1

Barca looked to be in trouble early on, but Lamine Yamal turned the game around in just twelve minutes. First, he set up Robert Lewandowski (48th minute), then scored himself to give his team the lead on the hour mark. Beyond that, he simply delivered an outstanding performance.

Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica) - 8.8

He lost a lot of duels against the Madrilenians, but his work rate was invaluable for Benfica. His penalty just before halftime gave his team a clear advantage. Pavlidis is one of those strikers who hasn't received enough attention this season.

Jeremy Doku (Manchester City) - 10

Forced off with an injury in the 37th minute, Doku still found time to dash the opposition's hopes. He provided two assists, for Erling Haaland (11th) and Rayan Cherki (29th), and the Belgian looked set for a huge game. Thanks to him, the Citizens secured their place in the Top 8.