The greatest players are judged on their ability to produce the goods when the pressure is on. Today I will be going through a starting 11 of some of the greatest performances in the competition's history. The positions for this list are loosely based around where they played on the night of the performance.
Defence
Jan Oblak Vs Liverpool, 2020
During this crucial second leg tie at Anfield, Liverpool unsurprisingly dominated possession with 72% and taking 34 shots with 11 of those being on target. Although Atletico conceded twice on the night it could have been an embarrassing score line if not for the Slovenian goalkeeper. Simeone's team went on to win the game 4-2 after extra time.
Trent Alexander-Arnold Vs Barcelona, 2019
Liverpool had been thoroughly beaten 3-0 away from home in the first leg of this tie, however magic ensued as Liverpool went on to produce one of the best second leg comebacks of all time beating Barcelona 4-0 at Anfield. The most memorable performance from that match was the young English right back who locked up Coutinho and produced two assists, with the second catching Barcelona completely off guard, taking a quick corner kick to put Liverpool ahead on aggregate.
Sergio Ramos Vs Bayern Munich, 2014
Sergio Ramos produced one of the most complete performances from a centre back, in 2014 when reigning European champions Bayern Munich, managed by Pep Guardiola, were visited by Carlo Ancelotti's Los Blancos. He opened the scoring of the second leg by scoring a bullet header from a corner, he then scored again after a free kick was flicked on by his centre back partner Pepe. He then kept a clean sheet against the likes of Arjen Robben, Ribéry and Muller.
Gareth Bale Vs Inter Milan, 2010
This is the match in which Gareth Bale announced himself to the world, in a match Tottenham were losing 4-0 and were down to ten men after Heurelho Gomes was sent off. Bale charged down the left-hand side of the pitch time and time again, scoring a very impressive hat-trick against the reigning champions in Internazionale Milano.
Midfield
Dušan Tadić Vs Real Madrid, 2019
In a notable Champions League upset, Ajax knocked out the reigning champions in Real Madrid. Tadić was awarded a rare 10/10 by French publication L'Equipe for his key role in the victory. The assist for the second goal in which he roulettes past four-time UEFA Champions League winner Casemiro as if he isn't even there, and his strike from range to score the third are just pure works of art.
Steven Gerrard Vs Ac Milan, 2005
In the Champions League final of 2005 Liverpool competed against one of the most star-studded teams in football history with it including the likes of Maldini, Seedorf, Kaka and Shevchenko. Liverpool ended the first half practically devoid of hope but all it took was a half of pure inspired brilliance from Steven Gerrard who almost singlehandedly dragged Liverpool back into the game with a brilliant header and performance.
Roy Keane Vs Juventus, 1999
On the way to captaining the only English team to complete the continental treble Roy Keane produced possibly the greatest performance from a midfielder in history. After drawing 1-1 at Old Trafford, United were quickly behind by two in Turin, Keane then got serious and became a one-man army in midfield breaking up play and starting attacks on his own, the Red devils went on to win the tie and Keane rounded off his performance with a glancing header past Angelo Peruzzi.
Cristiano Ronaldo Vs Atletico Madrid, 2017
In what would become the first time a team has successfully retained the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid handily dispatched Atletico Madrid thanks to a Cristiano masterclass. His first being a downward header from the edge of the six-yard box. CR7's second of the game was a strike rifled into the top corner from just inside the box and to round off a phenomenal performance was a shot rolled past the keeper from around the penalty spot.
Forwards
Ronaldo Nazário Vs Manchester United, 2003
Ronaldo's performance this night was so impressive that he received a standing ovation from the Old Trafford faithful. He scored a hat trick this night showcasing his ability to play as a fox in the box with his natural instinct and the sheer ability he had with a ball at his feet scoring two description defying strikes. He weaved in and out of the United defence not once giving them a second to recover. This truly was O Fenômeno at his best.
Lionel Messi Vs Arsenal, 2010
If there was ever a performance that would epitomise Lionel Messi it would be this one. He lined up as a false-nine and constantly was providing a headache for both the defence and midfield of an Arsenal team that had just finished third in the league. He scored a staggering four goals which included a first half hat-trick. A showing of pure brilliance as the Argentine toyed with the Gunners.
Robert Lewandowski Vs Real Madrid, 2013
Robert Lewandowski well and truly introduced himself onto the world stage with the sensational display, scoring four goals against the reigning champions of Spain, He capitalised on mistakes, he created chances out of nothing and gave the world one of the greatest underdog stories of all time.
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