Three days, 18 games, a boatload of high-grade performers: there really hasn't been a shortfall of options for our first Champions League team of the week. We'll be playing 4-4-2 this time, partly because it's the formation that lets you get the broadest sweep of options into your XI but mostly because I watched "Mike Bassett: England Manager" last week.

Leverkusen’s win and Benfica’s 2-1 victory at Red Star Belgrade were the two early kickoffs on the third evening of the new Champions League format which replaces the traditional group stage. Now, 36 teams each play eight different opponents through January and are ranked in a single league table to decide which teams advance to the knockout phase.

Shortly after lighting up the European Championship, two of the world’s most exciting young players shone on club football’s biggest stage. With mixed fortunes, however.