Arsenal and Man Utd stars make Champions League Team of the Week
The Champions League’s group stage continues to serve up entertainment, and we’ve taken a look at some of the best performers from the competition’s fifth matchday. Represented in our best XI are players from Shakhtar Donetsk, BSC Young Boys, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, Galatasaray, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Benfica, RB Leipzig and Arsenal.
Dmytro Riznyk (Shakhtar Donetsk) - 8.32
24-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk helped his side to a crucial home victory over Royal Antwerp on Tuesday evening, as he made a total of six saves on his way to a clean sheet. Riznyk also maintained a pass success rate of 82%, to earn a WhoScored rating of 8.32, as his side ensured that they would battle it out for Group H’s second qualification spot on the final matchday.
Lewin Blum (BSC Young Boys) - 8.56
In only his second Champions League start this term, right-back Lewin Blum found the net with one of three shots to double BSC Young Boys’ lead over FK Crvena Zvezda after 29 minutes. Along with his goal, which proved to be the final one of the match, Blum also contributed with a total of six tackles and interceptions combined, three clearances and two key passes to return a WhoScored rating of 8.56.
Mario Hermoso (Atletico Madrid) - 8.51
Atletico Madrid centre-back Mario Hermoso posted his best WhoScored rating in the Champions League so far this season as Diego Simeone’s side saw off Dutch side Feyenoord on Tuesday evening. The 28-year-old netted his first goal of the season shortly after half time to double the visitors’ lead, while he also made a total of four tackles and interceptions combined, five clearances and two blocks.
Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund) - 8.24
German defender Mats Hummels continued to prove that age is but a number when Borussia Dortmund came away from the San Siro with all three points on Tuesday. The 34-year-old made a total of 10 tackles, nine clearances and won 13 ground duels to land a WhoScored rating of 8.24.
Joao Cancelo (Barcelona) - 10.0
Manchester City loanee Joao Cancelo continued his impressive form at Barcelona when they faced FC Porto on Tuesday night. The Portuguese full-back had a direct hand in both of the home side’s goals as they came from behind to make it four wins from five in the Champions League this term. In addition to his goal and assist, Cancelo made four tackles, one interception, five key passes and six successful dribbles as he became only the second player to earn a perfect 10.0 WhoScored rating in this season’s competition.
Hakim Ziyech (Galatasaray) - 9.11
Galatasaray winger Hakim Ziyech will have former Ajax teammate Andre Onana to thank after he found the net with two free-kicks in an enthralling encounter with Manchester United on Wednesday evening. Ziyech also provided the assist for Kerem Akturkoglu’s equaliser after 71 minutes, meaning he had a direct hand in each of the Turkish side’s three goals that saw them earn a vital draw and ensure that qualification for the knockout stages will come down to the final matchday.
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) - 9.13
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham made it three direct goal involvements in two matches since returning from injury for Los Blancos, as he scored and provided an assist in a 4-2 victory over Napoli on Wednesday. Bellingham, who is now the highest rated player in the Champions League this season, completed three successful dribbles against the Italian side, while also making four key passes to earn a WhoScored rating of 9.13.
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) - 8.66
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes provided the assist for Alejandro Garnacho to open the scoring against Galatasaray, before finding the net himself with a stunning strike just seven minutes later. The Portugal international, who saw his side throw away a lead on two occasions in Turkey, also made a total of three tackles and three key passes at Rams Park to return a WhoScored rating of 8.66.
Former Inter man Joao Mario came back to haunt his former side when he netted a sensational first half hat-trick against the Italian side on Wednesday evening. Mario also contributed with two key passes and two successful dribbles, but despite his exceptional efforts in the first half, Benfica had thrown away their three-goal lead less than 30 minutes into the second period. Mario’s contributions, however, saw him record a WhoScored rating of 9.33, his best of the season so far.
Lois Openda (RB Leipzig) - 8.17
Belgian striker Lois Openda brought his scoring tally in the Champions League to four with two first-half strikes against defending champions Manchester City on Tuesday night. Openda took advantage of some questionable defending by Pep Guardiola’s side to score from both of his two shots, while he also completed two successful dribbles to land a WhoScored rating of 9.17.
Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal) - 9.43
Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus continued his exceptional record when starting in the Champions League, as he scored and assisted for the second consecutive European match. Jesus provided the assist for Kai Havertz to put the Gunners ahead after 13 minutes, before finding the net himself only eight minutes later, as Mikel Arteta’s side raced into a comfortable first-half lead. Along with his contributions in front of goal, the Brazilian also completed four successful dribbles on his way to a WhoScored rating of 9.43.
