Kane is a Given, but Who else? The Best XI of Champions League Matchday 1

The updated Champions League format lives up to expectations.

With more matches spread across three weekdays instead of two, a more exciting system for determining playoff spots has emerged, generating even greater interest in each game.

Matchday 1 of the premier European club tournament took place from September 17 to 19, showcasing both dominant performances from favorites and surprising upsets.

Daylisports presents the Best XI of Champions League Matchday 1 for the 2024/25 season.

Formation: 4-3-3

Coach: Adi Hütter (Monaco)

Monaco secured a 2-1 victory over Barcelona, handing Xavi his first defeat of the season. Yes, the Blaugrana played with 10 men, but Hütter’s side maintained pressure and played on the front foot, eventually sealing a memorable win against a formidable Barça.

Goalkeeper: Yann Sommer (Inter)

Expected to see Raya here? Yes, David was superb for Arsenal, saving a penalty against Atalanta and then immediately blocking the rebound, earning him Player of the Day honors from our team.

However, besides those two crucial saves, he had little involvement, with just two stops. Sommer, on the other hand, made five saves against Manchester City, a major feat against such a powerhouse. Despite being 35, the Swiss veteran continues to prove his class.

In fact, Paulo Gazzaniga would’ve claimed this spot if not for a late blunder. The Girona keeper had a brilliant debut against PSG, only to concede between his legs in the 90th minute.

Left-Back: Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Dortmund)

Selecting a standout full-back for this week's team was difficult, as no one particularly stood out. Nuno Mendes of PSG made a notable run leading to the only goal against Girona, but defensive work matters, and Mendes had little to do in his own half.

Bensebaini, though, was solid. While Dortmund’s goals against Brugge came after he was subbed off at the 59-minute mark, his defensive performance was stellar, with two tackles, one aerial duel won, and a 95% pass accuracy along with three successful dribbles.

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Center-Backs: Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid) and Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Two pillars of modern defense, two of the world’s best center-backs, both stood out for their clubs on Matchday 1. Their inclusion in this team needs no further justification.

Right-Back: Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid)

Llorente gets the nod as no other right-back particularly impressed this week. Although not strictly a defender, Simeone’s system often deploys him as one when transitioning to a back five. Llorente excelled in attack, providing an assist for Griezmann after a brilliant run down the wing.

Midfield: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Kazim Laci (Sparta Prague), Arne Engels (Celtic)

Kimmich, often a defensive midfielder, was key for Bayern in their 9-2 thrashing of Dinamo Zagreb. With a hat-trick of assists, he orchestrated Bayern’s midfield dominance.

Tielemans continues his excellent form for Aston Villa, adding a goal and an assist in their win over Young Boys. His contributions included two shots, three interceptions, two tackles, and a 93% pass completion rate.

Laci earned his place with a cheeky goal against RB Leipzig, humbling multiple defenders in the process.

Engels was pivotal in Celtic’s 5-1 demolition of Slovan, contributing a goal from the penalty spot and an assist. His stat line included three shots, six interceptions, one tackle, and a 92% pass accuracy.

Left Winger: Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

Wirtz, who played as a central attacking midfielder but operated closer to the left, netted twice against Feyenoord and was a constant threat throughout the match.

Right Winger: Nicolas Gonzalez (Juventus)

Michael Olise of Bayern could have been a contender, but that would have opened the door to too many Bayern players. Instead, Gonzalez of Juventus, who scored and assisted in their 3-1 victory over PSV, claims the spot. The Argentine was easily the standout player for the Old Lady.

Striker: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Harry. Kane. A four-goal haul. In the Champions League. Yes, it was against Dinamo Zagreb, but it was still a stunning display.