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.

Argentina World Cup squad named or Diego Maradona has completely lost his mind

Few people would mistake Diego Armando Maradona for a sane man. That has been clear for some time now--probably since he first entered the public conscience nearly 30 years ago.

How else to describe somebody who supports the political regimes of Venezuela, Cuba and Iran (while dodging taxes, or maybe that was at a different point in his life) and who nearly ate, drank and coked himself to death on several occasions?

So none of us really need proof this guy is completely off his rocker. But just in case, he offered further evidence today when he named the Argentina squad for the 2010 World Cup.

How else to explain a 23-man squad that features Juan Sebastian Veron (yes that one), Martin Palermo and Ariel Garce?

If you haven't heard of the last one you aren't alone. He's a 30-year old defender who played his entire career for Argentine clubs. Seriously, how good can you be if NO European club EVER took as much as a look at you?

Speaking of which, three clubs have more than one representative on Maradona's team. One is Inter Milan. Can you guess the others? If you said Barcelona or Real Madrid or even Olympique Marseille you were WRONG. The correct answer is Estudiantes and Colon. The latter, along with their unfortunate name, will be fortunate to finish in mid table in the Argentine Clausura league this season.

Admittedly, we should have known something was up when Maradona named a 30-man provisional squad that did not include Real Madrid's Fernando "Lady" Gago or Barcelona's Gabriel Milito, among others.

It's one thing to go for experience. But with Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso Maradona had far better qualified options on that end.

I mean Juan Sebastian Veron? I didn't even know this guy still played!

Then again why should anybody really care about this? The worst thing that can happen is if it somehow actually works and Maradona is declared a genius rather than the psychotic lunatic he is in reality.

Then again what are the chances of that happening?

Photo taken from BleacherReport.com without permission.

Buenos Aires 'superclasico' on for March 21

It's on, baby. The next incarnation of the Buenos Aires 'superclasico' between River Plate and Boca Juniors will be held at La Bombonera on March 21 (links to pdf document from the Asociacion del Futbol Argentino). The match is nothing short of the top sporting event to witness in person before you die, according to The Observer. While the piece does not differentiate between attending the event at the Bombonera (Boca's home ground) or the Monumental across town (River's stadium), if you're going to pick between the two, the Bombonera should probably be your choice. This despite the fact it's ranked one spot lower (ninth) as a 'soccer mecca' than the Monumental. The Bombonera is smaller, more crowded and louder. And yes, more dangerous. Which, let's face it, is part of the allure when attending soccer matches in South America (though there have not been any serious incidents in quite some time, at least not any resulting in fatalities). The ground's curious shape that gives it its name and raucous atmosphere make it the most intimidating place to play anywhere, according to some estimates. For the serious soccer fan and world traveler, attending this event is not a choice but a requirement. Which is why, this year, Soccer Source is going to make a serious attempt at making the trip. Are you with me?

Ranking the world's soccer meccas: No. 8, El Monumental, Buenos Aires

For ranking methodology and other information about the series, see the original post. To read the about the No. 9-rated stadium, the Bombonera in Buenos Aires click here. To see all "soccer mecca" entries click here.

8. Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti (El Monumental), Buenos Aires
Open since: 1938 (renovated 1978)
Capacity: 66,000
Tenant(s): River Plate, Argentine national team
World Cup hosts: 1978
Closest U.S. stadium comparison: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, N.Y.

If the Bombonera is Argentina's version of Fenway Park--an odd-shaped, quirky, loud grounds in a residential neighborhood--then El Monumental is Yankee Stadium: big, grandiose, corporate, of "the establishment." Some of that of course stems from the identity of the stadium's main tenent; River Plate is very much the "establishment" club of Argentina (one of the club's nicknames is los millionarios, or the millionaires), and of the posh Nunez neighborhood where El Monumental was built. Just like the Yankees...if Yankee Stadium weren't in the Bronx, that is.

The Monumental is the national grounds of Argentina, where its storied albicelestes play (nearly all) their home games. Imagine if Wembley Stadium also hosted, say, Chelsea, or the Stade de France held Paris Saint Germain games, and you get a a bit of the idea.

Wait, so if the Bombonera was already featured, what is the Monumental doing here? Are there really two stadiums from one city in the list of top 10 soccer meccas? Yes there are. However, both are relatively far back in the rankings (at eight and nine there are seven stadia still ahead of them). Each is distinct and famous in its own right (and for different reasons at that). It would have been an injustice to leave out one or the other. So there you have it.

El Monumental was Argentina's first industrial, steel and concrete soccer stadium and consists of two tiers in the shape of a horse shoe. During its early years it contained a school and medical practice.

The Monumental edges the Bombonera in the standings for one simple reason: it hosted a World Cup. Not only that, but it was the scene of both the 1978 final and third-placed games (won by Argentina and Brazil, respectively).

