The first game week of the Champions League has come to an end, with some huge performances across Europe. From dominant wins for PSG, Barcelona and Bayern Munich to impressive away victories for Arsenal and Real Betis, there was no shortage of drama.
Here is Futbol Mundial’s Champions League Team of the Week for Matchday 1.
Goalkeeper – David Raya – Arsenal – 8.0
Raya played a crucial role in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Napoli, keeping a clean sheet away from home in one of the toughest fixtures of the opening matchday. The Spaniard looked composed throughout and helped Arsenal secure an important three points in Naples.
Full-back – Patrick Dorgu – Manchester United – 8.0
Dorgu was one of Manchester United’s standout players in their comfortable 4-0 victory over Sabah. The Danish full-back was a constant threat going forward and provided an assist for the first goal of the night. A strong performance on his Champions League debut.
Centre-back – Marc Bartra – Real Betis – 9.0
Bartra was instrumental in Real Betis’ 3-2 victory away to Lille. The centre-back scored twice and showed his importance at both ends of the pitch. Two goals from a defender in a Champions League away win is enough to earn him a place in this team.
Centre-back – Pau Torres – Aston Villa – 9.0
Torres was one of the standout performers as Aston Villa secured a 3-2 victory away to Club Brugge. The Spanish centre-back provided two assists, setting up John McGinn for the opener before finding Nicolas Jackson for Villa’s third. This performance looks to have helped Aston Villa potentially find a turning point after a rocky start to the season. Producing two assists from centre-back in a Champions League away victory makes Torres an easy selection for the Team of the Week.
Full-back – Alphonso Davies – Bayern Munich – 8.5
Davies was heavily involved as Bayern cruised to a 5-0 victory over Bodø/Glimt. The Canadian capped his performance with a spectacular goal and provided plenty of energy down the left-hand side. Davies looks like he’s on his way back to being at his best after an unlucky few years with injuries.
Central midfield – Federico Valverde – Real Madrid – 8.5
Valverde delivered another typically energetic performance for Real Madrid in their 2-1 victory over Inter. The Uruguayan scored the second goal and was one of Madrid’s most influential players in midfield as usual in the biggest of games. That Madrid midfielder is becoming a regular goalscoring midfielder in the Champions League.
Central midfield – Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool – 8.5
Szoboszlai was crucial in Liverpool’s comeback against Atlético Madrid. The Hungarian scored Liverpool’s equaliser before playing a major role in their eventual 2-1 victory at Anfield, earning himself the man of the match trophy as a result. Szoboszlai looks set to be crucial in Liverpool’s success yet again this season, after being awarded the club’s player of the season last campaign.
Attacking midfield – Martin Baturina – Como – 9.0
What a Champions League debut for Baturina.
The Croatian scored Como’s first-ever Champions League goal as they produced one of the biggest results of the opening matchday, beating RB Leipzig 4-1. Baturina’s goal was a combination of composure and football elegance, fooling the defenders with a last-minute cutback before keeping his balance to fire into the corner. Como’s Croatian magician was at the heart of Como’s attacking play (especially in the first half) and deservedly received the Player of the Match award.
Right-wing – Michael Olise – Bayern Munich – 9.5
Olise was arguably the best player of the entire matchday. The Frenchman scored twice and provided an assist in Bayern’s 5-0 victory over Bodø/Glimt. He was a constant threat and looks eager to be one of the best players in the world yet again this season. Can he help Bayern go one step further this season and make the Champions League final?
Left-wing – Raphinha – Barcelona – 9.0
Raphinha continued his excellent form with two goals in Barcelona’s 5-1 demolition of Feyenoord. The Brazilian scored the standout goal of the round with a lovely cutback which saw two Feyenoord defenders go flying, before slotting it past the goalkeeper. The Barca captain and his side won’t be getting too carried away just yet, but they are looking very dangerous going forward.
Striker – Ferran Torres – PSG – 9.5
A Champions League hat-trick is more than enough to earn a place in this team of the week for Ferran Torres. Torres was at the centre of PSG’s 6-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava, scoring three goals as the defending champions began their title defence in style. The World Cup winner appears to have ended the French side’s search for a striker to go with their world-class wingers. Can anyone stop the Parisians winning three UCL’s in a row?
