Best Teams and Top Players Ranked
The opening week of the newly revamped Champions League was never expected to be legendary. Even though the top 15 teams in Opta’s power rankings are in the Champions League field, only three matches featured teams from this elite group. Much like the start of a domestic league season, this week was about hearing the iconic Champions League anthem and celebrating the competition’s return. The big matches, however, are still to come.
Thursday’s final matches delivered some excitement, with thrilling finishes and energetic crowds at Atletico Madrid and Brest, plus a unique Monaco-Barcelona encounter. With 18 matches in a short span, there was plenty to keep up with, including standout performances and unexpected twists.
The Champions League teams can generally be grouped into four tiers: clear favorites, teams likely to reach the knockout stage (and aiming for a deep run), teams hoping to reach the round of 16, and extreme long shots. With 21 of the 36 teams in the latter two categories, the competition isn’t the most balanced. However, there are still plenty of intriguing storylines.
After each matchday in the group stage — now known as the “league phase” — we’ll recap the Top Players Ranked, highlight matches of the week, and track stock rises and falls within each tier.
Matches of the Week
Atletico Madrid 2, RB Leipzig 1
Though this match became one-sided quickly, it still had its moments of doubt.
- Shots in the first 21 minutes: RBL 4 (1 goal), Atleti 2
- Shots in the last 69 minutes: Atleti 19 (2 goals), RBL 3
The outcome was uncertain until the 90th minute when José Giménez scored a header from an Antoine Griezmann assist. The celebrations at the Wanda Metropolitano truly embodied the Champions League spirit.
Best Teams and Top Players Ranked
Monaco 2, Barcelona 1
A 10th-minute red card for Eric Garcia, due to a poor pass from goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, hinted at Monaco’s eventual victory. Both teams featured a lot of young talent, with 18 players under 23 on the field. The match saw goals from a 22-year-old (Maghnes Akliouche), a 17-year-old (Lamine Yamal), and an 18-year-old (George Ilenikhena), with Ilenikhena’s strike being a spectacular winner. It was an exciting night at Stade Louis II.
Real Madrid 3, Stuttgart 1
Though Tuesday’s matches lacked close scorelines, they weren’t devoid of excitement. Stuttgart’s first Champions League appearance since 2010 unfolded much like Real Madrid’s past encounters with Bundesliga teams.
Despite an early advantage, Stuttgart couldn’t capitalize, and Real Madrid clinched victory with late goals, including a 28-meter screamer from Endrick.
Manchester City 0, Inter Milan 0
Not all scoreless games are dull. This one featured 35 shot attempts, worth 3.1 xG. City had the upper hand in terms of chances, but Inter’s Yann Sommer was brilliant, keeping them in the match. Despite the lack of goals, the game demonstrated the competitiveness of the new Champions League format.
Players of the Week
Kenan Yildiz & Nicolás González (Juventus)
Juve’s new era, under manager Thiago Motta, kicked off with a 3-1 win over PSV.
Best Teams and Top Players Ranked
Yildiz opened the scoring with a brilliant strike, while González shined with a second-half goal and an assist, constantly pushing the tempo.
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
When Bayern scores nine goals in a match, several players could be named Player of the Week. But Kane, with his four-goal performance (including three penalties), stands out. This effort made him England’s all-time leading Champions League scorer.
David Raya (Arsenal)
Raya saved a crucial Mateo Retegui penalty and a follow-up attempt, salvaging a 0-0 draw for Arsenal against Atalanta, showcasing his immense value in a cautious match.
Yann Sommer (Inter Milan)
Sommer’s five critical saves kept Inter competitive in their 0-0 draw with Manchester City, preventing high-quality City chances and proving his value as one of the top goalkeepers this week.
Arne Engels (Celtic)
Engels played a key role in Celtic’s 2-0 win, leading or tying in goals, assists, shots on goal, and ball recoveries, making him a standout performer.
Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP)
Gyökeres’ goal in Sporting’s 2-0 win continued his incredible scoring streak, making him one of Europe’s most consistent attackers.
Johan Bakayoko (PSV)
Despite PSV’s loss, Bakayoko was exceptional, driving their offensive play and creating numerous opportunities.
Best Teams and Top Players Ranked
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (Borussia Dortmund)
As one of Europe’s top bench players, Bynoe-Gittens scored twice in Dortmund’s win, delivering an impressive performance in limited minutes.
Angel Di Maria (Benfica)
At 36, Di Maria continues to excel at the Champions League level, leading Benfica in progressive carries, passes, and assists, while also drawing fouls in their 2-1 victory.
Hugo Magnetti (Brest)
Magnetti scored Brest’s first-ever European goal, helping secure a memorable moment in their match against Sturm Graz.