UEFA has highlighted key player selections for the upcoming third matchday of the UEFA Champions League Fantasy tournament, presented by PlayStation. Managers looking to climb their mini-leagues ahead of the next round face critical choices between heavily owned assets and low-ownership differentials across all four positions.

Thibaut Courtois and Pierluigi Gollini in Goal

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois remains the second most-selected option in his position despite the club failing to keep a clean sheet yet in the current league phase. Priced at €6.0M, the Belgian has recorded 11 saves ahead of a home fixture against Leipzig, appearing in 17% of fantasy squads. For managers seeking a differential in goal, Pierluigi Gollini enters Matchday 3 at €4.0M and is rostered by less than 1% of teams. Following a clean sheet against Como in Serie A and a start in Matchday 2 due to an injury to Mile Svilar, Gollini is expected to start as Roma hosts Slovan Bratislava.

Gabriel and Sergi Altimira Lead Defensive Options

Arsenal defender Gabriel anchors the defensive options, featuring in 28% of teams at a cost of €6.0M. The Gunners have kept clean sheets in both league phase matches, and the defense will avoid facing suspended Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise in their away fixture. At the budget end, Sporting CP defender Sergi Altimira offers a €4.0M differential option selected by 2% of managers. Altimira recorded 13 ball recoveries across his first two matches and contributed to a clean sheet in France during Matchday 2, earning seven fantasy points before hosting LASK.

Lamine Yamal and Johan Manzambi in Midfield

Barcelona midfielder Lamine Yamal stands as the most popular choice in the center of the pitch, selected by 43% of managers at a price of €10.1M. Yamal earned Man of the Match honors with two assists and 11 fantasy points against Galatasaray, extending a run of 22 goal contributions across his last 12 appearances for club and country ahead of an away match against Paris Saint-Germain. In contrast, Aston Villa’s Johan Manzambi represents a €6.5M differential rostered by just 1% of users. Fully recovered from injury, Manzambi scored in a 6-0 win against Fenerbahçe on Matchday 2 to claim 13 points and the Man of the Match award, marking three consecutive matches with a goal contribution before facing Viking at home.

Erling Haaland and Victor Osimhen Spearhead Attack

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland commands 24% ownership at €11.1M following a performance that saw him become the fastest player to reach 60 Champions League goals. Haaland carries ten goals from his last seven club appearances into a home fixture against AEK Athens. Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen serves as a €8.0M differential found in 4% of squads. After missing the opening matchday due to injury, Osimhen returned to the Galatasaray starting lineup against Barcelona and has registered six goals and two assists in his first four Süper Lig matches, setting up an away test against a Lille side that has conceded three goals in each of its two league phase games.

Matchday 3 Fixture Schedule

The UEFA Champions League league phase Matchday 3 fixtures commence on Tuesday, bringing these player selections into play as teams complete their preparations for the upcoming round of matches.