Europa League Team of the Round: Spurs and United Players Excel in Thrilling Quarter-Finals

The Europa League quarter-finals are now in the rear-view mirror, with Manchester United pulling off a breathtaking comeback! As a result of their efforts, they’ve secured two spots in our Europa League Team of the Round. But which other players have made our list?

Check out our latest Europa League Team of the Round:

Goalkeeper

Christos Mandas (Lazio) 7.4

Lazio’s goalkeeper Christos Mandas was instrumental in his team’s efforts during the quarter-finals, though they ultimately fell to Bodo/Glimt in a heartbreaking penalty shootout.

Out of 14 shots faced across both fixtures, Mandas managed to save 11 attempts from the Norwegian side. His expected goals saved value was an impressive 1.47, indicating he was close to preventing two goals as the Romans nearly pulled off a stunning comeback.

Defenders

Pedro Porro (Tottenham) 8.2

In the first leg, full-back Pedro Porro played a crucial role for Spurs, equalising with a spectacular backheel shot to level the score at 1-1. He then contributed to only Guglielmo Vicario’s third clean sheet of the season in the return match.

The Spaniard boasted a perfect success rate in duels (six from six) and did not commit a single foul.

Christian Romero (Tottenham) 7.5

As the linchpin of the Spurs’ defence, Christian Romero excelled throughout the quarter-finals. In the second leg, Frankfurt failed to score in a competitive home match for the first time since March 2024, thanks in large part to Romero’s outstanding performance.

Romero recorded 10 clearances, four interceptions, one blocked shot, and even created a scoring opportunity for his teammates in Frankfurt.

Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao) 7.5

With Dani Vivian back from injury, the Basque defence has been resolute. Rangers struggled to make an impact across both matches against them.

Vivian did face a close call in the second leg when he inadvertently pulled Cyril Desser’s shirt in the penalty area, but the referee opted not to award a penalty.

Midfield

Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham) 7.4

Rodrigo Bentancur is a tireless midfielder known for his ball-winning capabilities (16 times against Frankfurt) and his creative flair going forward. He maintained a pass success rate exceeding 90% across both legs for Spurs.

Casemiro (Manchester United) 7.7

Casemiro appeared to be back to his best as Manchester United narrowly overcame Lyon in a thrilling second leg at Old Trafford.

He first won a penalty in extra time, which allowed United to reduce the deficit to 4-3. He then assisted Kobbie Mainoo’s goal to level things at 4-4 before providing a pinpoint cross for Harry Maguire to complete the comeback. His performance saw him earn a match rating of 8.7 that night.

Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt) 7.6

With Besiktas expressing interest in Patrick Berg, his performance against Lazio showcased why he could be leaving the Arctic side again. While he isn’t known for his scoring, he plays a significant role for his teammates. Across both fixtures, he delivered over 40 passes into the final third, with 31 finding their target.

Ulrik Saltnes (Bodo/Glimt) 7.7

Ulrik Saltnes has dedicated his career to the small Norwegian club and enjoyed a standout moment in the first leg when he scored twice to help clinch a sensational 2-0 victory over Lazio.

Forwards

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) 7.7

Once again, Bruno Fernandes demonstrated his leadership qualities. In the first leg, he provided a cross in the 88th minute that found Joshua Zirkzee, who converted to make it 2-1.

In the return fixture, Fernandes stepped up to take a crucial penalty during extra time, converting it with precision to send the Red Devils through to the semi-finals.

Rayan Cherki (Lyon) 7.8

Lyon’s Rayan Cherki is currently in exceptional form, boasting eight goals and 12 assists in his last 15 appearances, having been blanked just twice.

Cherki found the net in both encounters against United, yet it wasn’t enough for Lyon to advance. There’s no doubt that the talented Frenchman will be a hot commodity this summer.

Nico Williams (Athletic Club) 7.7

Nico Williams of Athletic Club was a constant threat down Rangers’ right flank in the second leg, scoring in the second half to extend their lead to 2-0 with a deft header at the far post.

In total, Williams attempted 20 dribbles over both matches, successfully completing nearly half of them.