The world's top five soccer clubs in the world as of Nov. 6, 2017

It was an eventful week with two matches each for the top soccer clubs in Europe -- and therefore the world (Yes we're making that statement. Shouldn't really be debatable though we have anointed the best team from outside Europe once more, just like we did last week and the week before). This post has been updated with an honorable mention list of clubs that are knocking on the door of the #top5 (yes that's going viral). But here are this week's best, in ascending order:

5. Tottenham Hotspur

Last week's spot: None.
Record in all competition: 11-3-3 (11 wins, 3 losses, 3 ties)
Notable results: Lost at home to Chelsea (by 2-1 on Aug. 20), beat Borussia Dortmund (3-1, Sept. 13), drew at Real Madrid (1-1, Oct. 17), beat Liverpool (4-1, Oct. 22), lost at Manchester United (1-0, Oct. 28), beat Real at home (3-1, Nov. 1).
Last week: The win over Real Madrid in Champions League play at midweek, edged Crystal Palace 1-0 yesterday.
Discussion: They're back. After a one-week absence, Spurs return to the top 5 thanks to their historic beatdown of Real Madrid. The win over Palace was far less impressive and actually could have gone the other way had it not been for some heroics from Tottenham's third-string goalkeeper. Injuries have reared their head: Harry Kane is starting games but clearly not at full strength. Dele Alli, Toby Alderweireld and Hugo Lloris are out. So too is the reserve goalkeeper Michel Vorm, which is what led to Paulo Gazzaniga starting against Palace. Now Harry Winks is hurt too. Despite this, Spurs managed to get the result they needed yesterday and that is exactly what a top team does. We said Spurs asserted themselves as one of the best teams in Europe with the Real victory. We're sticking to that and not just because pundits have agreed with us (we like it more when pundits disagree, frankly, though we do sometimes make it easy for them, admittedly). Yes, Tottenham are just third in the Premiership but that's thanks to a weak start when the Wembley hoodoo took its toll (or more like the team needed to adjust to its temporary home). While it's also true that Real are not playing their best, the margin of victory and thorough dismantling of reigning European champions still carry a lot of weight. This is what makes Spurs the fifth-best team on the planet right now, in our estimation.
The road ahead: The North London Derby against Arsenal is first up after the international break, on Nov. 18. That game is at the Emirates. No question who the favorite should be for this, though maybe not if Kane has to sit it out.

4. FC Barcelona

Last week: First.
Record in all competition: 14-0-2
Notable results: Beat Juventus (3-0, Sept. 12), drew at Atletico Madrid (1-1, Oct. 14).
Last week: Drew at Olympiakos in the Champions League, beat Sevilla on Saturday in La Liga.
Discussion: Barca remain unbeaten but the scoreless draw at Olympiakos was enough to dock them three spots in the ranking seeing how the teams behind them won both their games convincingly. Several things plagued Barca during this game, chief among them Luis Suarez's loss of form, according to our friends BarcaBlauGranes.com. While the victory over Sevilla was impressive enough (the Andalusian side were fifth coming into the match), the ranking committee remains nonplussed by the quality of la Liga this season. Spanish media share our concerns. Valencia, with no European fixtures at all (not even Europa League qualifiers), are second. Spanish teams have few quality victories over European competition. Barca did beat Juventus, but that club too has had a few struggles. Add it all up and Barca are simply not the best team in the world right now. Or even the second-best. Or the third-best. What they are, is fourth best. So says us.
The road ahead: Visit Leganes and visit Juventus immediately after the international break. The clash with Real Madrid is on Wednesday, Dec. 20, in case you were wondering. At the Bernabeu. Midweek.

3. Bayern Munich

Last week's spot: Fourth.
Record in all competition: 15-2-2
Notable results: lost to Paris Saint German (3-0, Sept. 27), won at Borussia Dortmund (3-1, Nov. 4).
Last week: Two wins, over Celtic in the Champions League (2-1) and Borussia in Bundesliga play.
Discussion: Make it seven victories in a row since Jupp Heynckes took control of the Bavarian juggernaut. Bayern had no real trouble with Celtic at midweek and piled the misery on poor Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. Dortmund have won just one of their last seven games and that was a cup tie against Magdeburg, some lower division side. Still, a win at Dortmund is a win at Dortmund and Bayern did that convincingly. They now lead the Bundesliga by four points over RB Leipzig. Dortmund, despite their miserable form, sit third. Bayern are in good shape in their Champions League group with nine points from four games and are effectively through to the next round. They're unlikely to win the group, seeing how PSG have a goal difference of 17 scored, 0 conceded.
The road ahead: Host Augsburg and visit Anderlecht when teams return from the international break.

2. Paris Saint Germain

Last week's spot: Third.
Record in all competition: 13-0-2
Notable results: Beat Bayern Munich (3-0, Sept. 27), drew Olympique Marseille (2-2, Oct. 22).
Last week: A pair of easy victories, over Anderlecht in the Champions League and Angers in French league play.
Discussion: Since they dropped points to Marseille, PSG have reeled off three wins in a row by a combined score of 13 to zero. While the opposition has not been particularly worrisome (or at all worrisome, if we're being honest), this run of form is still good enough to make PSG the second-best team in the world at this juncture. It's also worth noting that Neymar has missed two of these games. The club play an entertaining style with their attacking 4-3-3 formation and lethal front three of Neymar, Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe. While there were doubts about the defense at the start of the season, judging by how many few goals they have conceded (a grand total of eight, from 15 games), it is safe to say those can be laid to rest at this juncture. Of course a lot will depend on the next stage(s) of the Champions League. Domestically, PSG only really have to worry about Monaco and the two Olympiques -- Marseille and Lyon. They lead Monaco by four points and Marseille and Lyon by seven and eight points, respectively.
The road ahead: Host Nantes and Celtic after the international break. Lyon is on the docket for Jan. 20.

