European Power Rankings: Faultless Madrid stay top ahead of City

Matchday two of the Champions League predictably provided drama and excitement across the continent, although Premier League clubs are still notably struggling to beat their European counterparts.

Only Manchester City have won their opening two group matches, and even Pep Guardiola’s powerful side laboured to overcome Dortmund at home on Wednesday. Here are how the events of the last seven days shake up the European Rankings.

10. Chelsea 

Previously: 10th (no change)

New owner Todd Boehly rolled the dice early by sacking Thomas Tuchel last week, replacing him with Graham Potter despite a huge summer transfer spend. The former Brighton boss took the reins for the midweek Champions League encounter with Red Bull Salzburg, and was only able to produce a 1-1 home draw that leaves the Stamford Bridge side in jeopardy. 

Chelsea could fall out of the top 10 if there is not an imminent improvement, particularly with Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United gaining a head of steam.

9. Tottenham

Previously: 8th (down one)

Much is expected of Tottenham this season, but Antonio Conte has a worrying track record of failing to juggle league commitments with European matches. This was evident in midweek, as Spurs slumped to a surprise 2-0 loss at Sporting Lisbon having been somewhat fortunate to overcome Marseille by the same scoreline a week earlier. Dare I say it, this Spurs side looks overrated compared to what they have produced so far this term.

8. Napoli

Previously: 9th (up one)

What a start to the season it’s been for the Neapolitans! They are undefeated in eight matches in all competitions and continue to top Serie A. Luciano Spalletti’s side were rather flattered by their 3-0 win over Rangers on Wednesday, but it’s hard to argue with a Champions League record that sees them with maximum points, seven goals scored and none conceded. A big match against Milan looms this weekend.

7. Arsenal 

Previously: 7th (no change)

Out of Europe, Arsenal have not played since the last edition of the Power Rankings was published. They are a non-mover, with their last match a 3-1 defeat against Manchester United that saw them drop a couple of spots.

6. Liverpool

Previously: 6th (no change)

The Reds continued their poor form in midweek as they struggled to overcome Ajax 2-1 at home. Jurgen Klopp’s team eventually required a late goal from Joel Matip to secure the three points in the end. Liverpool are dominating games, but the clinical edge that we are used to seeing from them appears to have temporarily vanished. 

5. PSG

Previously: 4th (down one)

After a spectacular start to the season, there has been a notable drop off from PSG in recent matches, with head coach Christophe Galtier admitting that his side are fatigued. Although they have won their most recent matches against Brest and Maccabi Haifa, the French side have not produced anything like their best level.

4. Barcelona

Previously: 5th (up one)

Putting aside the result to Bayern Munich, Barcelona were extremely impressive for large spells in midweek, and are generally a side that is playing very well. They have secured back-to-back 4-0 wins domestically, and lie second in LaLiga with 15 goals scored and only one conceded. No doubt they are a side on the up – but after a big summer spend, should anyone really be surprised?

3. Bayern Munich

Previously: 3rd (no change)

Patchy domestic form might well have seen Bayern fall down the rankings this week, but a 2-0 win over Barcelona on Tuesday saved their blushes. The Bavarian side are not playing at their best level currently and have drawn their last three Bundesliga matches. Their position on the podium here is starting to look distinctly shaky.

2. Manchester City 

Previously: 2nd (no change)

City were briefly put in a bit of a hole in midweek by Borussia Dortmund and Jude Bellingham, only to be dug out of it by John Stones and Erling Haaland, whose addition to the forward line looks increasingly priceless for Pep Guardiola’s side. Indeed, without a goal scorer of the quality of Haaland, they surely would not have won in midweek. He is giving them a vital x-factor that means their claim for the Champions League title looks as strong as ever.

1. Real Madrid 

Previously: 1st (no change)

Real Madrid are absolutely unflinching at the moment. Even when they do not play well, they are winning games. In midweek, they were below their best against RB Leipzig yet scored twice late on to secure a 2-0 victory. Prior to that, they scored three times in the last 18 minutes to overcome Mallorca 4-1 in LaLiga, where they maintained a perfect record. 

The only team in Europe with a 100% winning record this season and deservedly top of the European Power Rankings for another week.

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.