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UEFA’s Champions League best XI is ‘LEAKED’ from their ‘technical report’ with Liverpool matching Real Madrid for players included – but NONE of their attackers make it in alongside Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe
- UEFA have reportedly picked their best XI from last season’s Champions League
- Real Madrid won the trophy for the 14th time by beating Liverpool in the final
- Vinicius Junior, the goalscorer in the final, is included alongside Karim Benzema
- A trio of Liverpool defenders make it in, but Mo Salah or Sadio Mane do not
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Liverpool and Real Madrid both have four players included in UEFA’s best XI from last season’s Champions League, according to a report.
The two clubs met in the final in Paris in May, which was marred by ugly scenes outside the stadium as French police attacked fans unprovoked with the use of tear gas and pepper spray before the game.
On the pitch, Real Madrid lifted the trophy for a record 14th time as Vinicius Junior scored the only goal of the game just before the hour mark.
Real Madrid won the Champions League for the 14th time by beating Liverpool in May’s final
The Spanish side enjoyed a remarkable run through the competition, mounting unlikely comebacks against PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City in the knockout stages.
According to Spanish outlet AS, UEFA’s technical report has handed out awards to three Real Madrid players in light of their victory.
Thibaut Courtois has been named as the best goalkeeper, Vinicius as the best young player and Karim Benzema – who finished as the top scorer with 15 goals – as the best player.
That trio are also named in the best XI for the season, with midfielder Luka Modric completing the Real Madrid representation in the side.
According to Spanish outlet AS, this is UEFA’s best XI from last season’s Champions League
Thibaut Courtois, Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema are included in the competition’s best XI
There are also spots for Liverpool defenders Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold
Three out of the four defenders come from beaten finalists Liverpool – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson – and Fabinho is the other Reds player included.
It means that there is no place for any of the club’s attacking stars from last season such as Mo Salah or Sadio Mane.
The best XI is completed by Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger (who has since moved to Real Madrid), Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and PSG forward Kylian Mbappe, who scored six goals despite the French side being knocked out in the round of 16.
The team was decided by UEFA’s technical committee, made up of 23 names from the world of football including Gareth Southgate, David James, Roberto Martinez and Tim Cahill.
Kevin De Bruyne and Kylian Mbappe are among the other star names reportedly included
Carlo Ancelotti has been named as the best manager after lifting the trophy for the fourth time
Unsurprisingly, Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly been named as the Champions League’s manager of the season. The 63-year-old won the competition for the fourth time, making him the most decorated coach in its history.
‘I can’t believe it,’ Ancelotti said after the final in May. ‘We had a fantastic season. We did really well. It was a difficult game and we suffered a lot, more so in the first half. In the end I think we deserved to win this competition.
‘We’re really happy. What can I say? I can’t say more. I am a record man. I had luck to come here last year and have a fantastic season. A fantastic club, a really good squad with a lot of quality and mental character.
‘The season was top. I think we passed through really difficult games. The supporters helped us a lot in the last game. They helped us tonight. We’re happy and they’re happy.’