1. Manchester City

Last week: Second.
Record in all competition: 16-0-1
Notable results: Won at Chelsea (1-0, Sept. 30), beat Napoli (2-1, Oct. 17) and won at Napoli (4-2, Nov. 1)
Last week Two big wins, at Napoli in the Champions League and over Arsenal in the Premiership.

Discussion: Man City are dominating domestic and European competition alike. Their lead in the English topflight is now eight points after yesterday's victory over Arsenal and Man United's loss at Chelsea. It was the ninth straight win for Pep Guardiola's side, though the man himself apparently doesn't think they're anywhere close to their potential yet. Unfortunately, he's refused to compare them to rivals on the continent, making our job just a little bit harder. Domestically, it's hard to see how anybody will be able to catch them at this point -- barring injuries of course. For now, City are just too good. Alan Shearer says they're unstoppable. Antonio Conte has all but conceded the Premiership title to them. There has been talk of an invincible season, though Guardiola has talked this down. They found themselves a goal behind after 21 minutes at Napoli but were able to turn the match rather easily in the end. With the win Citizens are now on a perfect 12 points after four games and obviously assured passage to the next round -- though not yet as group winners, as Shakthar Donetsk are just three points behind. The two clubs don't meet until the final matchday but at that point it probably won't matter anymore.
The road ahead: The Manchester derby is the second weekend in December. Man U did not look good against Chelsea but remain second for now. Could that be the last, best chance to upend City's march to the title?

Dropping out

Napoli (fifth last week).

Also receiving consideration

Besiktas Istanbul: The Turkish side lead their Champions League group ahead of (in order) Porto, RB Leipzig and AS Monaco, but sit just third in their domestic league. Including Besiktas by definition means Porto, RB (don't call them Red Bull. That's Rasenballsport, which if you must know is an invented word. More on that some other time) and Monaco do not get consideration. Besiktas beat all three of these teams, two of them away from home. AS Roma: Winners of five in a row. Lead their Champions League group ahead of Chelsea, whom they beat up on 3-0 last week. But sit just fifth in Serie A. Lazio: Lead their Europa League group with a perfect record after four games, and beat Juventus Turin in Serie A competition. Hold fourth place in the Italian league. Inter Milan: Unbeaten in all competition, which actually is just one competition as the nerazurri are not playing continentally at all this season. Third in Serie A. Olympique Lyon: Have lost just once this season and that was to PSG. Just beat up on St. Etienne 5-nil in a raucous Rhone derby. Third in Ligue Un.

Best Ex-Europe: Boca Juniors

Boca get the nod for the second week in a row thanks to victory in an explosive Superclasico at archrivals River Plate. It was a fiery encounter with two red cards and a pair of wonder goals. Do yourself a favor and watch the highlights of this match on YouTube (commentary in Spanish, but you won't need to know what they're saying if you don't understand Spanish. Video being a visual medium). For more English language coverage of this game, check out CBSsports.com's comprehensive story. Unfortunately there do not appear to be any English-language blogs devoted to Boca, or at least not any that have been updated recently (and if you're not going to update it after the Superclasico, well, then it just can't be very good, can it?). The excellent Hasta el Gol Siempre is a good go-to for anything related to Argentine soccer. If you know of Boca-centered coverage that we're missing, please let us know in the comments sections (coverage outside of the reddit sewing circle, that is, which we are well aware of and which is in all seriousness an excellent resource). Anyway, with the result, Boca have now started the season with eight straight wins and a goal difference of 21 scored, two conceded. That obviously puts them first in the Superliga table, nine points ahead of the nearest contender. Unfortunately there is no continental competition until the start of the Copa Libertadores in January. Boca do have one loss on the season, a 1-0 loss to Rosario Central in the Copa Argentina. That's an acceptable blemish to name them the best non-European team in the world at present.

Counting down the five best soccer teams in the world as of Oct. 30, 2017

Here it is, the third edition of this season's top five club ranking, reflecting the full slate of weekend games. Check out last week's iteration here. There were some important results with the teams in the #top5 (yes that's going viral) so let's see how that affected things. Skip right to the best non-European team here. This list will update again shortly so be sure to check back frequently.

