Atlético Madrid came perilously close to landing an historic double at the weekend, but after extra time, rivals Real Madrid won the Champions League in Lisbon, in the process securing ‘La Décima’. Yet another memorable rendition of the competition was made all the more spectacular by the exploits of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese was WhoScored’s highest rated performer in the competition (8.7), netting more goals (17) than any player in the process. Unsurprisingly, the 29-year-old also averaged the most shots per game (6.9) as he capped off a stupendous season on a high.
Teammate Luka Modric also features in the Champions League team of the season having played a key role in their route to the final. The Croatian averaged 67.4 passes per game and was key in recycling the ball as his pass success (91.8%) highlights. Modric's assist return also improved from last season (1) this time round (3), while only Nuri Sahin (31) made more interceptions than the Croat (30) as he displayed his defensive ability, too.
Completing the Madrid contingent is Pepe. Though he missed the final through injury, the hot-headed centre-back impressed at the heart of their defence en route to Lisbon. The 31-year-old made the most clearances (76), while only Gerard Piqué (50) and Kostas Manolas (46) made more headed clearances than him (45) in the Champions League this term.
FC Basel youngster Fabian Schär partners Pepe at centre-back having exhibited his qualities to the watching world prior to their group stage exit. Only Jordi Alba (5), Olexandr Kucher (4.8) and Tiago (3.9) averaged more interceptions per game than Schär (3.8) and big things are expected of the Swiss at the World Cup, where he will be hoping to win himself a big move away.
Gregory van der Wiel features at right-back after impressing for PSG prior to their quarter-final exit at the hands of Chelsea. Only attack-minded players in Ángel Di María, Karim Benzema and Wayne Rooney (all 5) registered more assists than Van der Wiel (4), while the Dutchman was dribbled past just the once in his 6 appearances in Europe’s elite competition this season.
Alex Sandro completes the defence having performed well for FC Porto. The Brazilian exhibited his offensive quality in the competition as no player averaged more accurate crosses (3.2) or successful dribbles (4.7) per game than he did.
Operating behind the back four is Olympiakos’ Roberto, with the Spaniard playing a key role in his teams' progression to the knockout stages of the competition. Roberto averaged the most punches clear per game (1.6) of all goalkeepers to have made 2 or more appearances in Europe's top club tournament, while his saves per match (3.6) was also an impressive return.
Compatriot Andrés Iniesta is also in the team of the season, alongside Modric in midfield. Only Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi (1) averaged more accurate through balls per game than Iniesta (0.8) in the Champions League this season, while only a handful of players averaged more successful dribbles than the Spain international (3.7) and that helped him secure his place in the XI.
Arjen Robben takes his place on the right-wing on the back of another impressive campaign in the competition. Only Eden Hazard and Neymar (both 42) completed more successful dribbles than the Dutchman (37), while only Ronaldo (6.9) and Hulk (5.8) averaged more shots per game (5.4) as Robben displayed a level of confidence that bodes well for Holland at the World Cup.
On the frontline, Zlatan Ibrahimovic led the PSG attack with aplomb, highlighted in that only Ronaldo (17) scored more goals than him (10). Moreover, only Ronaldo (38) and Hulk (21) had more shots on target than Ibrahimovic (20) and the Swede will be crucial for the French side in Europe next season.
Lionel Messi partners Ibrahimovic, despite what was widely regarded as an underwhelming campaign by his usual high standards. Messi won the most man of the match awards (5) in the Champions League this season, while the Argentine had the best on-target conversion rate (66.7%) of the 12 players to score 5 or more goals this term.
However, Real Madrid deserved of the plaudits when the full time whistle blew at the Estádio da Luz on Saturday night. Los Blancos ended the campaign as the highest rated side (7.27) having scored the most goals (41) and conceded the fewest per game (0.77) of all 32 teams to have participated in this season's Champions League.
Though it took Madrid until the 93rd minute to break down Atlético's resolute defence - Sergio Ramos cancelling out Diego Godín’s opener - Carlo Ancelotti’s side deserved their 10th European title in Portugal. Madrid had more shots (20) and more efforts on target (9) than Atlético (11 and 4, respectively) and enjoyed a larger share of possession (63% to 37%) than their Liga counterparts over 120 minutes.
With 'La Décima' wrapped up, Madrid can now focus on usurping their neighbours at the summit of Spain’s top tier next season before aiming to become the first team to defend the Champions League since its 1992 inception.
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