There were several contenders. If ever there was a clutch performer, Cristiano Ronaldo is that man and he came up trumps deep into injury time to earn three precious Group F points.

The dramatic winner marked the occasion when he overtook Iker Casillas's all-time Champions League appearance record.

David De Gea produced a tremendous display, particularly in the first half when he made a string of stops to keep the lively visitors at bay. With five minutes remaining, he also pulled off a double save when the Spanish team looked certain to score.

Alex Telles brought the house down with a sensational volley from captain Bruno Fernandes's well-worked free-kick to level the scores after Paco Alcacer's opener. It was a special moment that maybe deserves recognition for the Brazilian, who was also involved in the late block to deny Boulaye Dia from close range.

Mason Greenwood worked hard on the right and his cross almost resulted in a headed goal for substitute Edinson Cavani while Jadon Sancho enjoyed arguably his brightest display since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, causing problems for the visiting defenders with his direct running and skill.

Fans loved Cavani's cameo appearance off the bench, particularly when he won the ball back on the Villarreal byline, and also Bruno Fernandes's captain's performance.

In the end, De Gea collected 55 per cent of the vote and thoroughly deserved the Man-of-the-Match accolade.

It was largely a two-horse race with matchwinner Ronaldo gaining 33 per cent to finish in second spot.

The other scorer, Telles, and skipper Fernandes, who set that goal up, came joint-third in the poll.

Focus will switch on Thursday to our Player of the Month prize for September, with De Gea and Ronaldo probably among those vying for the trophy again.