5. Napoli

Last week's spot: None, though were given consideration.
Record in all competition: 12-2-1 (12 wins, 2 losses, 1 tie)
Notable results: Lost at Shakthar Donetsk (2-1, on Sept. 13), beat AS Roma (1-0, Sept. 20), lost at Manchester City (2-1, Oct. 17), drew Inter Milan at home (0-0, Oct. 21)
Last week: Won both Serie A matches, at Genoa and at home against Sassuolo, where they scored a goal directly from a corner.
Discussion: Napoli had a good week, winning both games convincingly to take the fifth spot in our ranking. Maurizio Sarri's team have established themselves as the favorites in Serie A, with an unbeaten (and just once tied) record after 11 matches, good enough for a three-point lead over Juventus and Lazio. The European campaign has been less positive. Napoli sit third in their group, behind Man City and Donetsk, but can potentially leapfrog the latter on Nov. 21 (or maybe even earlier, depending on what happens next week). The ranking committee deemed losing at Donetsk and the Etihad as forgivable offenses and decided Napoli worthy of the fifth spot. This is a quality team in good form. With Marek Hamsik, Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens they have three bonafide superstars in the making.
The road ahead: The return leg against Man City is on Wednesday. That will be a major test for both teams. Napoli can really make a statement, and upend this entire ranking, with a win. City look ripe for the picking. Then visit Verona Sunday before AC Milan pay a visit next Saturday. Juventus looms Dec. 1.

4. Bayern Munich

Last week's spot: None.
Record in all competition: 13-2-2 (thirteen wins, two losses, two ties)
Notable results: lost to Paris Saint German (3-0, Sept. 27)
Last week: Beat RB (don't call them Red Bull. That's Rasenballsport, if you must know) Leipzig twice. The first of those games was a cup tie that went to penalties, then in Bundesliga action over the weekend the Bavarian side won rather convincingly by a 2-0 score.
Discussion: Bayern make their first appearance of the season in the top five after moving into first place in the Bundesliga. The team have been resurgent since Jupp Heynckes took control on Oct. 6. This is his fourth go-round managing the German juggernaut, in case you were counting. Bayern have reeled off five victories in a row since this most recent return. This is clearly a different team from the one who were so soundly beaten by PSG a month ago. They get their chance for revenge in December, on the last matchday of group stage play, at which point it likely won't matter.
The road ahead: Visit Celtic tomorrow and Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. Dortmund are now second in the Bundesliga and of course always a very tough place to play, so that's a big one. A loss and Bayern will likely be dropped from this space. A win and they may move up, especially considering what might happen to...

3. Paris Saint Germain

Last week's spot: Third
Record in all competition: 11-0-2
Notable results: Beat Bayern Munich (3-0, Sept. 27), drew Olympique Marseille (2-2, Oct. 22)
Last week: Beat Nice, 3-0 on Friday.
Discussion: No Neymar, no problem for PSG who made quick work of Nice on Friday night. The game was effectively settled by the 30th minute when Edinson Cavani got his second goal. PSG now have 29 points from 11 Ligue Un matches with a goal difference of +26 (34 scored, 8 conceded). But it's the French league. There's one good team besides PSG (Monaco, currently second) and a few decent ones. Nice were supposed to be decent, falling in Champions League qualification to Napoli, but Lucien Favre's men currently sit 16th.
The road ahead: Host Anderlecht in Champions League action tomorrow. That should not be a problem considering PSG won the first leg 4-0. Then visit Angers, whoever that is, on Saturday. The return leg at Bayern Munich which wraps up the UCL group stage is worth watching. That game is Dec. 5. Also visit Monaco, Nov. 25.

2. Manchester City

Last week: First
Record in all competition: 14-0-1
Notable results: Won at Chelsea (1-0, Sept. 30), beat Napoli (2-1, Oct. 17)
Last week Won twice, in midweek Carabao Cup (Wolverhampton Wanderers, albeit on penalties) and Saturday over West Bromwich Albion (3-2).
Discussion: Neither victory last week was quite as convincing as we would have liked, costing City their top spot in the ranking. The Wolves game was just league cup and not worthy of much discussion except to say that it was against a Championship side. A very good Championship side, but a Championship side nonetheless. Who, it should be noted, were not playing all starters either. The win over West Brom was a little more comfortable than the score might indicate, with Albion's second goal coming very late and after matters were already decided. Still, when you're supposed to be the best team in the world minor blemishes like the Wolves match will be counted against you. Tough, but so is life.
The road ahead: The return leg against Napoli tomorrow. That game is in Naples and is as much a chance for the Italian side to show they belong as it is for City to reclaim the top spot. The Manchester derby is the second weekend in December. Man U are looking resurgent after this week.

1. FC Barcelona

Last week: Second
Record in all competition: 13-0-1
Notable results: Beat Juventus (3-0, Sept. 12). Drew at Atletico Madrid (1-1, Oct. 14)
Last week: Won twice, in midweek Copa del Rey (3-0 over Real Murcia) and Saturday at Athletic Bilbao (2-0).
Discussion: Speaking of "No Neymar, no problem..." The Brazilian's departure to Paris was supposed to usher in a period of instability and self-doubt. While that is very much what has happened politically in this part of Spain, or what is still Spain at the time of this writing, the local soccer power is a-ok. Like Man City they possess an unbeaten and only once-tied record. It was a very close call but the win at Bilbao, never an easy task, is what clinched it along with the slightly less convincing performance from City. Unfortunately, the political crisis could have a major impact on the club in short order. The president of La Liga has said Barcelona would not be allowed to play in Spain's topflight if Catalonia becomes an independent country. Presumably this would not be instituted mid-season. Barca bloggers Barca Blaugranes seem to think joining France's Ligue Un would be a good idea. To his credit, Barca head coach Ernesto Valverde is refusing to be drawn in to the crisis.
The road ahead: Visit Olympiakos in Champions League play tomorrow. Host Sevilla, currently fifth, in Liga action on Saturday. Those should prove whether they are worthy of this spot. With great ranking, comes great responsibility. The return leg against Juventus is Nov. 22, though that may not matter at that point seeing how the teams are first and second in their Champions League group, with neither of the other two clubs (Sporting Lisbon is the fourth) being able to offer up much in the way of competition. The clash with Real Madrid is on Wednesday, Dec. 20. At the Bernabeu. Midweek. Should be fun.

