Resounding Real Madrid win sees them dominate Champions League best XI

After their 6-0 thumping of APOEL, Real Madrid absolutely dominate our Champions League team of the week after matchday 5. The star of the show, however, came from Paris, with Neymar just pipping Cristiano Ronaldo to the player of the week gong. The PSG ace was in tremendous form once again as he scored two and assisted one, all the while making five key passes, a return this week bettered only by Cesc Fabregas (6), and completed six dribbles in the 7-1 win over Celtic. 

Back to the matter at hand, however, with Ronaldo the standout performer in Real Madrid’s resounding win at APOEL. The Portugal international has struggled domestically this season, but comes into his own in the Champions League, as he, like Neymar, scored two and assisted one in the victory in Cyprus. His brace came from eight shots on goal, while the experienced forward also completed one dribble and made one key pass. 

Strike partner Karim Benzema was the beneficiary of Ronaldo’s sole assist. The Frenchman also netted twice and provided one of the latter’s two goals to feature in this week’s best XI having gained a WhoScored rating of 9.68 in the victory. Benzema also made three key passes and completed two dribbles during his 64 minutes on the pitch as he at long last made an impact in the Champions League this season. 

Real Madrid teammate Lucas Vazquez left a lasting impression after his first Champions League start of the season as he earned a WhoScored rating of 8.01. While he didn’t provide a goal, it wasn’t for want of trying, with the Spaniard chipping in with three dribbles and one key pass. Chelsea duo Cesc Fabregas and Willian complete the midfield after their superb showings in the 4-0 win over Qarabag FK. Fabregas made six key passes, one tackle and two interceptions in the victory to yield a WhoScored rating of 9.21. Willian, meanwhile, won two penalties, completed two dribbles and bagged a brace to earn the WhoScored man of the match award in Azerbaijan with a rating of 9.42. 

Dani Carvajal made his second start since recovering from a heart issue against APOEL and was effective from right-back. The 25-year-old defended well, making three tackles and three interceptions, and pressed forward with intent as he made two successful dribbles. On the opposite flank, Atletico Madrid left-back Filipe Luis churned out another solid showing in a 2-0 win over Roma. The Brazilian ensured the Serie A side enjoyed little success down their right as he made five tackles and three interceptions at the Wanda Metropolitano. 

Versatile Real Madrid man Nacho stars at centre-back, with the 27-year-old netting one of Los Blancos’ six goals in Cyprus. The defender also won three aerial duels in Real Madrid’s 6-0 win and made two tackles, one interception and three clearances to earn a WhoScored rating of 8.30. Manuel Akanji partners Nacho at the heart of the defence after a superb showing against Manchester United. The 22-year-old played a vital role in FC Basel’s 1-0 win over the Premier League outfit as he won three aerial duels, made six clearances and five interceptions. 

Kiko Casilla rounds off the XI on the back of a solid showing at APOEL. The hosts had their chances to score, but the Real Madrid stand in shotstopper was on hand to make three saves and one successful cross claim to return a WhoScored rating of 7.44.