Champions League team of the week: Cristiano Ronaldo and the Moldova magicians

A midweek of high drama in Europe's premier competition

GK: Giorgios Athanasiadis (Sheriff) - Made 11 high-class saves against Real Madrid in the shock result of matchday two, the Moldovan champions’ 2-1 victory at Real Madrid. Getty

RB James Milner (Liverpool) - Mr Versatile slotted in at right-back against Porto. As ever, the 35-year-old distinguished himself, setting up Liverpool’s second goal in their 5-1 win. EPA

CB Milan Skriniar (Internazionale) - The Italian champions gained their first point of the European campaign, thanks in large part to Skriniar’s acute anticipation of danger against Shakhtar Donetsk. EPA

CB Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus) - Picked ahead of Giorgio Chiellini to share responsibility for marshalling Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku. He rose to the challenge for victorious Juventus. PA

LB Cristiano (Sheriff) - A revelation - and a key weapon in Sheriff’s effectiveness on the break. A trademark precise cross from the Brazilian set up the opening goal against Real Madrid. AFP

RM Curtis Jones (Liverpool) - Outstanding at Porto. He was tenacious at one end of the pitch and brave and creative at the other. Involved in all five Liverpool goals. AFP

CM Marco Verratti (PSG) - It’s not easy to command midfield when talented, energetic Manchester City are all over your territory. But PSG’s Italian tempo-setter did. The main man in the 2-0 win. AP

LM Joao Mario (Benfica) - Set the tone against a ragged Barcelona. The midfielder, whose career has zig-zagged off course in recent years, showed all his old poise in a memorable triumph. AP

RW Federico Chiesa (Juventus) - Took the only goal of the game against Chelsea superbly, and troubled the defending European champions with his turn of speed and clever movement throughout. Reuters

CF Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) - Does any footballer have a greater sense of theatre? A quiet CR7 night ended with him snatching the headlines, yet again, to complete the comeback against Villarreal. EPA

LW Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich) - His goal may have been intended as a cross but he deserved his place on the scoresheet of Bayern’s thumping win over Dynamo Kiev. Jet-propelled and incisive. EPA

Some unexpected drama in the Champions League this midweek - and another late show that could have been scripted.

The biggest upset was undoubtedly Moldovan league Sheriff Tiraspol's 2-1 victory at 13-times champions Real Madrid on Tuesday. Carlo Ancelotti was left puzzled after his side dominated, but the result echoed around the world.

Close behind in the shock factor was Barcelona's 3-0 demise at Benfica. Barca might not be the force of yesteryear, particularly after parting ways with Lionel Messi, but such a setback could spell the end for coach Ronald Koeman.

Holders Chelsea were beaten 1-0 at Juventus, in the first Champions League setback for manager Thomas Tuchel, while PSG were 2-0 victors over Manchester City.

Manchester United, however, were late 2-1 winners against Villarreal, their conquerors in the Europa League final last season. Who stepped up with the final say? Cristiano Ronaldo, of course!

Ian Hawkey picks out his star performers from the Champions League week in the picture gallery above. To view the next image, click on the arrows or swipe if on a mobile device.