Dropping out

Real Madrid (fourth last week) after losing to Girona, Tottenham Hotspur (fifth) after losing at Manchester United.

Also receiving consideration

Chelsea (first in their CL group where they won at Atletico Madrid, fourth in Premiership), Besiktas (first in their Champions League group after defeats of Monaco, RB Leipzig and FC Porto, but just third in domestic competition).

Non European Team of Note: Boca Juniors

Unbeaten and untied after six games in Argentina's Superliga, with just one goal conceded, the club from Buenos Aires replace their crosstown rivals River Plate in this space. Last week saw the continuation of Boca's dominance, with a 4-0 victory over Belgrano. Dario "Pipa" Benetto, author of two goals in that game, has picked up where he left off last season when he was the league's top scorer. His prowess has earned him call ups to Argentina's national side, never an easy task with all the competition. Centerback Lisandro Magallan has caught the eye of European clubs as well. Another one to watch is teenage midfielder Julian Chicco, who already has his own YouTube highlight reel. Unfortunately, Boca have no continental competition until the 2018 Copa Libertadores, which kicks off in January. But things are about to get very interesting domestically where they face River Plate on Sunday. If any of our South American readers have further thoughts on Boca or other teams in the region that they'd like to contribute, please supply them in the comments section.

The Top 5 Soccer Clubs in the World

Just for fun, and because a top 25 is way too ambitious. And of course this could just be called "European clubs" since teams from other continents are some ways off of their quality. A note on methodology: This ranking is subjective and meant to capture (or intend to capture) the status on a seasonal basis. So this is not a ranking of form, but of the team's body of work throughout the season. Wherever possible, objective measures are weighed in the rankings: wins, losses, head-to-head, etc. Also weighing heavily is whether a team is still alive in continental competition, primarily the UEFA Champions League, now halfway through its quarterfinal fixtures. Oh yeah, for our purposes matches played over two legs count as one victory or loss. So let's get to it:

5. AS Monaco
Record in all competitions: 37 wins, 7 draws, 5 losses (76% winning percentage)
Notable victories: Tottenham Hotspur (twice), Paris Saint Germain, Manchester City
If their sweep of Spurs in the Champions League group stage didn't convince English fans of Monaco's quality, then the memorable victory over Man City certainly did the job. This is an exciting team with exciting players which rightfully deserves to be mentioned with Europe's elite. Everybody knows Kylian Mbappe's name by now, but the club from the principality have no fewer than five players who could become bonafide superstars (probably not at Monaco but that's another story). Leonardo Jardim's men started the season rather slowly, with a tough Champions League qualification victory against Fenerbahce Istanbul and draw at home against Guingamp. Yes exactly, Guingamp. It's been smooth sailing since. One of the season's five losses came against Bayer Leverkusen on the final day of their Champions League group stage after Monaco had already won the group (which realistically shouldn't be counted as a loss but we'll let it stand for purely technical reasons). One blemish is a recent loss to PSG in the French league cup finale. Les Monegasques have a three point lead over their Parisian rivals with five matchdays remaining, having not lost a Ligue Un match since December. They also carry a 3-2 lead into their CL quarter final return leg against a Borussia Dortmund team that has had (much) better seasons. If Monaco blow this they'll make us look like clueless a-holes. We don't like being made to look like clueless a-holes.

4. Bayern Munich
Record in all competitions: 30 wins, 6 draws, 4 losses (75% winning percentage)
Notable victories: Arsenal, Atletico Madrid (x2), RB Leipzig, Dortmund
Notable losses: Dortmund (away), Hoffenheim (away)
The German Rekordmeister (it means they've won more Bundesliga titles than anybody else. One of those compound German words that needs an entire sentence to be explained. Kind of like Schadenfreude) are alive in all competitions though kind of hanging by a thread in the Champions League thanks to a weak home loss to Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarterfinal match up. You get the sense the Germans were not properly tested yet this season before that game. Certainly not by an Arsenal in turmoil, whom they easily dispatched in the round of 16, and not by their Bundesliga competitors. How bad is the German top flight this year? RB Leipzig, a promoted team, are Bayern's closest competitors for the league title (another promoted club, SC Freiburg, are sixth). A club with the name TSG Hoffenheim sit third. That bad. In fact, you could make the point that it's a bit of a farce.

3. Barcelona
Record in all competitions: 32 wins, 6 draws, 5 losses (74% winning percentage)
Notable victories: That comeback win over Paris Saint Germain
Other notable results: Drew Real Madrid 1-1 at home in December
Barca trail their rivals from Spain's capital city by just three points in La Liga, while boasting a better goal difference (+61 to Real's +49), so everything to play for there. Recent losses at La Coruna and Malaga have been costly but the return leg against Real looms April 23. The blaugrana split their Champions League series with Manchester City, with a 4-0 beatdown at Camp Nou followed by a 3-1 loss at the Etihad. The Champions League group stage was otherwise forgettable, with easy victories over hopelessly overmatched Celtic and slightly less overmatched Borussia Moenchengladbach. Unforgettable on the other hand was that ridiculous comeback against PSG, though it may have masked some deeper flaws with the club. With Barca that is. PSG's flaws, a choke-artistry that can only be described as uniquely French, were readily apparent.

