The world's top 25 soccer clubs, March 22, 2010

If you liked last week's shakeout, you're going to love this; four teams have been dropped from the Top 25 altogether, including one that was earlier making pretensions (appropriate choice of word) at a top 10 spot. Chelsea were swiftly punished for their Champions League exit while the fortunes of Inter Milan and others improved vastly. Let's get to it:

1. Barcelona
Last ranking: 1
Record (wins-losses-ties, in all competition; two-leg match-ups count as one): 30-3-7
Results of note: (chronological order) Beat Shakhtar Donetsk (at the time ranked 14th) in the UEFA SuperCup, Aug. 29, drew at then-No. 6 Inter Milan in Champions League group stage (0-0, Sept. 16), beat then-No. 14 Dynamo Kiev at home in Champions League group stage (2-0, Sept. 29), drew at then-No. 18 Valencia (0-0, Oct. 17), lost at home to then-No. 23 Rubin Kazan (2-1, Oct. 20), drew at then-No. 11 Rubin Kazan (0-0, Nov. 4), beat then-No. 2 Inter Milan (2-0, Nov. 24), beat then-No. 7 Real Madrid (1-0, Nov. 29), won at then-No. 15 Dynamo Kiev (2-1, Dec. 9), lost to then-No. 10 Sevilla in Copa del Rey, beat then-No. 10 Sevilla at home (4-0, Jan. 16), beat then-No. 17 Valencia at home (3-0, March 14).
Commentary/recent results: Barca had absolutely no problem with VfB Stuttgart in the return leg of their Champions League match-up, defeating the German side 4-0 to advance to the quarterfinals. Now stop me if you've heard this before. They got a hat trick from Lionel Messi to win their weekend league match. Oh I know! It happened last week. That's' two hat tricks in two games for Messi. Eight goals in his last three games. Sounds like somebody's RBI totals (and even then it would be impressive). The 4-2 defeat of Saragossa allows Barca to keep pace with Real Madrid. The two friendly rivals are even on points atop the Liga BBVA standings.
Upcoming schedule: Host Osasuna Wednesday. Visit Mallorca Saturday. Then it's off to Emirates (not the country) for the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal a week from Wednesday.

2. Manchester United
Last ranking: 3
Record: 31-9-4
Results of note: Beat then No. 4 Arsenal at home (2-1, Aug. 29), beat then-No. 13 Manchester City (4-3, Sept. 20), lost at then-No. 20 Liverpool (2-0, Oct. 25), lost at then-No. 1 Chelsea (1-0, Nov. 8), won at then-No. 5 Arsenal (3-1, Jan. 31), beat then-No. 12 AC Milan in Champions League round of 16.
Commentary/recent results: Red Devils defeated Liverpool 2-1 yesterday after spotting their rivals a 1-0 lead. It was pretty typical of everything that has happened for both teams this year. In other word, Liverpool were pathetic and Man U fortunate. They maintain a two point edge on Arsenal and four points on Chelsea, who have a game in hand.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Bolton Saturday.

3. Inter Milan
Last ranking: 4
Record: 23-4-12
Results of note: Beat then-No. 10 AC Milan (4-0, Aug. 29), drew then-No. 2 Barcelona at home in Champions League group stage (0-0, Sept. 17), lost at Sampdoria (1-0, Sept. 26), drew then-No. 13 Dynamo Kiev at home (2-2, Oct. 20), beat then-No. 13. Dynamo Kiev on the road (2-1, Nov. 4), lost at then-No. 3 Barcelona (2-0, Nov. 24), lost at then-No. 11 Juventus (2-1, Dec. 5), beat then-No. 9 Rubin Kazan (2-0, Dec. 9), defeated then-No. 6 AC Milan (2-0, Jan. 24), beat then-No. 2 Chelsea in Champions League round of 16.
Commentary/recent results: The nerazzurri are back in the hunt for the No. 1 season-end crown thanks to their impressive ouster of Chelsea in the Champions League round of 16. Inter managed just a 1-1 draw at Palermo in weekend Serie A action, but they can live with that after the midweek exploit. Especially because AC Milan played Napoli to the same result Sunday. Besides, Palermo are fourth in Serie A, so we can forgive this transgression. Inter maintain their one-point lead atop the Italian table.
Upcoming schedule: Host Livorno Wednesday. Visit AS Roma Sunday in what could be a huge game toward deciding the scudetto. Host CSKA Moscow the following Wednesday in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. If they beat the Russian side they'll likely get Barca in the semis.

