The Argentina duo join the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Mario Mandzukic in our select XI for matchday five.
The penultimate round of group games certainly did not disappoint. As Arsenal and Atletico Madrid secured their place in the next phase, the likes of Juventus, Monaco and Manchester City all recorded vital wins while there was even more late drama involving CSKA Moscow and Liverpool's return clash with Ludogorets - and that's before you get to yet another record for Lionel Messi.As ever, the standout performers of matchday five are rewarded with a place in our team of the week...
In goal, Igor Akinfeev has faced his share of criticism this season, but his performance against Roma may just prove vital to CSKA's chances of reaching the next round. Crucial saves against Adem Ljajic and Alessandro Florenzi made certain that Vasili Berezutskiy's goal snatched a point which keeps them in the hunt to follow Bayern Munich into the last 16.
Chancel Mbemba became the second Anderlecht defender to score two vital goals in a Champions League game this season; his match-winning display against Galatasaray earns him a place at right-back. In the centre, Per Mertesacker was dominant against the pacey threat of Borussia Dortmund and his clever pass led to Alexis Sanchez's second goal in Arsenal's 2-0 win. Next to him is Aymen Abdennour, who was immense for Monaco as they snatched a surprise 1-0 win away to Bayer Leverkusen, while Mikel Balenziaga came off best in an entertaining duel with Douglas Costa as Athletic Bilbao surprised Shakhtar Donetsk.
Hector Herrera's masterful performance for Porto saw him score one outrageous goal and set up two more, ensuring he earns a spot in midfield. The centre belongs to Cesc Fabregas, however, who had a hand in everything Chelsea did well as they destroyed Schalke in Gelsenkirchen. Alongside him is Javier Pastore, who played a part in two of Paris Saint-Germain's goals in their hard-fought win over Ajax.
It couldn't be anyone else as our No.10 this week. Fresh from breaking La Liga's goal record, Lionel Messi surpassed Raul as the Champions League's all-time top scorer with a hat-trick against APOEL - and all with his weaker foot - to cap quite a memorable few days for the 27-year-old.
Ahead of him are this week's two other treble artists. Sergio Aguero was simply ruthless as he hauled Manchester City back into contention in their group, adding a dramatic late double to his early penalty to inflict a 3-2 defeat on 10-man Bayern Munich. Next to him, Mario Mandzukic gave Olympiakos a torrid time, bagging three of Atletico's four goals as they strolled into the last 16.