Real Madrid dominate star-studded Champions League semi-finalists ultimate XI

With the Champions League semi-finals upon us, it's time to take a look at a best rated XI of the remaining four teams combined. Manchester City, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Villarreal are each represented in the team as the quartet pursue European glory. With that in mind, we take a look at this combined XI of those to have made six or more appearances in Europe's elite club compeition this term. 

Starting between the sticks, there is a solid pool of goalkeepers to call upon. However, as impressive as the likes of Alisson and Ederson have been, it is Thibaut Courtois (7.17) who features in goal. The Belgian has made more saves (40) than any other goalkeeper in the Champions League this season to boost his rating. 

Real Madrid teammate Eder Militao (7.11) makes the best XI at the heart of the defence and his impact was clearly evident in their 3-2 defeat to Chelsea at the Bernabeu as Los Blancos struggled to keep the Blues attack at bay. One player who will miss the semi-final first leg is Joao Cancelo (7.72) who makes the combined XI as one of three City players. 

Joining Militao at the back is Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk (7.22) with the Dutchman shining at the back for the Reds in both league and European action. The second Liverpool player in the side rounds off the defence with Andy Robertson (7.29) featuring at left-back having excelled in the competition. 

Robertson is operating behind Vinicius Junior (7.74) down the left in this combined XI and is one of two Real Madrid players in this part of the pitch. Luka Modric (7.24) joins his teammate in midfield and is partnered by Rodri (7.13) in the middle of the park. The third and final Manchester City player in the side is Riyad Mahrez (7.62) who pips Mohamed Salah to a place on the right flank. 

It's an all-La Liga strike partnership in this side with Karim Benzema (8.10) the best rated player in the Champions League this season. Only Robert Lewandowski (13) has scored more goals than Benzema (12) in the competition this term with hat-tricks against PSG and Chelsea proving key in Real Madrid's progression to the semi-finals. 

Joining Benzema on the frontline is Villarreal star Gerard Moreno (7.39). The Spain international is a fitness concern for the Yellow Submarine tonight and his absence against Liverpool would be a huge blow with Moreno directly involved in six of their 18 Champions League goals this season.