Champions League Team of the Week: Valverde, Olise, and Alvarez Shine

Our Champions League Team of the Week is ready after an exciting round of last-16 matches.

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid

Courtois made a spectacular assist for Federico Valverde’s first goal against Manchester City and saved a crucial shot from Nico O’Reilly, maintaining Real Madrid’s strong position. He often excels in the later stages of this tournament.

Assists this UCL season:

2 — Thibaut Courtois
0 — Raphinha pic.twitter.com/ILYHow5JCQ

— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) March 11, 2026

Centre-back: Odin Luras Bjortuft – Bodo/Glimt

Bodo/Glimt is close to the quarter-finals after a 3-0 victory over Sporting Lisbon in Norway. Bjortuft was exceptional in defense with five clearances and winning all his defensive duels (3/3).

Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger – Real Madrid

Rudiger faced Erling Haaland and ended up winning their matchup. He succeeded in all his defensive duels (4/4) at the Bernabeu and made a crucial block to save a goal.

Centre-back: Abdulkerim Bardakci – Galatasaray

Galatasaray heads to Anfield with a slight advantage after beating Liverpool again this season. Bardakci led the team to a clean sheet, effectively neutralizing Hugo Ekitike.

Right-midfield: Fede Valverde – Real Madrid

Valverde delivered an outstanding performance as the acting captain, scoring his first career hat-trick against Manchester City.

Many considered Real Madrid underdogs in this match, but they convincingly defeated their opponents at the Bernabeu. Valverde’s runs troubled City throughout the game, showcasing a top-level performance.

Valverde is him.
Valverde is him.
Valverde is him. #UCL pic.twitter.com/VlDQfPPq0c

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 11, 2026

Midfield: Sondre Fret – Bodo/Glimt

Fret confidently scored from the penalty spot for his fourth goal of the Champions League season. He has been a key player for Bodo/Glimt, contributing to their sixth consecutive win in the competition.

Midfield: Exequiel Palacios – Bayer Leverkusen

Palacios returned to form after injuries this season, showing tenacity off the ball and composure with it, leading Leverkusen against Arsenal. He worked tirelessly until his late substitution.

Left-midfield: Jens Petter Hauge – Bodo/Glimt

Hauge has had an impressive Champions League season, adding another assist against Sporting. He has accumulated eight goal contributions (6 goals, 2 assists) in 10 European matches, catching the eye of clubs across Europe.

Forward: Michael Olise – Bayern Munich

Olise’s performance raises questions about a potential Ballon d’Or win. He scored two remarkable goals against Atalanta, assisted another, and showcased his signature style throughout the match.

77 – Only Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé have been involved in more goals than Michael Olise since last season among Top 5 European leagues:

103 – Harry Kane
92 – Kylian Mbappé
77 – MICHAEL OLISE (35G 42A)
75 – Erling Haaland, Raphinha

Dimension. pic.twitter.com/SMo6zCyirU

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) March 11, 2026

Forward: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain

Kvaratskhelia appeared as a super sub against Chelsea, coming off the bench to score twice, effectively sealing the game for PSG.

Forward: Julian Alvarez – Atletico Madrid

Alvarez was involved in three of Atletico’s five goals against Tottenham, taking advantage of defensive mistakes to score effectively.

Julian Alvarez has ten goal involvements (7 goals, 3 assists) in ten Champions League matches this season 🎯

The best return by an Atletico player in a single campaign, surpassing Diego Costa 🤟 pic.twitter.com/KQUVHypfRc

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) March 10, 2026