UEFA unveils Champions League team of the week

There were no major surprises on Matchday 3 of the Champions League, with victories for Bayern Munich, Inter, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Napoli, Manchester United, Barcelona, PSG and Manchester City.

On the other hand, a number of unexpected players shone brightly and dazzled the continent with their talent, such as Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, who made a disastrous start to the season but was able to save the winning penalty against Copenhagen this week.

In defence, three players have been selected and, once again, it is a criticised player who is present, with Harry Maguire, the only scorer in United's victory at Old Trafford, breathing new life into the 'Red Devils' in Group A.

The England international is joined by two Germans: David Raum, who scored for the second time this season with Leipzig, and Nico Schlotterbeck, who provided a remarkable cross back for Dortmund's 1-0 win at Newcastle.

Youth is at the forefront in midfield, with three young stars surrounding the experienced Hakan Calhanoglu and his perfect display against Salzbourg. The first of these was Fermin Lopez, Barcelona's 20-year-gem, who scored one goal, had another disallowed and hit the post twice.

Then there is Parisian Warren Zaire-Emery, who impressed again on Wednesday with his technique and power against AC Milan (3-0), assisting on two of the three Parisian goals and voted man of the match.

Last but not least, Xavi Simons, scorer of a masterful, thumping strike for Leipzig against Red Star Belgrade, has a place in this XI.

The attack is made up of Evanilson, a sub for Porto at kick-off before scoring a second-half hat-trick to turn the game around at Antwerp, and Santiago Gimenez, Feyenoord's man in form, who scored twice against Lazio, plus another disallowed for offside.

Then there was Gabriel Jesus' remarkable move against Sevilla, when he dribbled past two players and sent a magnificent ball deep to Martinelli, which did not go unnoticed by UEFA. The Brazilian also scored in the match won by the Gunners.

 

October 26, 2023