The best XI performers in the Champions League group matches this week.
With the fifth round of Champions League group fixtures at an end, we look at a best XI of performers in Europe’s top tier competition.
SEE MORE:
Revealed: Bayern Munich Nearly Signed Manchester City Star Sergio Aguero
Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas Claims He’s Playing The Best Football Of His Career
Why Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez Is Better Than Chelsea Star Diego Costa
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
Despite the lack of decent threat, Buffon was brilliant when occasionally called into action. The veteran keeper pushing a Rosenberg shot around the post at the last to ensure a clean sheet in Juve’s 2-0 win over Malmö.
Right Back: Dani Alves (Barcelona)
Alves charged forward in stereotypical Alves style, playing more as a right winger than right back but was in position when it mattered. Provided an assist for Messi’s second goal.
Centre Back: Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)
Stamped his authority on the game by never giving Olympiakos a sniff of an attack. Broke up play as soon as it emerged from midfield putting in a dominant display in Atletico Madrid’s 4-0 win over the Greeks.
Centre Back: Chancel Mbemba Mangulu (Anderlecht)
The centre-back was the Belgian club’s hero against Galatasaray, scoring two goals to give them their first ever Champions League victory. However, he didn’t let his exploits further up the field distract him from his defensive duties, always keeping a close eye on Burak and breaking down any Turkish attack.
Left Back: André Almeida (Benfica)
Offered a great attacking outlet to Benfica when it was needed but wasn’t lacking on the defensive duties. Marshalled the left wing to great effect for the Portuguese side in their 1-0 win over Zenit St. Petersburg.
Central Midfield: Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea)
Dictated Chelsea’s play throughout their 5-0 over Schalke, seemed to be at the heart of ever Blues attack and involved in the build up to three of their goals.
Central Midfield: Raul Garcia (Atletico Madrid)
A powering and imposing presence in the middle for Atletico, Garcia used the ball well and imposed himself on a weak Olympiakos side. Scored the first in the Spanish side’s 4-0 win.
Left Wing: Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)
A return to form for Arsenal’s tricky Spanish magician, definitely his best performance of the season so far. Caused numerous problems for Borussia Dortmund, creating a hatful of chances. Set up Yaya Sanogo for The Gunners’ first.
Right Wing: Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
A beautifully taken goal by the Chilean, not necessarily at his best from the start but ran rings around Dortmund’s full backs before curling a right footed shot early in the second half to confirm a 2-0 victory for the Gunners.
Centre Forward: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Spared City’s blushes after Bayern went 2-1 up with 10-men. Ruthlessly put the German side to the sword when he completed his hat-trick in added time.
Centre Forward: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
You may have thought Messi was bored of breaking records after his La Liga record breaking hat-trick at the weekend. However, the magical Argentine scored twice aginst APOEL in a 4-0 win for Barcelona to become the leading Champions League goalscorer of all time.