Team of the week
Justin Bijlow, Feyenoord
On his first European outing of the season, he kept his first-ever UEFA Champions League clean sheet. In the words of the UEFA match observer, "he made two world-class saves to prevent goals at important moments and impressed with his decision-making on crosses as well as the way he commanded his area."
Davide Calabria, AC Milan
Calabria entered the game against Girona after just four minutes and played a significant role in Milan's defence shutting out the Spanish side, his defensive work including ten ball recoveries – four of them in the opposition half as he pushed up the pitch.
Wilfried Singo, Monaco
Monaco's match winner against Aston Villa, the Ivorian international made a big contribution defensively – and not only for his 16 clearances. As the UEFA observer said: "He was excellent in one vs one duels, very good in the build-up play and gave a lot of confidence to his team."
Federico Gatti, Juventus
Gatti was another centre-back who caught the eye for his excellent work on the ball – his long passing or ball carries bringing a total of 13 deep progressions into the final third. He was dominant in his area of the pitch too as Juventus frustrated Club Brugge's forwards.
David Raum, Leipzig
The full-back had a significant part to play in Leipzig's first victory of the league phase, his low centre from the left leading to the opening goal by Benjamin Šeško. Out of possession, meanwhile, he produced 17 defensive actions in his 61 minutes on the pitch.
Raphinha, Barcelona
The hero of Barcelona's nine-goal thriller at Benfica, he scored twice – including the 96th-minute winner – and provided three key passes as well as delivering a strong shift without the ball, winning it back six times in opposition territory.
João Neves, Paris Saint-Germain
With his first Champions League strike, he scored the third Paris goal of a pulsating comeback victory over Man City. In the process, the 20-year-old capped a dynamic display both in building attacks and getting forward into dangerous areas, and in winning the ball back – evidenced by his 11 ball recoveries.
Georgiy Sudakov, Shakhtar
The No10's penalty kick sealed Shakhtar's second win of this league phase though what impressed the UEFA observer most about his midfield work was the "admirable balance he brought to the team, both offensively and defensively".
Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid
"He was always dangerous with his pace and dribbling ability," said the match observer of the Brazilian whose evening against Salzburg featured four shots, yielding two goals, as well as four trademark slaloms between opposition defenders.
Luuk de Jong, PSV Eindhoven
The big centre-forward showcased his enduring excellence in the air with two headed goals from corners and led the line impressively, making two key passes too to help PSV take three points in Belgrade.
Julián Alvarez, Atlético de Madrid
He got ten-man Atleti back into the game against Leverkusen by scoring a goal out of nothing and then snatched their late winner too. As well as his predatory powers, he exhibited his willingness to work selflessly for his team, winning the ball back ten times in a brilliant all-round performance.