4. Girondins Bordeaux
Last ranking: 7
Record: 29-7-6
Results of note: A scoreless draw at then-No. 18 Olympique Marseille (Aug. 30), drew at then No. 5 Juventus (1-1, Sept. 15), beat then-No. 16 Bayern Munich at home (2-1, Oct. 21), won at then-No. 19 Bayern Munich (2-0, Nov. 3), beat then-No. 6 Juventus at home (2-0, Nov. 25), won at then-No. 21 Olympique Lyonnais (1-0, Dec. 13), defeated then-No. 18 Olympiakos in the Champions League round of 16.
Commentary/recent results: Les Girondins had a huge week, ousting Olympiakos from the Champions League and defeating fourth-placed Lille in weekend Ligue Un action. But there's still a logjam at the top of the French league; Bordeaux and Montpellier (not to be confused with the capital of Vermont which is anyway spelled "Montpelier") are tied on points with Girondins holding the edge on goal difference. Auxerre is a point behind, followed by Olympique Marseille three points behind the leaders. Even Lille and Lyon, tied for fifth, are just five points in arrears.
Upcoming schedule: Their first chance to collect silverware this season with the final of the league cup on Saturday. They'll face Marseille. The Champions League quarterfinal against Lyon kicks off a week from Thursday. The winner will likely get Man United in the semis.

5. Chelsea
Last ranking: 2
Record: 30-7-7
Results of note: Beat then-No. 10 Porto in Champions League group stage (1-0, Sept. 15), beat then-No. 7 Liverpool at home in Premiership (2-0, Oct. 4), beat then-No. 4 Man United at home in Premiership (1-0, Nov. 8), won at then-No. 12 Porto (1-0, Nov. 25), won at then-No. 9 Arsenal (3-0, Nov. 29), beat then-No. 8 Arsenal at home (2-0, Feb. 7), lost to then-No. 4 Inter Milan in Champions League round of 16.
Commentary/recent results: A week ago Blues were knocking on the door of the top spot in our Top 25, were within a game of first place in the Premiership and had every reason to believe they would advance into the Champions League quarterfinals. Now? Not so much. Their European campaign is over after a 1-0 home loss to Inter in the return leg and this weekend saw a 1-1 draw at Blackburn that does Chelsea no favors in the Premiership title race. They now sit third, four points behind Man United, albeit with a game in hand.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Pompey at midweek. Host Aston Villa Saturday.

6. Arsenal
Last ranking: 6
Record: 28-9-5
Results of note: Lost at then-No. 5 Man United (2-1, Aug. 29), lost at then-No. 16 Man City (4-2, Sept. 12), beat then-No. 15 Olympiakos at home in Champions League group play (2-0, Sept. 29), beat then-No. 20 Liverpool at home in League Cup (2-1, Oct. 28), lost to then-No. 1 Chelsea at home in Premiership (3-0, Nov. 29), beat then-No. 20 Aston Villa at home (3-0, Dec. 27), lost at home to then-No. 8 Manchester United (3-1, Jan. 31), lost at then-No. 2 Chelsea (2-0, Feb. 6), defeated then-No. 13 Porto in Champions League round of 16.
Commentary/recent results: Gunners defeated West Ham United 2-0 on Saturday to stay within two points of first-placed Man United. If only they had fared better against Chelsea we could actually move them ahead of Blues in the top 25. Maybe later.
Upcoming schedule: Play at Birmingham City Saturday. Host No. 1 Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal. Gunners have an easy Premiership schedule the rest of the way; other than a match at White Hart Lane on April 10, only Man City (April 24) and Fulham (May 9) should be potential stumbling blocks. And both those games are home. Would it be crazy to call Arsenal the favorites to win the Premiership at this stage? No. But it wouldn't necessarily be accurate either.