2. Real Madrid
Record in all competitions: 29 wins, 9 draws, 3 losses (71% winning percentage)
Notable achievements: Eliminated Napoli in CL Round of 16, drew Barcelona at Camp Nou, won 3-0 at Atletico Madrid
There are a couple of blemishes on Real's record: a loss to Celta Vigo over two legs in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals was certainly the major disappointment of the season so far, and their performance in a relatively weak Champions League group (finishing second behind Borussia Dortmund) also left a little bit to be desired. Other than that this club seems to have everything. While Cristiano Ronaldo certainly isn't getting any younger, with former Tottenham players like Gareth Bale and Luca Modric feeding him the ball that doesn't really matter all that much now, does it?

1. Juventus
Record in all competition: 34 wins, 4 draws, 4 losses (81% winning percentage)
Notable victories: At Sevilla in Champions League group stage, Roma
Notable losses: Inter, AC Milan, Genoa, Fiorentina (all away)
Masimiliano Allegri's men boast the best winning percentage of the clubs tracked here. Fresh off a 3-0 dismantling of Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal, the old lady of Italian football is firing on all cylinders. Their eight point lead atop the Serie A standings should be safe with six matchdays remaining, though a visit to second-placed Roma looms on May 14. Speaking of safe, that three-goal cushion over Barca should be sufficient as well, since, well, Juventus are not Paris Saint Germain. Paulo Dybala is looking like the next Argentine superstar.

Chelsea FC: The Best Team on the Planet

In the end it's just that simple. Chelsea FC, the team that for two thirds of the 2011-2012 season could do little right, did just enough to defeat Bayern Munich yesterday and claim their first-ever Champions League (or equivalent) trophy.

In so doing, Blues take the throne of club soccer and the unofficial title of best team in the world. It is a dubious distinction for a side that (according the the Premiership table at least) is just the third-best in London and lost two of its last five matches this season--to go along with various transgressions earlier in the campaign (in a 17-game stretch dating to December 17, Chelsea managed just six victories. The wins came against Wolves, QPR, Sunderland, Portsmouth, Bolton and Birmingham City). Still, Chelsea deserve both honors: the Champions League trophy and "best team in the world" moniker. For the following reasons:

1. While Chelsea were certainly not the best club throughout 2011-2012, it's where you finish that counts. After all, we are calling them "the best team in the world RIGHT NOW." It's hard to argue, after defeating Barcelona over 180 minutes and Bayern Munich over 120 (plus penalties), that Blues could not defeat any team in the world at present. Yes, even Premier League champions Manchester City who beat them on the field of play as recently as March 21.

2. Results matter. Clearly Chelsea's style leaves a lot to be desired. At its worst it is a throwback to the 1990s Italian defensive bulwark stuff, which makes sense since that's when Roberto di Matteo plied his trade as a player. That's a shame, but winning ugly is still winning. And how exactly would you expect somebody to play on opponents' grounds in the latter stages of a winner-take-all tournament? Also, Chelsea have this attacker, Didier Drogba, who would be completely alien to Italian national teams of any era, and this not just for superficial reasons. In fact, the entire soccer world has never quite seen anything like Drogba. Most strikers are short, spry fellows. Few have the prowess for finishing and nose for the goal like DD does. Which brings us to the next point...

3. Didier Drogba. This is ultimately what sets Chelsea apart. The 34-year old Ivory Coast international combines an innate scoring ability and imposing physical presence with nerves of steel and a clamoring for the biggest moments of the biggest games. Soccer is a team game and you need 11 guys to do the job and do it well. In that sense, Drogba is merely a role player. It just so happens that his role is to score goals and as a pure goalscorer it could be argued that Drogba is among the very best to ever play the game. Or at least among recent generations: More clutch than Romario and Ronaldo, more prolific than Maradona (as a goal scorer), more imposing than Lineker. We all rave about Messi's brilliance and rightfully so, but on the field of play, over 180 minutes, Drogba's Chelsea got the better of Messi's Barca (see item 2 above: "results matter").

4. Who's their competition for best club in the world? Start with the league champions first: Man City are branded by having exited the Champions League in the group stage. Juventus? Didn't play in Europe this season so we can't take them seriously. Real Madrid? Lost to Bayern in the Champions League semis. Montpellier? No way. Porto? Looked horrible against Man City in Europa League action.

Does this mean the Champions League winner automatically gets the "best club in the world" title? Not always, though in recent years it's hard to argue against the winners. You'd have to go back to 2005 and the legendary "miracle of Istanbul" to find a club (Liverpool) that was not the best in the world at that time. But that's another argument for another day.

Props to Bayern but the Premiership is still the best league in the world

Bayern Munich showed remarkable resilience today coming back from a 3-0 deficit at Old Trafford to advance to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League. In fact, one could almost say Bayern today slayed the ghosts of the 1999 final at Camp Nou. Well, maybe not. But you've got to give the German club credit for pulling it off.

