Football Park's Champions League Team of the Week
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Football Park's Champions League Team of the Week

Football Park’s Champions League XI

The UEFA Champions League once again delivered a week filled with goals, upsets and pieces of individual brilliance. There were a few surprise results, with some players stepping up on the biggest stage, leading their team to victory. Here is Football Park’s Champions League Team of the Week from Matchday six.

Goalkeeper - Unai Simón (Athletic Club)

Despite his side failing to pick up all three points, Unai Simón impressed between the sticks. The Spanish number one kept a clean sheet, making an impressive four saves, preventing an outstanding 1.77 expected goals.

Athletic Club's 0-0 draw with PSG picked up their fifth point of the Champions League campaign. After a season of struggles, could this be the club's turning point, a draw with the reigning European champions?

RB - Jules Koundé (Barcelona)

Barcelona's Jules Koundé showcased the versatility that makes him one of Europe’s most valuable defensive assets. His capabilities in front of goal shone this week as he netted both of Barcelona's goals in a 2-1 win at home to Frankfurt.

The French international contributed on both ends, providing three clearances, three tackles and two recoveries, showing the capabilities that we see almost every week from one of the world's best.

CB's - Johnathon Tah (Bayern Munich) and Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona)

Jonathan Tah delivered a commanding performance at the heart of defence. Brimming with physical authority, he won aerial duels, also finding himself free in the box, and finding the back of the net with a stab-like finish to secure all three points for Bayern.

Pau Cubarsí’s performance this week was a statement of intent from one of Europe’s brightest young defensive talents. The Spaniard was vital at the back, making key defensive contributions. He made an impressive 12 clearances, the highest of the game.

LB - Nico O'Riley (Manchester City)

O'Riley continued his breakout season, providing a man-of-the-match performance that included his first Champions League goal. First goals don't come much better, netting at the Bernabeu in a statement 2-1 win over Real Madrid. The academy graduate showcased why he may well start for England in the summer, unless Luke Shaw remembers it's a tournament year.

CM's – Richard Ríos (Benfica) and Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal)

Richard Ríos was the standout figure in Benfica’s midfield this week, delivering a performance full of drive, discipline, and technical maturity. Operating as the link between defence and attack, Ríos found himself as the key to Benfica's success, netting their first goal and providing the second in a 2-0 win over Serie A's high flyers Napoli.

Zubimendi has helped change Arsenal's midfield since his arrival in the summer and has constantly found himself the provider this season, creating 11 chances in the Premier League. This match was no different, as he provided for two of Arsenal's three goals in a professional 3-0 win away at Brugge.

CAM – Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta)

Charles De Ketelaere impressed behind the striker with a performance full of confidence. De Ketelaere delivered when it mattered most, applying a composed finish underlining his threat in front of goal. The 24-year-old also turned provider for the first goal, finding Scamacca with a delicate chip to the back post, a chance the striker could not miss.

RW – Noni Madueke (Arsenal)

Noni Madueke was electric on the right wing this week. His pace and trickery gave Brugge defenders all sorts of problems, and he took a pivotal role in driving his team forward. Madueke’s directness in attack paid dividends, ending the night with two goals, including the goal of the week, as he beat three men before finding the top right corner from outside the box.

LW – Oscar Gloukh (Ajax)

Oscar Gloukh lit up the Champions League stage this week with one of the standout individual attacking performances, guiding Ajax to a thrilling 4–2 win with a brilliantly taken brace. The Israeli international created an outstanding four chances while his side picked up three points on the road, their first win of the Champions League campaign.

ST - Mason Greenwood (Marseille)

Mason Greenwood was the difference-maker in Marseille’s 3–2 away win at Union Saint-Gilloise, scoring twice in a brilliant display on the right of a front two. His first was an outstanding one-two with Aubameyang, before rocketing a shot, leaving the keeper no chance. His second was even better, as he chopped inside, creating space before whipping the ball into the far post. Greenwood delivered a decisive, match-winning performance worthy of this week’s XI.

Champions League Player of the Week - Noni Madueke

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist

Connor Prescott

Freelance Football Writer

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