7. Bayern Munich
Last ranking: 5
Record: 24-5-9
Results of note: Beat then-No. 11 VfL Wolfsburg at home (3-0, Aug. 28), lost at then-No. 22 Hamburg SV (1-0, Sept. 26), drew then-No. 5 Juventus at home in Champions League group stage (0-0, Sept. 30), lost at then-No. 17 Girondins Bordeaux (2-1, Oct. 21), lost at home to then-No. 7 Bordeaux (2-0, Nov. 3), tied then-No. 19 Bayer Leverkusen at home (1-1, Nov. 22), won at then-No. 8 Juventus (4-1, Dec. 8).
Commentary/recent results: Bayern lost at Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 on Saturday. Die Eintracht are quietly having a pretty solid season and sit eighth. But Bayern hold on to first place in the Bundesliga standings because second-placed Schalke played Hamburg to a 2-2 draw.
Upcoming schedule: Speaking of Schalke, they are Bayern's next opponent in the DFB Pokal (German cup) semifinals on Wednesday. Bayern then host Stuttgart Saturday. Their Champions League round of 16 match-up with Man United kicks off Tuesday in Munich.

8. Benfica Lisbon
Last ranking: 9
Record: 26-3-4
Results of note: Lost at then-No. 22 Sporting Braga (2-0, Oct. 31), trounced Everton 5-0 in Europa League (Oct. 22), defeated then-No. 11 Porto at home (1-0, Dec. 20), defeated then-No. 19 Olympique Marseille in the Europa League round of 16.
Commentary/recent results: A terrific week for Benfica, who may just take over the mantle of "hottest team in Europe" after defeating Olympique Marseille to advance to the Europa League quarterfinals. They'll face Liverpool but seriously, how hard can that be? There was no domestic action on the agenda last week. The last time Benfica lost a game was Nov. 22.
Upcoming schedule: Host second-placed Sporting Braga Sunday. That may just decide the Portuguese title.

9. Olympique Lyonnais
Last ranking: 8
Record: 23-9-9
Results of note: Beat then-No. 18 Fiorentina at home in Champions League group stage (1-0, Sept. 16), won at then-No. 20 Liverpool (2-1, Oct. 20), lost at home to then-No. 4 Bordeaux (1-0, Dec. 13), beat then-No. 4 Real Madrid in Champions League round of 16, lost at then-No. 19 Olympique Marseille (2-1, March 21)
Commentary/recent results: A week after their shocking ouster of Real Madrid from the Champions League, Lyon suffered the inevitable letdown, losing at Marseille to drop to fifth in Ligue Un, though still just five points behind the leaders.
Upcoming schedule: Host Grenoble Foot Friday. The Champs League quarterfinal with Bordeaux kicks off a week from Thursday. Lyon will host that.

10. Real Madrid
Last ranking: 10
Record: 25-6-4
Results of note: Lost at then-No. 9 Sevilla (2-1, Oct. 4). drew at then-No. 17 AC Milan (1-1, Nov. 3), lost at then-No. 3 Barcelona (1-0, Nov. 29), won at then-No. 12 Valencia (3-2, Dec. 12), beat then-No. 9 Sevilla at home (3-2, March 7) lost to then-No. 11 Olympique Lyon in Champions League round of 16.
Commentary/recent results: Real spotted Sporting Gijon a goal at the Bernabeu on Saturday, then scored three of their own. The result keeps the merengues first in La Liga, albeit on goal difference.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Getafe Thursday, followed by the Madrid derby on Sunday.

