With the group stage complete, Nick Ames picks the best Champions League XI.
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Goalkeeper: Soslan Dzhanaev (Rostov)
Rostov held on at PSV Eindhoven to gain the Europa League place that a spirited campaign merited. They had their goalkeeper, Dzhanaev, to thank as a previously sterile PSV piled on the pressure late on. He saved crucially from Siem de Jong and Gaston Pereiro to ensure the Russian side's European adventure will continue into next year.
Right-back: Maxi Pereira (FC Porto)
There was enough to concern Leicester further forwards at Estadio do Dragao without having Porto's right-back to reckon with too. But Pereira's overlaps were a constant threat: he set up a gilt-edged chance that Andre Silva spooned over before another burst down the line and accurate cross resulted in Yacine Brahimi's cute backheel for the third goal. His energy levels put those of Claudio Ranieri's side to shame.
Centre-back: Daniele Rugani (Juventus)
Rugani is not the most celebrated member of Juve's backline but the richly promising 22-year-old has impressed when given his chance this season and did so again in a comfortable win over Dinamo Zagreb, scoring his second goal in as many games and keeping things tight against the Croatians. He headed in Miralem Pjanic's corner for his first Champions League goal, confirming that Juve would finish top of Group H.
Central defence: Nicolas Pareja (Sevilla)
Big hearts were needed in Lyon for a Sevilla side that would qualify if they avoided a two-goal defeat. They saw it out successfully with a goalless draw in France and Pareja, marshalling a three-man backline, was integral to their success. Sevilla's defence wobbled once or twice in a first period that saw Lyon hit the woodwork twice, but they strangled the life out of their opponents after the break to finish the match in relative comfort.
Left-back: Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal)
Gibbs is at his best on the front foot and enjoyed the space he received going forward in Basel, finding himself at the forefront of numerous slick Arsenal attacks. His willingness to forage upfield saw him receive a Mesut Ozil pass and drill in the shot from which Lucas Perez, following up on Tomas Vaclik's parry, put Arsenal two goals up and he was a threat to his opponents throughout a satisfying night.
Right wing: Jesus Corona (Porto)
Porto destroyed Leicester and the Foxes' chief tormentor was the skilful Mexican forward. Corona sent in the corner from which Andre Silva began the rout but his next major contribution was something to savour. It was a half-chance at best when Alex Telles crossed deep from the left, but Corona's volley could not have been sweeter -- it flew into the top corner and ensured Porto had an early two-goal lead as they cruised to qualification.
Central midfield: Dele Alli (Tottenham)
Tottenham were floundering when Alan Dzagoev put CSKA Moscow ahead at Wembley but Alli, who was a goal threat throughout, responded quickly. He had already missed one presentable chance but made no mistake when, having cushioned a cross to the far post adroitly, he composed himself to curl beyond Igor Akinfeev. It was a timely goal for Alli, who had not scored since Oct. 15, and one that put Tottenham back on their way to a Europa League spot. He laid claim to their third goal, too, heading at Akinfeev before the goalkeeper bundled the ball into his own net.
Central midfield: Guilherme (Legia Warsaw)
Legia's campaign was curious to say the least, with goals raining in at both ends, but it was a low-scoring encounter with Sporting that gave them the Europa League place they deserved. Brazilian midfielder Guilherme was industrious throughout a game the Polish side dominated and was in the right place to score a priceless close-range winner at the end of a slick move. It was Legia's first group stage win in 21 years.
Left wing: Arda Turan (Barcelona)
Turan had never scored a hat trick for Barcelona before Borussia Monchengladbach's visit to Camp Nou but he showed he has a useful part to play in Luis Enrique's squad. His second goal, in particular, was a slick finish and he also laid on Lionel Messi's fine opener. Barcelona were relentless, on and off the ball, with their opponents not managing a shot on target -- and Turan set the tone with a superb all-round performance.
Centre-forward: Lucas Perez (Arsenal)
It has taken time for the Spaniard to find his feet since signing from Deportivo and a month on the sidelines through injury hindered him. Perhaps his career with the Gunners is now up and running: none of his goals against an accommodating Basel were that complicated but his hat trick ensured Arsenal won Group A -- and perhaps suggests they are not too badly stocked for striking options going into the winter.
Centre-forward: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
He does not always get the biggest headlines but Benzema is such a reliable scorer at this level. His pair against Borussia Dortmund brought up 50 Champions League goals for the Frenchman; both were well taken from close range on a night when Cristiano Ronaldo misfired and Borussia Dortmund were able to come back and claim top spot in Group F.