sport news Reece James, David de Gea and Edin Dzeko... who else makes our Champions League ...

sport news Reece James, David de Gea and Edin Dzeko... who else makes our Champions League ...
sport news Reece James, David de Gea and Edin Dzeko... who else makes our Champions League ...

The Champions League group stages are nearing their conclusion, and the fates of the teams headed for the last-16 are looking pretty definitive after matchweek five.

Manchester City, United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all guaranteed spots in the next round to make it a clean sweep of English teams in the hat for the knockout draw - with every Premier League side grabbing wins this week.

City saw off PSG, United beat Villarreal away from home, Chelsea thumped Juventus and Liverpool notched a win over Porto. The Blues were the pick of the bunch as they smashed four past the Serie A giants with a host of top performers.

There were also big displays across Europe as Leipzig demolished Club Brugge 5-0, while Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Sporting Lisbon also clinched victories.

But who has made it into Sportsmail's Champions League team of the week on this occasion? 

Chelsea had a handful of top performers in their thumping 4-0 win over Juventus this week

Chelsea had a handful of top performers in their thumping 4-0 win over Juventus this week

David De Gea (Manchester United)

It hasn't been an easy season for the Spaniard in the sticks, with Manchester United dealt a handful of difficult outings this season that has resulted in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer being sacked. 

But while it was only one game under new interim boss Michael Carrick, De Gea looked like his old self - make a couple of world class stops to keep Villarreal out and help secure a clean sheet in the 2-0 away win. 

He was hailed as 'an absolute monster' by pundit and former United star Owen Hargreaves after sharp reaction to palm away an effort from Manu Trigueros on the hour mark. He kept his side in the game before Ronaldo and Sancho secured the crucial away win to book their spot in the next round. He was vital.

David de Gea was unflappable in goal for Manchester United, making a string of top saves

David de Gea was unflappable in goal for Manchester United, making a string of top saves

Reece James (Chelsea)

The Chelsea full-back is almost becoming an attacking player for Thomas Tuchel - and at least finishes like one after his superbly taken finish against Juventus. 

James has been in irresistible form for the Blues this season and carried that into Europe this week after his man of the match display that saw him chest down a ball before rifling past Woijech Szczeszny.

He patrolled the right flank superbly in the 4-0 hammering and now has five goals and five assists this season and is becoming ever more influential at Stamford Bridge. 

Reece James is becoming more and more influential for Chelsea and finishes like a forward

Reece James is becoming more and more influential for Chelsea and finishes like a forward 

Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea)

What a season the 22-year-old is having. He's started six times in the Premier League to help his side cruise to the top of the table and has now scored on his Champions League debut - and not a bad opponent to make your mark against.

The centre-back had his hands full up against Alvaro Morata and Federico Chiesa  and more than handled himself to secure a clean sheet and rounded off a solid display by slotting home on the half volley to set Chelsea on their way.

He now has three goals for the season and is doing his chances no harm as he battles to fight it out with Chelsea's top defenders for a place in the team. Looks a key part of the club's future now.

Trevoh Chalobah marked his Champions League debut with a dream goal against Juventus

Trevoh Chalobah marked his Champions League debut with a dream goal against Juventus 

Thiago Silva (Chelsea)

Chelsea score four and three of their defenders are in the team of the week? The Blues were superb up top but their performance would not have been complete without their solid foundation at the back, and while James and Chalobah both got on the scoresheet, Silva was crucial in ensuring none went in at the other end.

The Brazilian made a fantastic goal-line clearance when Morata's effort was destined to bounce into an empty net, as he raced back to acrobatically thump the ball away from danger as it was about to cross the line.

Silva's experience was so important in helping Chelsea win the Champions League last season and that will be a big factor coming into play as they look to retain their crown while also scooping the Premier League. 

Thiago Silva was solid at the back and was crucial in hooking a goalbound effort off the line

Thiago Silva was solid at the back and was crucial in hooking a goalbound effort off the line

Ivan Perisic (Inter Milan)

It was an outstanding performance from the Croatia star, who is enjoying a really impressive season for the Italian giants. He grabbed an assist in his side's 2-0 win against Shakhtar Donestsk to set up Edin Dzeko's second goal. 

He now has three for club and country this term - as well as five goals, and he's showing his club exactly why they should offer him

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