European Power Rankings: Brilliant Barcelona rise while Bayern fall again

Football clubs around the world have a chance to assess their recent performances and make adjustments as the 2022-23 season has reached a major landmark: the first international break.

This can be a hazardous time for Europe’s leading sides, as key players are put in the hands of their international teams and undoubtedly pick up unwanted injury issues. At this important stage of the campaign, here’s how the European Power Rankings shake up.

10. Chelsea

Previously: 10th (no change)

The postponement of the weekend’s fixture against Liverpool will have been a blessing for a Chelsea side that is still rocking following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel. Graham Potter is still getting his feet under the desk, and while there were positive signs even in a disappointing 1-1 draw with Red Bull Salzburg, the extra time on the training pitch will have been most welcome.

9. Tottenham

Previously: 9th (no change)

Even a blistering 6-2 victory over Leicester isn’t enough to move Spurs back up the ranking this week. In part, that is due to their opponents being rock bottom of the Premier League, but it also relates to the defeat Spurs suffered against Sporting CP in the Champions League just days earlier. Antonio Conte’s side are still waiting for a statement victory.

Heung-Min Son: scored a hat-trick against Leicester last weekend

8. Napoli

Previously: 8th (no change)

A dreamy start to the season for Napoli continued on Sunday when they went to the San Siro and beat defending champions Milan 2-1. They had to weather a good deal of pressure from the hosts to get the job done, especially after Olivier Giroud’s equaliser for the Rossoneri. Giovanni Simeone, though, found the goal to keep Luciano Spalletti’s side undefeated for the campaign and on top in Serie A.

7. Liverpool

Previously: 6th (down one)

Jurgen Klopp’s side have been in uneven form for much of this season and toiled to a 2-1 victory against Ajax in their last outing. They had been slated to play Chelsea at the weekend, but the match was postponed because of policing issues.

6. Bayern Munich

Previously: 3rd (down three)

Don’t let Bayern Munich’s recent victory over Barcelona cloud any judgement over the Bavarian side: this is an outfit that is lost without Robert Lewandowski. The season might have started smoothly enough, but Thomas Tuchel’s availability is starting to loom over manager Julian Nagelsmann following four successive Bundesliga matches without a win. Saturday’s shock loss to mid-table Augsburg sees them tumble down the ranking.

5. Arsenal

Previously: 7th (up two)

Arsenal may not be playing Champions League football, but they are increasingly a team that must be respected. Top of the Premier League, having won six of their seven matches, they overcame Brentford 3-0 on Sunday with some aplomb. The improvement of Mikel Arteta’s side this season was summed up by the fact that all three of their weekend scorers - William Saliba, Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira - were not at the club last term.

Gabriel Jesus: scored against Brentford on Sunday

 4. PSG

 Previously: 5th (up one)

Maybe PSG’s form isn’t as spectacular as it was at the start of the season, but Christophe Galtier is doing a fine job at Parc des Princes. The Parisians have won nine of their ten matches this season. At the weekend, they travelled to face a very awkward opponent in Lyon, and edged the game 1-0 thanks to Lionel Messi’s early strike. What was most impressive about the display, though, was the unity the team showed to keep a fourth successive domestic clean sheet. 

3. Barcelona

Previously: 4th (up one) 

Barcelona keep moving up the rankings because their form remains strong. Although they lost to Bayern Munich in the Champions League last week – a team they have leapfrogged in the standings – they bounced back with a comfortable win over Elche. They have won six of their last seven games and have scored at least three goals in each of these wins.

2. Manchester City

Previously: 2nd (no change)

Pep Guardiola’s men remain hot on the heels of first place but have to be content with second once more. They have swept past Wolves since the last edition of the Power Rankings – with Erling Haaland inevitably adding to his collection of Premier League goals – but they remain second in England’s top flight due to Arsenal’s strong run. 

1. Real Madrid

Previously: 1st (no change)

 Real retain top spot yet again, following a 2-1 victory over Atletico in the Madrid derby at the weekend. Los Blancos may not be the most spectacular side in Europe, but they stay in first place by virtue of being the most efficient. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have won all of the nine matches they have played this season, and until that run ends they will not be moved – even if they haven’t kept a clean sheet in LaLiga yet.

European Power Rankings will be updated on a weekly basis. Writer Robin Bairner will assess each team’s position based on a mixture of their most recent performances and dominance in their respective division and the Champions League.