11. AC Milan
Last ranking: 13
Record: 20-8-11
Results of note: Lost at then-No. 8 Inter Milan (4-0, Aug. 27), won at then-No. 16 Olympique Marseille (2-1, Sept. 15), won at then-No. 2 Real Madrid (3-2, Oct. 21), drew then-No. 5 Real Madrid at home (1-1, Nov. 3), drew against then-No. 22 Olympique Marseille (1-1, Nov. 25), lost at then-No. 4 Inter Milan (2-0, Jan. 24), drew at then-No. 15 AS Roma (0-0, March 6).
Commentary/recent results: The rossoneri blew their chance to take over first place in the Serie A. After cross-town rivals Inter managed just a 1-1 draw at Palermo a victory at home vs. Napoli would have done the trick for Leonardo's men. Alas, they managed just a 1-1 draw of their own, and remain second in Serie A, a solitary point behind Inter.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Parma at midweek and host Lazio on the weekend.

12. Valencia
Last ranking: 22
Record: 21-7-10
Results of note: Defeated then-No. 9 Sevilla at home (2-0, Aug. 30), drew then-No. 1 Barcelona at home (0-0, Oct. 17), lost at home to then-No. 7 Real Madrid (3-2, Dec. 12), lost at then-No. 11 Sevilla (2-1, Jan. 31), lost at then-No. 1 Barcelona (3-0, March 14).
Commentary/recent results: Los xotos had a massive week, vindicating our decision to keep them in the top 25 last week. First they played a 4-4 match at Werder Bremen, which sees them through to the Europa League quarterfinal (they'll face Atletico Madrid). Then they dropped Almeira 2-0 to strengthen their hold on third place in La Liga, which would be good enough to qualify for the Champions League next season. Valencia have a four point edge on Mallorca.
Upcoming schedule: Host Malaga at midweek and visit Saragossa on the weekend. The first leg against Atletico is a week from Thursday. Valencia host that one.

13. Olympiakos
Last ranking: 18
Record: 20-8-7
Results of note: Beat then-No. 17 AZ Alkmaar at home in Champions League group stage (1-0, Sept. 16), lost at then-No. 12 Arsenal in Champions League group stage (2-0, Sept. 29), lost at then-No. 7 Girondins Bordeaux in Champions League round of 16, beat then-No. 15 Panathinaikos in Greek league match (1-0, March 21).
Commentary/recent results: A comeback against Girondins Bordeaux was not to be but Olympiakos defeated Panathinaikos yesterday to close within four points of the leaders with three matchdays remaining. the win keeps their hopes of a repeat alive. If nothing else, it's bound to be interesting.
Upcoming schedule: Host AO Xanthi on Sunday.

14. Panathinaikos
Last ranking: 15
Record: 28-8-3
Results of note: Lost Champions League qualifier with then-No. 17 Atletico Madrid (5-2 on aggregate), lost at home to then-No. 18 Galatasaray in Europa League group play (1-0, Sept. 17), lost at then-No. 19 Olympiakos (2-0, Nov. 29), beat then-No. 9 AS Roma in Europa League round of 32, lost at home to then-No. 18 Olympiakos (1-0, March 21).
Commentary/recent results: A bad, bad week for Panathinaikos, who exited the Europa League at the hands of Standard Liege, who aren't even good in the Belgian league. Then lost at home to Olympiakos to keep things interesting in the Greek Super League.
Upcoming schedule: Host PAS Ioannina in first leg of Greek cup semifinal on Wednesday. Visit Atromitos Halkidona on Sunday.

15. AS Roma
Last ranking: 16
Record: 23-7-9
Results of note: Lost at home to then-No. 5 Juventus (3-1, Aug. 30), beat then-No. 18 Fiorentina (3-1, Sept. 20), drew at then-No. 2 Inter Milan (1-1, Nov. 8), drew then-No. 12 AC Milan at home (0-0, March 6).
Commentary/recent results: Roma defeated Udinese 4-2. They make up ground on the leaders from Milan, moving within three points of AC Milan and four of Inter.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Bologna at midweek. Host Inter Milan Sunday. Will they have a chance to go first?

