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UEFA Champions League Best XI Of Knockout Stage So Far

UEFA Champions League Best XI Of Knockout Stage So Far

With the first legs of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 complete, here is our Best XI of top performers of this round, and neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo makes the cut.

Click through the gallery to see our XI of top performers in the UCL last 16 first legs.

Both Messi's FC Barcelona and Ronaldo's Juventus failed to score in their respective fixtures, which sees other players were selected over the two superstars.

In goal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen got the edge over Anthony Lopes, after both kept a clean sheet in the 0-0 draw between Olympique Lyon and Barcelona. The German arguably came up with the save of the match, and was a calm influence in his side's build-up play.

At the back, Ter Stegen is joined by his teammate Nelson Semedo, as well as Atletico Madrid centre-back pairing Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez, who did not only keep Juventus' attack at bay, but both scored in their 2-0 win over the Serie A leaders. Tottenham Hotspur left-back Jan Vertonghen completes the back four following his Man of the Match performance that saw him score and assist against Borussia Dortmund.

Lyon's Tanguy Ndombele, who starred in midfield against Barcelona, as well as Spurs' playmaker Christian Eriksen were selected in central midfield, while Ajax Amsterdam's African star Hakim Ziyech and Paris Saint-Germain's Angel Di Maria made the cut on the wings. Ziyech was one of the outstanding players despite Ajax's 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid, scoring his side's only goal, while Di Maria assisted both of PSG's strikes in their comprehensive 2-0 win at Old Trafford.

Read: Zidane's Two Conditions For Joining EPL Giants Revealed

Upfront, Kylian Mbappe's threatening display at United, as well as Nicolo Zaniolo's Man of the Match performance against Porto, consisting of two goals, earned both players their selections.

Which other players impressed you in the first legs of the UCL last 16? Have your say in the comments section below.

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