Champions League Awards: Week 3

Player of the Week: Ivan Rakitic (Barcelona)

The Croatian midfielder came on early in the first half to replace the injured Sergi and dominated the game from the moment he was introduced. It was an all action display as he made some crucial interceptions and broke up play well. Not only did he run the show but he scored two wonderful goals, starting with a thunderbolt into the top corner to give the holders the lead. He grabbed his second midway through the second half, finishing a brilliant move with a deft chip over the sprawling BATE keeper to give his side a 2-0 victory.

Rakitic scored both goals in Barcelona’s 2-0 win

Team of the Round: Arsenal

The Gunners pulled off a 2-0 stunning victory against high-flying Bayern Munich to keep their Champions League hopes alive. The German champions were in fantastic form and racked up 73% possession, and whilst they did create opportunities they found Petr Cech in top form. At the other end, Manuel Neuer also had to pull off some outstanding saves but Arsene Wenger’s men persisted and got a slice of luck when Olivier Giroud bundled the ball home after a rare mistake from the German keeper. Mesut Ozil wrapped things up in stoppage time, sweeping home following Hector Bellerin’s run and cross.

Arsenal have given themselves a fighting chance

Goal of the Round: Hulk (Zenit)

There were a number of fantastic goals this week but Zenit’s Hulk pulled out another stunner from his locker. The Brazilian picked up the ball on the halfway line, managed to turn and shrug off multiple Lyon players before blasting in a stunning left footed strike from 30 yards out. More than worthy for our pick for goal of the week!

Hulk scored yet another brilliant effort