16. Porto
Last ranking: 14
Record: 22-7-4
Results of note: Lost at then-No. 3 Chelsea in Champions League group stage (1-0, Sept. 15), lost at home to then-No. 1 Chelsea (1-0, Nov. 25), lost at then-No. 18 Benfica (1-0, Dec. 20), lost against then-No. 8 Arsenal in Champions League round of 16.
Commentary/recent results: Idle
Upcoming schedule: The first leg of their Portuguese cup semifinal matchup against Rio Ave Vila do Conde. Don't ask me how these Portuguese clubs got their names. Also visit Belenenses Sunday.

17. Rubin Kazan
Last Ranking: 12
Record: 23-7-8
Results of note: In Champions League group stage lost at then-No. 20 Dynamo Kiev (3-1, Sept. 16), drew then-No. 6 Inter Milan at home (1-1, Oct. 6), won at then-No. 1 Barcelona (2-1, Oct. 20), drew then-No. 3 Barcelona at home (0-0, Nov. 3), drew then-No. 13 Dynamo Kiev at home (0-0, Nov. 24), lost at then-No. 5 Inter Milan (2-0, Dec 9).
Commentary/recent results: The Russian champs bowed out of European competition in an extra time loss to VfL Wolfsburg.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Tom Tom tomorrow. Host Terek Grozny Sunday. I guess there is more than one place in that part of the world named Grozny, because surely they can't be talking about the Chechen capital, right?

18. CSKA Moscow
Last Ranking: -
Record: 2-1-1*
Results of note: Lost at home to then-No. 3 Man United (1-0, Oct. 21), drew then-No. 6 Man U away (3-3, Nov. 3), lost to then No. 14 Rubin Kazan in Russian supercup (1-0, March 7) defeated then-No. 11 Sevilla in Champions League round of 16.
Commentary/recent results: The Russian side are clearly the biggest surprise of the second half of the European season so far, though a 3-3 result at Old Trafford (see above) should have given us reason to suspect this. As things stand it appears we had inflated Sevilla's position. But no matter, we'll see what happens in the quarterfinal against Inter. For now CSKA can enjoy their perch.
Upcoming schedule: Some Russian club, Sunday.
*Since Jan. 1, 2010

19. Olympique Marseille
Last ranking: 19
Record: 23-10-9
Results of note: Drew then-No. 12 Girondins Bordeaux at home (0-0, Aug. 30), lost at home to AC Milan (2-1, Sept. 15), lost at then-No. 1 Real Madrid (3-0, Sept. 30), drew at then-No. 12 Olympique Lyon (5-5, Nov. 8), drew at then-No. 13 AC Milan (1-1, Nov. 25), lost at then-No. 7 Real Madrid (3-1, Dec. 8), drew at then-No. 2 Bordeaux (1-1, Jan. 17), lost to then-No. 9 Benfica Lisbon in Europa League round of 16.
Commentary/recent results: L'OM got one good and one bad result last week. First the bad: Their European season is no more after a 2-1 home loss to Benfica Lisbon in the Europa League round of 16. Now the good: Marseille defeated Lyon by 2-1 to move right into the thick of the Ligue Un title race. The team from the Velodrome are third, just three points behind the leaders Montpellier and Bordeaux.
Upcoming schedule: Speaking of Bordeaux, they face les Girondins in the French league cup final on Saturday.

20. Schalke 04
Last ranking: -
Record: 20-4-7
Results of note: Drew then-No. 16 Hamburg SV at home (3-3, Oct. 25), drew at then-No. 24 Bayern Munich (1-1, Nov. 7)
Commentary/recent results: Schalke have been kept out of the Top 25 all season due to their lack of European action. Still, their record speaks for itself. So does second place in the Bundesliga and a spot in the cup semifinals. Last week they had a late 2-1 lead at Hamburg but took a late equalizer.
Upcoming schedule: Speaking of the German cup, Schalke host Bayern Munich in the semis on Saturday. Also visit Leverkusen Saturday. The league could be decided the ensuing weekend when Bayern pay a visit again.