As a Yank, I generally don't like standing up for anything English. Or anything German. Or anything, well un-American. As we know they're all communists and commies simply can't be trusted. But U.S. hegemony does have its limits in a few areas and association football, a.k.a. soccer, is one (another might be door handles. What's with these stupid round things we have here? I mean seriously. Wouldn't it just be easier to make them a lever the way they do elsewhere in the world? It's such a pain in the arse when you're carrying something and have to reach down and twist this stupid thing instead of just being able to lean on it and presto!)

Anyway, the English Premier League is still the best league in the world even though none of its teams are in the Champions League's final four. Here's why:

1. Had Wayne Rooney been healthy there's no way Man United lose this game and

2. The elimination round draws did English clubs no favors whatsoever.

Arsenal, arguably the worst of three English teams in the elimination round, were drawn with the best club in the entire world in the quarterfinals. Chelsea were drawn with a top five side in the round of 16. Man United got AC Milan in the round of 16, who may not be Barcelona but they sure aren't VfB Stuttgart either (whom Barcelona drew). In fact, the draws were a bit of a joke in retrospect. CSKA Moscow vs. Sevilla? Bayern and Fiorentina? Olympiakos vs. Bordeaux? There can really be no argument that English clubs got the short end of the stick here.

Of course, that's life. A random draw is a random draw (unless it's conducted by FIFA, that is). Sometimes the chips fall in your favor, sometimes they do not. But when they don't and you're tasked with playing grueling two-leg matchups against top clubs along with a domestic campaign in the world's toughest league it wears on you. Injuries happen (see Rooney, Wayne). You let your guard down. Especially when, for example, you have a 3-0 lead minutes before halftime.

Again that's not to make excuses for tonight's events at Old Trafford. Bayern were the better team over two legs and deserved to advance. As a matter of fact, if you look at the two teams' top 25 rankings going into this match-up, you'll see that they were not really far apart at all. Bayern was 7, Man U at 2 (the previous week they were even closer together at 5 and 3, respectively). So it really isn't that big of an upset. Especially not once the higher-rated team's best player is removed from the equation.

So as far as I'm concerned the Premiership still reigns. It will take a lot more for me to change my mind on this.

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.

The world's top 25 soccer clubs, March 15, 2010

Welcome back! This week comes our first big shakeup of the season, as two clubs from the top half of our table were eliminated from European competition. One of these teams had very real pretensions of making a run at the final season top spot. Or so they thought. They were exposed as mere pretenders at the hands of a French club that wasn't even in the top three in its own league. But last week may have just been the first of a larger shakeup. The next few days will see four more clubs eliminated from the Champions League tourney. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Here is where things stand right now:

1. Barcelona
Last ranking: 1
Record (wins-losses-ties, in all competition; two-leg match-ups count as one): 28-3-7
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 stumbled to a 2-2 draw at Almeira a fortnight ago but rebounded with a 3-0 thrashing of Valencia (hat trick by Lionel Messi) to keep pace with Real Madrid. The two friendly rivals are even on points atop the Liga BBVA standings.
Upcoming schedule: The return leg with Stuttgart is Wednesday. The 1-1 result from the first leg was disappointing but Barca can theoretically advance with a scoreless draw at the Camp Nou on Wednesday. Not that they'll want to play for one. Also visit Saragossa Sunday.

2. Chelsea
Last ranking: 3
Record: 30-6-6
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).
Commentary/recent results: Two games, two wins for Blues since the last edition of the Top 25. Not that the opponents (Stoke City and West Ham) are going to scare many teams. But the game we're all waiting, and which will likely determine Chelsea's fate, at least for the medium term, is tomorrow...
Upcoming schedule: Host Inter Milan in the return leg of their Champions League round of 16 match-up. Blues got an impressive 2-1 win in the first leg, meaning they can even lose 1-0 and still advance. Visit Blackburn Sunday.

3. Manchester United
Last ranking: 5
Record: 30-9-4
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: Since the last edition of the Top 25, Red Devils have won three games by a combined score of 8-0. Granted the 4-0 result against AC Milan may not have been a true indication of Man U's superiority given that the Italian club had to throw everything forward after a point. Still, Sir Alex' men may just be peaking at the right time. They have a two point lead over Chelsea in the Premiership, albeit with an additional game played. That, combined with the fact that Blues beat them on the field in November, leaves Man U behind the West London side. For now...
Upcoming schedule: Host Liverpool Sunday.

4. Inter Milan
Last ranking: 2
Record: 22-4-11
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).
Commentary/recent results: The nerazzurri are sputtering. First the scoreless home draw against Genoa eight days ago, then Friday's 3-1 embarrassment at Catania. Put it all together and you have a team hanging on to first place in Serie A by the skin of their teeth (a solitary point over AC Milan)
Upcoming schedule: The return leg at Stamford Bridge is tomorrow. Win by enough to advance and all is forgiven. But that's a tough task.

5. Bayern Munich
Last ranking: 7
Record: 24-4-9
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: Louis van Gaal's club were able to protect their two point lead atop the Bundesliga table and advanced into the quarterfinals of the Champions League after a topsy-turvy game at Fiorentina.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Frankfurt Saturday.

