Champions League round-up: The star men revealed from Tuesday’s action

 

AEK Athens 0-2 Bayern Munich – Rafinha - 8.67 rating

 

Rafinha was surprisingly chosen at left-back over David Alaba but the 33-year-old vindicated his selection with a man of the match performance against Greek side AEK Athens. The Brazilian had the most touches of the ball (118), provided an assist for Robert Lewandowski and two further goalscoring chances. Not only that, but the experienced defender completed the most tackles (6).

 

Young Boys 1-1 Valencia – Michy Batshuayi – 7.79 rating

 

Valencia have struggled to score goals all season and that was apparent in their stalemate with Young Boys. Marcelino’s side have only scored more than once in a competitive match on one occasion this season. Michy Batshuayi has struggled in front of goal since joining Los Che over the summer but did at least manage to end a five-game drought in Switzerland. The Chelsea loanee hit the target with two of his three shots, completed four dribbles and drew three fouls.

 

Manchester United 0-1 Juventus – Alex Sandro – 7.71 rating 

 

Jose Mourinho may rue failing to sign Alex Sandro from Juventus after the Brazilian turned in a man of the match performance at Old Trafford. The 27-year-old was immense at both ends of the pitch, marshalling Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial with ease. Sandro won four tackles and interceptions combined and made three clearances. He also completed more dribbles than any other player on display (3).

 

 

Roma 3-0 CSKA Moscow – Edin Dzeko – 9.88 rating

 

Roma bounced back from a shock 2-0 home defeat to SPAL with a comprehensive 3-0 victory against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday night. Edin Dzeko played a direct hand in all three goals, netting their first two goals before assisting Cengiz Under in the 50th-minute. The Bosnian striker hit the target with three of his five shots, won four aerial duels and drew three fouls.

 

Real Madrid 2-1 Viktoria Plzen – Karim Benzema – 8.48 rating

 

Real Madrid recorded their first victory since September 22 but it did little to lift the pressure on manager Julen Lopetegui. It’s the first time Madrid have scored more than once since September 19, courtesy of goals from Karim Benzema and Marcelo. No player from either side had more shots on target then Benzema (3), who also completed five of the seven dribbles by Madrid players.

 

Ajax 1-0 Benfica  - Matthijs de Ligt  - 7.85 rating

 

Ajax left it late to beat Benfica, requiring an error from Argentine defender German Conti, but the Dutch side are now top of Group E. Matthijs de Ligt was the star man at the Johan Cruijff Arena, helping his side keep a clean sheet with a clearance off the line. The 19-year-old made three clearances in total, won two aerial duels and even had a shot on target and created a goalscoring opportunity for a team-mate.

 

Shakhtar Donetsk 0-3 Manchester City – David Silva – 9.34 rating

 

After slipping to defeat away to Shakhtar in last season’s Champions League group stage, Pep Guardiola left nothing to chance and fielded a stronger-than-expected XI in Ukraine. Skippering the side, David Silva turned the screw once again, scoring in successive Champions League away matches for the first time in his career. Silva was twice denied by the woodwork and created the most goalscoring chances (5).

 

Hoffenheim 3-3 Lyon – Andrej Kramaric – 8.63 rating

 

Hoffenheim came away with a valuable point against Lyon, netting a stoppage time equaliser. Hoffenheim were leading 2-1 after 47 minutes, courtesy of two Andrej Kramaric goals. The former Leicester striker hit the target more times than any other player on display (3) and also completed two dribbles. He has now scored as many goals in Europe this season as he has managed in six Bundesliga appearances.

Champions League round-up: The star men revealed from Tuesday’s action