Champions League Awards: Week 1

Team of the Week: Juventus

The Italian giants delivered the stand-out performance of the round as they defeated Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad. City had started the season in blistering form, winning all five of their league games without conceding a goal. The Italians, on the other hand, had failed to win in their opening three games so, despite reaching last season’s final, came into the tie as underdogs. But they frustrated the Citizens all game and showed great character after falling behind to turn the match on its head thanks to goals from Mario Mandzukic, and a stunning effort from Alvaro Morata.

Player of the Week: Hulk (Zenit)

The Brazilian divides opinion but even his critics can’t deny that Hulk has a rocket of a left foot. And the Zenit forward showed it off once again with two goals in the 3-2 win at Valencia. The first saw the 29-year-old drive the ball across the keeper into the far corner, before a stunning effort, which flew into the net from 30 yards, put the Russian side 2-0 up at half-time.

Goal of the Week: Alessandro Florenzi (ROMA vs Barcelona)

Florenzi struck the ball on the far right side of the pitch just inside Barcelona’s half when he spotted Marc-Andre ter Stegen off his line. The ball sailed over the German’s head, struck the inside of the post and ended up in the back of the net. Flawless execution from the Italian and a goal likely to be remembered for years to come.