6. Arsenal
Last ranking: 8
Record: 27-9-5
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 are looking more and more like real, honest-to-goodness title contenders. Despite missing arguably their best player they had little problem dismantling Porto in the return leg of their Champions League match-up. Saturday they got a last minute goal from Nicklas Bendtner to defeat Hull City.
Upcoming schedule: Host West Ham Saturday. 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. Girondins Bordeaux
Last ranking: 6
Record: 27-7-6
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).
Commentary/recent results: Les Girondins are in a bit of a slump, with two draws and a loss since we last met. Still, they remain first in Ligue Un, albeit equal on points with Montpellier (the surprising promoted club whom they drew 1-1 on March 7) but with a game in hand. That, along with their advantageous spot in their Champions League match-up with Olympiakos (they take a 1-0 lead into the home leg) allow Bordeaux to maintain a top 10 spot in our rankings.
Upcoming schedule: The aforementioned return leg with Olympiakos is Wednesday. Fourth-placed Lille pay a visit Sunday. A big week, in other words.

8. Olympique Lyonnais
Last ranking: 11
Record: 23-8-9
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.
Commentary/recent results: There are two reasons l'OL didn't move up higher. First, they have struggled in Ligue Un recently, with two draws in their last matches. That leaves Lyon fifth in the French league. Second, the team they dropped from the Champions League may not be very good (sure they have great players; but are they a great team?) It is looking like this might just be a weird off year for the Spanish league.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Marseille Sunday.

9. Benfica Lisbon
Last ranking: 10
Record: 24-3-4
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).
Commentary/recent results: The good news is Benfica are looking like the team to beat in Portugal's Liga Sagres. After four straight wins in the league they have clawed out a three-point lead. The bad news is they may very well exit from European competition after a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Olympique Marseille. But we don't factor those match-ups into the standings until both legs are completed. So for now, Benfica are a top 10 team.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Marseille's Velodrome for the return leg in their Europa League match-up. Host second-placed Sporting Braga Sunday. That may just decide the Portuguese title.

10. Real Madrid
Last ranking: 4
Record: 24-6-4
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: It's all over for Real. Things started so well last week too. First they came from two goals down to defeat Sevilla and then they got an early goal in the return leg with Lyon. But it was not to be. We discussed this matter at length last week; no need to return to it now. Suffice it to say Real will probably only see the top five again if they win the Spanish league.
Upcoming schedule: Host Sporting Gijon Saturday. Look for the April 11 match with Barca to settle the Spanish liga.

11. Sevilla
Last ranking: 9
Record: 21-6-5
Results of note: Beat then No. 21 Unirea Urziceni in Champions League group stage at home (2-0, Sept. 16), won at then-No. 24 Glasgow Rangers in Champions League group stage (4-1, Sept. 30), defeated then-No. 1 Real Madrid at home (2-1, Oct. 4), beat then-No. 1 Barcelona in Copa del Rey, lost at then-No. 1 Barcelona (4-0, Jan. 16), beat then-No. 13 Valencia at home (2-1, Jan. 31), lost at then-No. 4 Real Madrid (3-2, March 7).
Commentary/recent results: Don't look now but los palanganas have not won a match since Feb. 20. After the meltdown at the Bernabeu they struggled to a 1-1 draw against Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday. That leaves Sevilla fourth, only one point ahead of fifth-placed Mallorca.
Upcoming schedule: Host CSKA Moscow tomorrow for a chance to move into the Champions League quarterfinals. A scoreless draw will see them through. Also visit Espanyol Barcelona, Sunday.

12. Rubin Kazan
Last Ranking: 14
Record: 23-6-8
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 have won both domestic games they've played in that country's young season, but face a tough task in the Europa League. They played VfL Wolfsburg to a disappointing 1-1 home draw in the first leg of their round of 16 matchup.
Upcoming schedule: The return leg at Wolfsburg is what we're all watching. Win (or draw by two goals or more) and they keep their lofty perch in the top 25. Lose and...

13. AC Milan
Last ranking: 12
Record: 20-8-10
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: It's been an interesting fortnight for the rossoneri. First you had the utter bore of a scoreless draw at Roma on March 6, then the beatdown at Old Trafford, followed by a spirited victory over Chievo Verona that puts Leonardo's side within one point of leaders Inter. What gives? Who knows, but the Man United match made clear this is not a top five club. Probably not a top 10 either.
Upcoming schedule: Host Napoli Sunday.

14. Porto
Last ranking: 13
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: The Dragoes were unable to maintain their slim lead over Arsenal but rebounded to defeat Academica de Coimbra in a Liga Sagres match yesterday. It may be too late to make a move there; Porto sit a distant third, 11 points behind leaders Benfica with just seven matchdays remaining.
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.

15. Panathinaikos
Last ranking: 23
Record: 28-6-3
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 (6-4 on aggregate).
Commentary/recent results: Panathinaikos continued their winning ways to establish a five point lead atop the Greek Super League standings. Unfortunately there was also the little matter of a 3-1 home defeat to Standard Liege in the first leg of their Europa League match-up. But until both legs are played we don't factor this into our rankings.
Upcoming schedule: The return leg at Liege goes down Thursday. If that wasn't tough enough they also face Olympiakos on Sunday.

