Our Champions League Team of the Week following the competition’s latest action, featuring names from Tottenham, Real Madrid and Ajax.
Goalkeeper: Vitezslav Jaros – Ajax
The Liverpool loanee was outstanding as Ajax kept alive faint hopes of progress at Villarreal. The Dutch side earned a 2-1 win at El Madrigal, but relied on Jaros to keep them in the game. A string of saves from the Czech shot-stopper helped Ajax escape with a win.
Vítězslav Jaroš vs. Villarreal 👏 pic.twitter.com/qvI2dfLfKJ
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) January 22, 2026
Centre-back: Abduilkerim Bardakci – Galatasaray
Abduilkerim Bardakci helped Galatasaray hold Atletico Madrid in Istanbul, a result that edged the Turkish champions closer to the knockout stages.
The centre-back made eight clearances – including one off the goal-line – and blocked three shots in a performance full of determined defending.
Centre-back: Cristian Romero – Tottenham
A captain’s performance from Cristian Romero to keep Spurs on course for the last 16 and, perhaps, Thomas Frank in a job. The Argentine steered Spurs ahead with the opener from Wilson Odobert’s cross and led his team by example. He deserved the clean sheet.
💥🤯 Most goals scored by Premier League defenders across all competitions this season @Squawka:
◎ 6 – Micky van de Ven
◉ 5 – Cristian Romero pic.twitter.com/BwP11oFHOt— Spurs Global (@spurssglobal) January 20, 2026
Centre-back: Joe Gomez – Liverpool
Arne Slot was keen to highlight the performance of Joe Gomez as the rarely used Liverpool defender excelled in Marseille. So calm and defensively sound throughout. He should keep his place for the weekend, ahead of Ibrahima Konate.
Midfield: Hans Vanaken – Club Brugge
We need to talk about Hans Vanaken. The veteran remains the heartbeat at Club Brugge and was instrumental in their 4-1 win at Kairat.
A goal, assist, and two chances created highlighted his ongoing importance to the Belgians. It’s now 260 goal involvements for Brugge across an 11-year spell with the club.
Midfield: Robert Navarro – Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao survived an early onslaught to win a five-goal thriller in Atalanta. Roberto Navarro was the star for the Spaniards, creating their first two goals in the 3-2 win, before scoring the third himself in style.
Navarro’s cross for the second was out of this world, with the summer free transfer recruit settling nicely in Bilbao.
Right-wing: Wilson Odobert – Tottenham
A real flash of Odobert’s potential as the 21-year-old dismantled Dortmund. Odobert assisted the opener for Cristian Romero, recovering from a scuffed shot to drive forward and square for his captain to convert.
He set up the second one, too, for Dominic Solanke, with a near interchange and cross into the box. So, so sharp.
Left-wing: Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid
A confident Vinicius Junior is a problem for any team in world football. The Brazilian tore AS Monaco to pieces as Real Madrid thrashed the French side this week, setting up two goals and scoring another at the Bernabeu.
Vinícius Júnior game by numbers vs Monaco:
10 touches in the opposition box
7 chances created
4/5 successful dribbles
5 shots
2 assists
1 goalMuitos anos a virar frangos.🐔#UCL pic.twitter.com/AAEbkBtsFI
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) January 20, 2026
In total, he created SEVEN chances and completed four dribbles in a 10/10 performance.
Forward: Gabriel Jesus – Arsenal
Gabriel Jesus’s audition for a more regular role at Arsenal was passed with flying colours this week.
The Brazilian started at the San Siro as Arsenal beat Inter Milan to make it seven straight Champions League wins. Two poachers’ efforts have given Mikel Arteta plenty to think about.
Forward: Kasper Hogh – Bodo/Glimt
Kasper Hogh could perhaps hardly believe the space he was afforded as Bodo/Glimt upset the odds to beat Manchester City. The forward twice found himself in acres and punished the Premier League side.
After 40 goals over the last two seasons, Hogh started 2026 with a bang. It could be his final involvement for Bodo as clubs circle for his signature.
Cold night. Big stage.
Kasper Hogh with two goals vs Manchester City in the Champions League. pic.twitter.com/kBCZkjvsi7
— Dave.Sport (@davedotsport) January 20, 2026
Forward: Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe’s explosive European campaign continued with two goals to sink former club, AS Monaco.
The Frenchman was apologetic to his old employers after another clinical performance. He’s averaging a Champions League goal every 48 minutes this season.
Read – Champions League Awards: Bodo stun City, Vinicius on fire
See more – Five famous footballers who unhung their boots and came out of retirement
