The route to Wembley has just two stops left and the competition is fierce. Will Real Madrid go to an unprecedented 15th European title? Will Nasser Al-Khelaifi’s investment for the benefit of Parisians for 13 years finally see the end of the tunnel? Or could we see a repeat of an all-German final exactly ten years ago? These are the players who will make history!
Guardians
There are only two games, and they are on different days, so if you can have two starting goalies, get one for each game. Choose Neuer (Bayern) or Lunin (R Madrid) for Tuesday, then (if you have enough transfers) choose Kobel (Dortmund) or Donnarumma (PSG) for Wednesday.
~
Andrei Lunin (€4.8 millionBayern vs. real Madrid)
In the history of the UEFA Champions League, no match has been played more often than Bayern against Real Madrid. In this confrontation, I would levitate towards the Madrid defense. Their games against City have not proven otherwise, but their general strategy is to stay low and absorb pressure, which naturally results in very few chances being conceded to their opponents. Bayern’s lackluster finish this season would only add to Lunin’s stopping points.
~
Gregor Kobel (€5 million, Dortmund against PSG)
I don’t see either team keeping, or even trying to keep, clean sheets in this tie, with both defenses not exactly watertight, so it’s a pretty close call. What is in Kobel’s favor is that he is playing his first home match with the support of the powerful Yellow Wall and is less error-prone than his Parisian counterpart. Kobel is the best performing guard with a good margin of 10 points, 8 of which came from break points alone. It’s also 1 million cheaper than Donnarumma, allowing you to spend the money upfront instead.
Defenders
Mats Hummels And Ian Maatsen (€5.2 million And €4.7 million, Dortmund against PSG)
Warning: Both Germans have suffered recent knocks, but both are back in training with everything on the line, so they should start on Wednesday unless one of them aggravates their injury during the warm-up .
Hummels, 35, who was left out of the German national team in 2021 for a “team refresh”, certainly presents a very strong case to be a starter at the Euro again this year. He has been in colossal form, particularly in the Champions League, proving his experience and know-how time and again and taking Dortmund from the Group of Death to the semi-finals. His ball recoveries and aerial threat, both in his own area and against his opponents, will be key to Dortmund’s chances of progress.
~
Maatsen, Dortmund’s flying full-back, is the answer to former Dortmund full-back Hakimi. The Chelsea loanee is active in attack, as evidenced by his important goal against Atletico Madrid last time out. He also has 27 ball recoveries in the four knockout matches so far, also showing defensive solidity (and providing fantasy points).
~
Raphael Guerreiro (€5 million, Bayern against R Madrid)
The former Dortmund full-back has finally hit the next gear and is now flying in the Bundesliga (and potentially UCL?) for rivals Bayern. The technically gifted Portuguese international, traditionally deployed at full-back, has featured higher up the pitch in recent matches, a defender playing an attacking role, which is every fantasy manager’s dream. He has two assists in his last three UCL outings, including an assist on the all-important goal to eliminate Arsenal.
~
Achraf Hakimi (€6.1 millionDortmund vs. PSG)
What is happening with Dortmund and its excellent full-backs? Another former Black and Yellow is now present in Paris, facing his former employers for the third time this season. His only UCL goal this season was against the Germans, and his only assist in Europe came last time out against Barcelona, where he featured in several attacking scenarios. The defender is putting up numbers comparable to a striker, with 12 G+A in all matches played so far. He also has 52 ball recoveries, guaranteeing a good number of points whatever the result.
~
Lucas Vazquez (€4.4 millionBayern vs. real Madrid)
Madrid are aiming to get results, especially in the Champions League, which is essentially their home ground at this stage. Veteran Dani Carvajal is suspended and will most likely be replaced by Lucas Vazquez, who has one assist, two clean sheets and 13 ball recoveries in just around 282 minutes. He has a similar performance ratio nationally, at 8 G+A in just under 1,500 minutes played.
Midfielder
Vitinha (€6.1 millionDortmund vs. PSG)
Squabbles and apparent oppression aside, the Portuguese midfielder thrives with newfound freedom in the middle of the park. He scored two goals in the two QF matches against Barcelona.
~
Jamal Musiala (€8.4 million, Bayern against Real Madrid)
Both Leroy Sane And Serge Gnabry They are rumored to be in attendance, but they are running their races to get in shape in time for the game. So if you own either one, don’t sell them. If not, Musiala is an interesting option. Against the low block of Real Madrid, Messi-ala’s ball control and dribbling in tight spaces would likely be a key contributor to Bayern’s attack. He also does his fair share of defense and steals, meaning his fantasy rushing returns would definitely be higher than 2.
~
Marcel Sabitzer (€5.5 million, Dortmund against PSG)
The former Leipzig midfielder, once known for his long-range exploits, appears to be returning to his best form at the most crucial time for his new employers. The combative Austrian is very active in attacking link-up play, as evidenced by his 15 G+A so far this season, and he faces a leaky PSG defense. He was also present, finishing the tie and sealing his place in the semi-final with his goal and two assists against Atletico.
~
Jude Bellingham And Federico Valverde (€8 million And €7.5 millionBayern vs. real Madrid)
Bellingham has started the season at a blistering pace, even earning early calls to win the Balon D’or this year. Although his overall impact is still the same, his name in goal has been reduced by an injury absence and a domestic suspension. But big players step up in big games and Bellingham will face a familiar opponent in Bayern.
Another clutch player is Fede Valverde, who is making a name for his outrageously long-distance howlers. Any second ball repelled by the counter-attacks is likely to fall into its striking territory. It represents almost a differential with a participation of 13%. He also does a lot of the defensive work with 37 ball recoveries. Not bad for an attacking midfielder!
Attackers
Kylian Mbappé (€11.7 millionDortmund vs. PSG)
Leading the European goalscoring charts with 43 goals in 44 games, Mercurial Mbappe also leads the race for the UCL golden boot with eight. Fighting against counterattacks is not Dortmund’s strength, fortuitously favoring the light-footed striker’s strong point.
~
Harry Kane (€10.2 million, Bayern Munich against R Madrid)
The Champions League is the last available for the English hitman, who is still looking to break his duck. It’s also the last chance for the departing Thomas Tuchel to salvage his blushes in an otherwise disappointing season. Kane may not be very familiar with these stages of European football’s highest format, but the numbers don’t lie; he is right on the tail of Mbappe with 42 goals in total, including seven in the CL.
~
Vinicius Jr. (€11.1 millionBayern vs. real Madrid)
Another speedster who has become a much more complete striker is Vini Jr, scoring 19 goals and 11 assists so far this season. Once again, Bayern’s possession-based press plays to the strength of Vini, capable of setting up lethal counters with a simple kick.
~
How is your UCL Fantasy squad shaping up? What holes do you need to fill? Who are you looking for? What is your bottleneck, budget or transfers? Are you playing a chip? Please log in and post in the comments below!
~