16. AS Roma
Last ranking: 15
Record: 22-7-9
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: The good news is Roma's unbeaten streak in Serie A continues. They last lost against an Italian club on Oct. 28, if you can believe that. The bad news is they are starting to draw too many matches they should be winning. Case in point: yesterday's 3-3 at Livorno. Roma had a golden opportunity to make up ground on the leaders from Milan. Instead they sit six points behind Inter and five behind AC. But their Champions League spot looks secure, with seven points separating them from fourth-placed Palermo.
Upcoming schedule: Host Udinese (the last Italian team that defeated them) Sunday.

17. Bayer Leverkusen
Last ranking: 16
Record: 14-2-11
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: It took a little while, but Leverkusen finally lost their first Bundesliga match of the season at Nurnberg on March 7. But they rebounded to defeat fellow title aspirants Hamburg SV by 4-2 yesterday. Still, Bayer are now third, one point behind Schalke 04 and three behind leaders Bayern Munich.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Borussia Dortmund Saturday. A clash with Bayern Munich looms April 10.

18. Olympiakos
Last ranking: 18
Record: 19-7-7
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).
Commentary/recent results: It's been a tough fortnight for Olympiakos, who lost one and drew one in Greek league play
Upcoming schedule: The Champions League return leg at Bordeaux is Wednesday. Do Olympiakos have a chance? They play these games for a reason so we'll have to wait and see. Also visit Panathinaikos Sunday for their last, best chance at catching the Athens side, whom they trail by seven points at the time of this writing.

19. Olympique Marseille
Last ranking: 20
Record: 22-9-9
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).
Commentary/recent results: Three straight draws for l'OM. Of course one of these, at Benfica Lisbon leaves them in a good position to advance in the Europa League. They may sit sixth in Ligue Un, but that's just three points behind the leaders.
Upcoming schedule: Host the return leg with Benfica Thursday. Then host Olympique Lyon. Yikes.

20. Dynamo Kiev
Last ranking: 19
Record: 17-4-4
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 one and won one in Ukrainian league action. Thanks to the first result, they are now even on points with 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.

21.OSC Lille
Last ranking: 22
Record: 20-11-7
Results of note: Beat then-No. 7 Girondins Bordeaux at home (2-0, Nov. 8), lost at then-No. 14 Valencia (3-1, Dec. 2), beat then-No. 18 Olympique Lyon (4-3, Dec. 6), lost at then-No. 23 Olympique Marseille in cup tie (2-1, Jan. 27), beat then-No. 21 Fenerbahce Istanbul in Europa League (3-2 on aggregate).
Commentary/recent results: L'OSC surprised everybody but us with their 1-0 home leg victory over Liverpool, which puts them in a good position to advance to the next round of the Europa League. In France they sit fourth but just two points behind the leaders.
Upcoming schedule: The aforementioned return match at Anfield is on Thursday. Visit Bordeaux Sunday with a chance to move into first place in Ligue Un. It could be a massive week for Lille.

22. Valencia
Last ranking: 17
Record: 19-7-10
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 have come undone a bit. Losing at Barcelona is no crime in itself, but we were hoping for them to keep it a bit closer than 3-0. More importantly there was the little matter of a 1-1 home draw with Werder Bremen in the first leg of their Europa League match-up...
Upcoming schedule: Visit Bremen Thursday needing a win or a draw of 2-2 or higher to advance. If they blow it they're out of the top 25, obviously. They almost got pulled this week, in fact.

23. RSC Anderlecht
Last ranking: 21
Record: 28-7-5
Results of note: Lost Champions League qualifier against Olympique Lyon, drew Ajax Amsterdam at home in Europa League group stage (1-1, Oct. 1).
Commentary/recent results: Anderlecht wrapped up the Jupiler League with a pair of 2-0 wins over the last fortnight. There was unfortunately also the little matter of the first leg of their Europa League match-up with Hamburg SV. The Belgian side lost the first leg in Hamburg by 3-1.
Upcoming schedule: The return leg against HSV is Thursday. That's all we're really concerned with at this point.

24. Flamengo
Last ranking: -
Record: 12-1-1*
Results of note: Lost at home to Botafogo in the Taca Guanabara semifinals (2-1, Feb. 17).
Commentary/recent results: After an undefeated Taca Guanabara campaign, Flamengo were upset in the semifinals by Botafogo, who went on to win the final as well. They have since gone on to a perfect start in the Taca Rio and more importantly the Copa Libertadores, where they just notched a 3-1 victory at Caracas FC on Thursday. They previously defeated Chile's Universidad Catolica in the first matchday.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Universidad de Chile in the next Libertadores matchday. Then have a chance to avenge the loss to Botafogo on Sunday.
*results since Jan. 1, 2010

25. Chivas de Guadelajara
Last ranking: -
Record: 8-1-1*
Results of note:
Commentary/recent results: Though Chivas dropped their first points of the Mexican Clausura campaign over the last fortnight, I feel they still qualify as the 25th-best club in the world right now. But we'll see how things go from here.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Copa Libertadores participant Monterrey Sunday. Speaking of the Libertadores, Chivas will join the next round of that competition.
*results since Jan. 1, 2010

Dropping Out:
PSV Eindhoven (24), after losing 4-1 to Ajax Amsterdam and dropping five points off the pace in the Dutch Eredivisie, Liverpool (25) after, well, do you really need to hear the reasons?

Also receiving consideration (in rough order of consideration received):
Werder Bremen

Photo taken from ESPN Soccernet without permission.