Team of the Week for UCL Matchweek 3: No Haaland, but featuring impressive brazilians
On October 22-23, the matches of Matchday 3 of the 2024/25 Champions League took place.
There was only one match where neither team managed to score: Atalanta vs Celtic (0-0). In all other matches, if not many goals were scored, at least the fans got to witness at least one.
However, we’re not going to focus on goals and assists today. Luis Torres presents his symbolic team of the past round of the Champions League, highlighting the standout performers.
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Mattia Perin (Juventus)
Yes, Juventus unexpectedly lost to Stuttgart 0-1, but without Mattia Perin, the scoreline could have been much worse for the Italian side. Perin made 9 saves, and his teammates owe him a lot for keeping the deficit so narrow.
Coach: Brian Priske (Feyenoord)
Many fans might choose Hansi Flick, who led Barcelona to demolish Bayern. However, that would be too predictable. Priske and Feyenoord tactically dismantled Benfica with a 3-1 win. Despite Benfica being considered the favorites, they only managed to score one goal, while Priske’s team put on a clinical performance.
Left-Back: Nuno Santos (Sporting)
An unexpected choice perhaps, but Nuno was the only left-back to get on the scoresheet over these two days. He scored a crucial goal to help Sporting defeat Sturm 2-0. Besides the goal, Santos contributed solidly in defense, making 3 tackles, winning 1 aerial duel, and completing 88% of his passes.
Centre-Backs: Stephane Singo (Monaco) and Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid)
Singo scored one of Monaco’s five goals against Crvena Zvezda. While the opponent wasn’t the strongest, the 23-year-old Ivorian showed confidence in defense and completed 92% of his passes.
Antonio Rüdiger was the one who sparked Real Madrid's epic comeback against Borussia Dortmund (5-2). After a poor first half from Madrid, Rüdiger’s goal gave the team hope, and he later played a key role in shutting down Dortmund’s attacks.
Right-Back: Stefan Ristovski (Dinamo Zagreb)
The 32-year-old Macedonian full-back provided two assists in Dinamo’s match against RB Salzburg. No other right-back made such a contribution in these two matchdays. In terms of defensive work, Ristovski had a quiet game, making just one tackle.
Midfielders: Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Antoni Milambo (Feyenoord), Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan)
Matheus Nunes, despite Haaland being the headline grabber, was one of City's key players against Sparta Prague. Nunes provided two assists (one of them to Haaland) and also scored a penalty. His stats were impressive: 95% pass accuracy, 3 successful dribbles, 1 aerial duel won, 1 interception, and 2 tackles. He was widely regarded as the man of the match.
19-year-old Antoni Milambo couldn’t be overlooked either. The Feyenoord midfielder netted twice against Benfica, showing immense talent and earning his spot in the team. He fits perfectly on the right side of our midfield.
Tijjani Reijnders was instrumental in AC Milan’s first win of the current Champions League campaign. Milan defeated Brugge 3-1, with Reijnders scoring twice and achieving 95% pass accuracy, proving his importance to the team.
Left Winger: Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)
Vinícius delivered a hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund, including a sensational goal in the dying minutes of the match. Need we say more?
Right Winger: Raphinha (Barcelona)
Don’t worry, Barcelona fans—Raphinha also made the team. While Vinícius takes the left-wing spot, Raphinha fits perfectly on the right. Although he played on the left against Bayern, where he scored a hat-trick, his versatility allows him to excel on either wing.
Striker: Jonathan David (Lille)
Surprised it’s not Haaland? Picking David was a chance to highlight another standout performer. The Canadian forward came off the bench in the 65th minute against Atlético Madrid and scored twice, securing the win for his team.
Luis Torres
Dailysports's expert
