, football journalist for ESPN, has unveiled his Champions League Team of the Week for Matchday 1. Benge’s lineup includes some of the standout performers from the opening round of fixtures in Europe’s premier club competition.
In goal, Benge has selected Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak, who put in a solid performance in their 2-1 win over AC Milan. Oblak made several key saves to keep his team in the game and earn them three points.
In defense, Benge has gone with a back three of Manchester City’s Ruben Dias, Real Madrid’s Eder Militao, and Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies. Dias was excellent in City’s 6-3 victory over RB Leipzig, while Militao put in a commanding display in Madrid’s 1-0 win against Inter Milan. Davies, meanwhile, was a constant threat going forward in Bayern’s 3-0 win over Barcelona.
In midfield, Benge has opted for a trio of Liverpool’s Fabinho, Chelsea’s Jorginho, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Ander Herrera. Fabinho was instrumental in Liverpool’s 3-2 win over AC Milan, while Jorginho controlled the midfield in Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Zenit St. Petersburg. Herrera, on the other hand, was impressive in PSG’s 4-1 win over Club Brugge.
Up front, Benge has chosen a front three of Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Lionel Messi. Ronaldo stole the show with a hat-trick in United’s 2-1 win over Young Boys, Haaland scored twice in Dortmund’s 2-1 win over Besiktas, and Messi was at his magical best in PSG’s 4-1 victory over Club Brugge.
Overall, Benge’s Champions League Team of the Week for Matchday 1 is a formidable lineup, showcasing the talent and quality on display in Europe’s premier club competition. As Benge himself puts it, “These players really stepped up and showed why they are among the best in the world.”
