Champions League round-up: Messi pipped to top spot in weekly ratings

Here we round up the top five WhoScored rated players from this week’s four Champions League last 16 matches.

5. Nabil Bentaleb (Schalke) - 7.85 rating

Schalke almost pulled off the shock of the round after coming from 1-0 down to Manchester City to lead the competition’s favourites 2-1 with five minutes of normal time remaining. Nabil Bentaleb benefitted from two poor bits of City defending and converted two penalties in the first 45 minutes. It’s only the third time this season in all competitions that Schalke have scored two first half goals in a game.

4. Anthony Lopes (Barcelona) - 7.99 rating

Lyon equalled the Champions League record for successive draws (six) in Tuesday’s stalemate with Barcelona. The French giants crucially did not concede an away goal to Barcelona and have goalkeeper Anthony Lopes to thank. The 28-year-old made five saves, won one aerial duel and successfully claimed one cross.

3. Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid) - 8.04 rating

Diego Godin has given Juventus a mountain to climb if they want to remain in the Champions League after scoring Atletico Madrid’s second unanswered goal on Wednesday. Atletico ran out 2-0 winners after a dominant display against Juventus. Godin made two tackles, made one clearance and blocked one Juventus shot to help Atletico keep yet another clean sheet at home in the Champions League.

2.  Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - 8.06 rating

Lionel Messi failed to break Lyon down and get the better of goalkeeper Anthony Lopes but he was once again Barcelona’s best player. The Argentina international set a record for shots attempted (9) in a Champions League game this season, while also completing 91.5% of his passes. Messi was typically effective in the final third, completing five dribbles and registering six key passes - both seasonal highs in the competition for the Barcelona No.10.

1. Jose Gimenez (Atletico Madrid) - 8.07 rating

Jose Gimenez netted Atletico Madrid’s first goal against Juventus after reacting quickest to a loose ball in the penalty area to cap off a superb evening for the 24-year-old. The Atletico defender made eight clearances, two interceptions and completed one tackle and played a huge part in keeping the likes of Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic quiet for the away side. Gimenez also won two fouls to alleviate the pressure around their penalty area.