UEFA Champions League Power Rankings – Thursday, October 22, 2009

The UEFA Champions League had several upsets and surprising results on Tuesday and Wednesday. FC Barcelona lost at home, AC Milan beat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, and Liverpool lost 1-2 at home to Lyon. Many of the top teams lost or had to settle for draws. The exception was English Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester United. The power rankings have been modified to break down which teams are contenders to win the trophy in May and those who don’t have a realistic shot.

What do you think? Feel free to share your comments and share your own version of rankings the teams in the UEFA Champions League.

Here are the latest UEFA Champions League Power Rankings after matchday 3 in the group stage and through Thursday, October 22, 2009.

UEFA Champions League Power Rankings – Matchday 3

The Favorites – Man U, Chelsea, and Barcelona are expected but some will be surprised by Lyon. However, Lyon is one of few clubs that has a perfect record 3-0-0, and consistently advance to the knockout stage. Each season, the French club produces quality players from their youth system and could easily make the quarters or semis next spring.

1. Manchester United
2. Chelsea
3. FC Barcelona
4. Lyon

Teams who have potential – These clubs have talented rosters and could advance far into the tournament. Real Madrid is on the verge and closest to the top 4 but a loss at home to Milan was a disappointment. Arsenal is always a threat but has to prove they can be successful in the Champions League. Sevilla is undefeated so far in the group stage but has to prove they can compete with the other top clubs.

5. Real Madrid
6. AC Milan
7. Arsenal
8. Sevilla FC

The middle of the pack – These clubs will likely make the knockout stage but no real chance to win the title in May. Bayern Munich seems to consistently underachieve even though they have a very talented roster. Juventus is another club that could move up the rankings but has to have consistent results in the Champions League.

9. FC Porto
10. Bordeaux
11. Bayern Munich
12. Juventus

No chance to lift the trophy in May – Right now these are the teams likely to make the knockout stage but not advance any further. Liverpool is a club in turmoil now and could easily climb up the rankings but as of now they are in poor form. Wolfsburg, Fiorentina, and Olympiacos are quality clubs that could upset some teams.

13. Liverpool
14. Fiorentina
15. Wolfsburg
16. Olympiacos

Tags: UEFA Champions League