21. Bayer Leverkusen
Last ranking: 17
Record: 14-3-11
Results of note: Won at then-No. 15 VfL Wolfsburg (3-2, Sept. 12), drew at then-No. 14 Hamburg SV (0-0, Oct. 17), drew at then-No. 24 Bayern Munich (1-1, Nov. 22).
Commentary/recent results: Bayer were defeated 3-0 at Borussia Dortmund. Their second Bundesliga loss in a row after previously not suffering one all season (that other loss was in a cup tie). Leverkusen sit third in the German first division, just three points behind leaders Bayern Munich and two behind Schalke 04.
Upcoming schedule: Host Schalke Saturday. A clash with Bayern Munich looms April 10, though it may not matter by then if this keeps up.

22. Sao Paulo
Last ranking: -
Record: 13-3-3*
Results of note: Defeated Monterrey at home in Copa Libertadores group stage (2-0, Feb. 11)
Commentary/recent results: Sao Paulo are off to a flying start in the Libertadores, where they have all but qualified for the elimination round with nine points from their first four games. In the Paulista league they are third with three matchdays remaining before the playoffs.
Upcoming schedule: More Paulista action before their Paril 1 clash at Monterrey.
*results since Jan. 1, 2010

23. Dynamo Kiev
Last ranking: 20
Record: 17-4-5
Results of note: Won home match against then-No. 22 Rubin Kazan in Champions League group stage (3-1, Sept. 16), lost at then-No. 2 Barcelona in Champions League group stage, drew at then-No. 4 Inter Milan (2-2, Oct. 20), lost at then-No. 22 Shakhtar Donetsk in domestic cup (2-0, Oct. 28), lost at home to then-No. 2 Inter Milan (2-1, Nov. 4), defeated then-No. 14 Shakhtar Donetsk (3-0, Nov. 21), drew at then-No. 8 Rubin Kazan (0-0, Nov. 24), lost at home to then-No. 1 Barcelona (2-1, Dec. 9).
Commentary/recent results: Dynamo drew Metalurg Donetsk 1-1, which cost them first place in the Ukrainian standings (to Shakhtar Donetsk).
Upcoming schedule: It's just domestic action the rest of the way, so Dynamo will have to play their cards right to keep their spot in the Top 25. Their next match against Shakhtar isn't until May 5, the penultimate match day.

24. Monterrey
Last ranking: -
Record: 11-2-6*
Results of note: Beat Club America in Interliga (Copa Libertadores qualification) tourney on penalty kicks (Jan. 14), defeated then-No. 25 Chivas at home (2-1, March 20)
Commentary/recent results: The rayados won the battle between the top two Mexican clubs. Earlier in the week they drew Once Caldas at home in Copa Libertadores action. Monterrey sit third in their Libertadores group, three points behind Caldas and four behind leaders Sao Paulo. Monterrey's only loss came at Sao Paulo.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Jaguares, Saturday. Host Sao Paulo April 1, a match they'll need to win if they want to have any hope of advancing to the elimination round.
*results since Jan. 1, 2010

25. Flamengo
Last ranking: 24
Record: 12-2-1*
Results of note: Lost at home to Botafogo in the Taca Guanabara semifinals (2-1, Feb. 17).
Commentary/recent results: Flamengo dropped a 2-1 decision at Universidad de Chile in the third Copa Libertadores matchday. They drop to second in the group (behind Universidad) as a result. They then drew at Botafogo 2-2 in the second matchday of the Taca Rio.
Upcoming schedule: Host Tigres Brasil Thursday. What is it with "Tigres" is every single Latin American country required to have at least one club of that name? Also host America RJ (see Tigres) on Sunday. The next Libertadores action isn't until April 8, when they have a chance to avenge the loss to Universidad at home.
*results since Jan. 1, 2010

Dropping Out:
Sevilla (11) after losing to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League round of 16 and at Espanyol to drop to fifth in La Liga.
Lille (21) after losing to Liverpool in the Europa League round of 16 and to Girondins Bordeaux to drop to fifth in Ligue Un.
RSC Anderlecht (23) after losing to Hamburg SV in the Europa League round of 16.
Chivas de Guadelajara (25) after losing at Monterrey.

Also receiving consideration (in rough order of consideration received):
Tottenham Hotspur

Photo taken from ESPNstar.com piece without permission.