Heroes and Villains from opening Champions League group stage clashes

The Champions League returned after what seemed like an eternity without it and the opening group stage encounters did not disappoint, with no less than 48 goals being struck in Europe’s elite club competition comeback.

Following the exciting first group games, Coral bring you our list of heroes and villains. Do you agree with our selections?

Heroes
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal superstar Ronaldo is close to breaking more records after Real Madrid’s 4-0 thrashing of Shakhtar Donetsk, with his hat-trick putting him within touching distance of club legend Raul Gonzalez’s historic haul.

The 30-year-old needs a brace to level, or another treble to break, Raul’s all-time goals record of 323. With Ronaldo in rampant form, netting eight times in his last two outings in all competitions, he is 6/4 favourite to finish as highest marksman in the Champions League this season once again.

Alessandro Florenzi
An attacking midfielder by trade, Roma’s Florenzi was deputising at full back when the Italy international latched on to possession on the right flank, before stunning reigning champions Barcelona with one of the competition’s best ever strikes.

The 24-year-old managed to beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen from his own half, leading to the 58k-strong Stadio Olimpico crowd to erupt with jubilation. After the 1-1 draw, he declared: “I had scored a goal that I will never forget.”

Angel Di Maria
Before this Manchester United flop opened his PSG account in a 2-0 win over Malmo, his last goal had come against Yeovil Town in an FA Cup clash at Huish Park, a stark contrast to the scene of his maiden Paris strike.