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End clap for the 2023/2024 edition of the Champions League. The matches are played eleven against eleven and in the end, as is often the case, Real Madrid wins. A fifteenth coronation in the competition for the Merengues who defeated Borussia Dortmund in the final (2-0). This is an opportunity to take stock and highlight the players who have left their mark on the competition with a typical eleven. If Borussia Dortmund was the nice surprise of the competition, Gregor Kobel is one of the key elements. Solid in front of his line and sometimes performing some miracles, the Swiss goalkeeper made 46 saves during the campaign for 10 goals conceded in 12 matches and 6 clean sheets. An excellent record which allows him to beat Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid to the post.
In defense, choices had to be made, but two players quickly reached unanimous agreement for the central hinge. If Nico Schlotterbeck deserves a mention, he is not present in our typical eleven unlike his friend from Borussia Dortmund Mats Hummels. Excellent despite his 35 years, the 2014 world champion delivered a real recital throughout the competition. In the semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, he was the X factor in both matches and produced a high-level campaign. To accompany him, Antonio Rudiger was unavoidable. Valuable for the Madrid defense where he had to deal with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Nacho Fernandez in the face of injuries, he was able to assert himself a little more as the boss of the Madrid defense.
Real Madrid dominate this eleven
On the flanks, we are also in a tandem of finalists. Left side, Ian Maatsen is rewarded for his great comeback phase. Arriving this winter from Chelsea, he played in the competition from the 1/8 finals, but is one of the players who knew how to revive a dynamic within this BvB. Solid defensively and bringing danger up front, he had a good technical relationship with Karim Adeyemi in his lane. Its right counterpart is none other than Dani Carvajal. Winner of his 6th Champions League, the Real Madrid full-back was once again impressive. Scorer in the final, he was a real danger on the right side while being one of the leaders of this Merengue team.
Laudatory terms which also designate Tony Kroos. For his last season after his retirement, the German midfielder from Casa Blanca finished on a perfect vintage. Master of the game and the time, he magnified this Madrid team while showing great consistency. This is obviously one of the best C1 campaigns of Toni Kroos’ career and we are talking about someone who has been crowned six times in the event. To complete the double pivot, we chose Vitinha of Paris Saint-Germain even if Marcel Sabitzer was not unworthy. Best player of the Ile-de-France residents in the competition, notably with two valuable goals in the quarter-final against FC Barcelona, he was very consistent in his performances. A notch higher, we find Jude Bellingham who hit hard at 20 years old. Already a boss within this Real Madrid team, he scored 4 goals and delivered 5 goals in 11 matches including an assist in the final. A little less of course the end of the competition, he was exceptional in the group stage and kept an important role until the end.
On the left side, his teammate Vinicius Junior take place. Author of 6 goals and 5 assists in 10 matches, the Brazilian had an extraordinary final phase. Decisive against RB Leipzig, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and in the final against Borussia Dortmund, the former Flamengo produced a grandiose competition which he ended with a cannonball. Its right counterpart has been less prominent in content since it involves Kylian Mbappé. Valuable for Paris Saint-Germain thanks to his goals, the former Monegasque did not have the usual influence within his team, but it is difficult not to reward the co-top scorer in the competition with 8 goals. A title that he shares with Harry Kane. Very good, but not a winner as always, the English striker played his role perfectly and magnifies an eleven which looks great.
