Champions League: The Team of the Week

• We were treated to Champions League action this week with Arsenal and Manchester City securing crucial wins.
• We look at the players that impressed this week.

We were treated to Champions League action this week with Arsenal and Manchester City securing crucial wins.

In their first UCL match in more than two decades, Newcastle won a draw against AC Milan, while Jude Bellingham’s fantastic Real Madrid debut continued with a dramatic victory over debutants Union Berlin.

We look at the players that impressed this week.

GK: Ivan Provedel (Lazio)

A stoppage-time equalizer by Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel in his team’s 1-1 Rome tie with Atletico Madrid was the most exciting play of the opening day of play.

The goalie became just the fourth keeper to score in the Champions League with his leveling goal in the 95th minute. He displayed the instinct of an experienced striker to ghost off his defender and power home.

RB: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)

Achraf Hakimi. Photo/PSGTalk

Paris Saint-Germain won easily against Borussia Dortmund in the French capital to get off to a fantastic start in what looks to be an exciting Group F.

Following Kylian Mbappe’s first goal for PSG, Achraf Hakimi scored his team’s second goal. The wingback displayed excellent footwork inside the box before finishing with the outside of his foot.

CB: Jules Kounde (Barcelona)

Barcelona defeated Royal Antwerp easily in their Champions League debut, winning 5-0 at Camp Nou. The Catalans were in cruise control, and Jules Kounde was a prime example of their power.

After being switched into his usual center-back position, the defender has had a strong start to the season and was exceptional against Antwerp. Kounde had a 94.2% completion rate on 97 correct passes while winning seven of his eight duels. For the Spanish champs, only Ilkay Gundogan achieved more.

CB: Gernot Trauner (Feyenoord)

Feyenoord started life in Group E with three points after a 2-0 victory over Celtic under the leadership of Gernot Trauner.

The Dutch team locked down the Scottish champs to keep a clean sheet, as the Austrian center-back won five duels while making 93% of his 107 passes.

LB: Theo Hernandez (AC Milan)

Despite commanding over Newcastle at the San Siro, AC Milan was unable to score, and the Rossoneri were forced to settle for a goalless draw. Theo Hernandez frequently appeared to be the most probable source of opportunities, as the Frenchman moved forward whenever an opening presented itself and effectively inverted into midfield.

If Milan wants to advance in this competition, his pairing with Rafael Leao must be more effective.

CM: Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig)

Xavi Simons. Photo/GetGermanyNews

Xavi Simons has excelled since joining RB Leipzig on loan in the summer, building on a breakout season at PSV Eindhoven to make an impression in Germany.

Simons, one of Europe’s most promising young prospects, was re-signed by Paris Saint-Germain for a sum of €6 million after the French club wisely exercised their buy-back option.

CM: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)

The Arsenal captain, who was at the height of his creative form in midfield, was at the center of a strong performance by the Gunners. Bukayo Saka converted the Norwegian’s missed attempt as Arsenal gained control of the match. Odegaard was outstanding all game long in confined spaces on the field.

He finished strong by scoring Arsenal’s fourth goal of the game, a superb long-range shot from the midfielder.

CM: Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)

Jamal Musiala. Photo by SkySports

After defeating Manchester United 4-3 at the Allianz Arena, Bayern Munich maintained their lengthy undefeated streak in group stage contests. Bayern was more dominant than the score indicated, as Jamal Musiala confirmed his place among the game’s most promising young players.

The Red Devils were helpless to stop Musiala as he made a magnificent solo run into goal and set up Serge Gnabry for Bayern’s second goal of the game.

CF: Julian Alvarez (Manchester City)

After struggling to beat Omri Glazer in goal until trailing just before halftime, the European champions came out of the break with a victory thanks to Alvarez’s two goals.

His first goal was exceptional because the Argentine used quick feet to go by Glazer and score. His second goal was fortunate because the Israeli goalkeeper, who had been playing superbly up until that point, missed the ball from Alvarez’s free kick.

CF: Joao Felix (Barcelona)

After struggling to beat Omri Glazer in goal until trailing just before halftime, the European champions came out of the break with a victory thanks to Alvarez’s two goals.

His first goal was exceptional because the Argentine used quick feet to go by Glazer and score. His second goal was fortunate because the Israeli goalkeeper, who had been playing superbly up until that point, missed his free kick.

CF: Galeno (FC Porto)

To start off their Champions League campaign, FC Porto defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1, with all three of the Portuguese team’s goals coming from Galeno.

The winger capitalized on a defensive blunder to restore Porto’s advantage following a quick Shakhtar reaction before acting first to turn in a rebound for the first goal. Galeno stormed down the left to set up Mehdi Taremi for the winning putt as the Ukrainians struggled to handle his pace throughout the match.