That World Cup tournament is historically significant, but sadly for all the wrong reasons. It was a propaganda coup for the military junta that ruled Argentina at the time (indeed 1978 may have very well been the peak of its power--no coincidence there). In this respect, many have compared it to the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. An LA Times article from last year deals with this theme at greater length.

In the three decades since the tournament, other nefarious allegations have surfaced. Did the Colombian mafia bribe the Peruvian national team to throw its second round game with the host nation, as this Daily Mail piece points out? Were the Argentine players doped for the final? (A urine sample that was supposed to have been taken from an Argentine player showed the individual in question to be pregnant, a strong indication that the samples were at least tampered with, if not doctored outright).

As for the Monumental, it hosted Argentina's first round games but not the infamous win over Peru (or the violent scoreless draw against Brazil; those matches were held in Rosario). It did host a preview of the 1982 final, between Italy and West Germany (the game ended scoreless) as well as Italy's first round upset of the hosts (a 1-nil game where a certain Paolo Rossi assisted on the winning goal) that kept Argentina from playing its second round games at El Monumental. It was also where Argentina narrowly defeated France (with a young Michel Platini) in its opener.

And of course the final, an overtime thriller the hosts won through a brace by their hero Mario Kempes, was held here. That match, undoubtedly the most famous in the stadium's history, and probably one of the most exciting World Cup finals of all time, was not without controversy either. The home side didn't like the Israeli referee assigned to the match so it lobbied (successfully) for an Italian one. Argentine players delayed the kickoff protesting a cast on the arm of a Dutch player. Once it finally started, the home side (through Kempes, natch) took a first half lead before Holland's Dick Nanninga equalized eight minutes from time. The Netherlands apparently had Argentina on the ropes at this point and were robbed of a clear penalty moments after the equalizer by the Italian referee. In stoppage time they came an inch or two from winning their only World Cup when Robbie Rensinbrink fired a shot off the post from point blank range. The Oranje have not come close since. The Argentines scored twice in overtime to clinch the victory.

Did the most famous Argentine player of all time ever play at El Monumental? Not in that World Cup he didn't. The then-17-year old Diego Armando Maradona was left off of Cesar Luis Menotti's squad. But there were many other appearances, including several for the Argentine national team. He scored several goals as well, both for the albicelestes and for club side Boca Juniors. His first appearance at the Monumental may have been as early as 1973 when his Argentinos Juniors' Cebollitas youth club beat River's juniors 5-4 in a city final, according to the Leandro Zannoni book Vivir en los medios: Maradona off the record (page 21). It appears Maradona played his last match as a professional at the Monumental, in a 1997 SuperClasico won by Boca Juniors to whom he had returned in 1995. Maradona also coached his first game for the Argentina national team here, a 4-0 victory over Venezuela this March.

Other than the '78 tournament, the stadium may unfortunately be best known for the Puerta 12 tragedy of June 23, 1968 (a decade and two days before the Holland-Argentina final). 71 fans were killed in a crush at the Monumental's Gate 12. There are various explanations of what happened in what was one of the worst incidents with soccer fans in the history of the sport (and the worst on Argentine territory, ever).

Of course there are happier memories as well. Many from the annual SuperClasico between Boca Juniors and River Plate. In October, 1972 the home side went up two-nil, was scored on four straight times, rallied to win 5-4 in the highest-scoring SuperClasico of all time. Another famous River comeback was in 1997, when the home side was down three goals but managed to eke out a 3-3 draw. Boca Juniors had their moments as well, the biggest (by score at least, not necessarily magnitude) in a 5-1 blowout victory in March 1982. More recently, in 2004 Boca won the return leg of a Copa Libertadores semifinal on penalties after the two sides traded goals in the final minutes (Carlos Tevez supplied one of the goals for Boca Juniors).

In 1986, River won their first Copa Libertadores final, winning the return leg at the Monumental over America of Colombia by 1-0 (they won the first leg 2-1). This event was repeated, with identical protagonists, in the 1996 version of the final, though this time River lost the first leg at Cali before coming through in the return at the Monumental.

The Argentine national team has played several historic matches here (beyond 1978 of course) and a few they'd rather forget. The biggest of the latter may be a 5-0 loss to Colombia in a 1993 World Cup qualifier, a scoreline made even more incredible by the fact that Argentina had a 33-game unbeaten run coming into the game. (Was this what caused Pele to famously predict Colombia would win the World Cup in 1994? Who knows). The albiceleste were forced to play a qualifier with Australia as a result.

Another bitter memory (from an Argentine point of view) came in the semifinals of the 1987 Copa America games, where Uruguay upset the hosts 1-0. Uruguay went on to win the tournament over Chile (also at the Monumental). Argentina didn't even win the game for third place, succumbing to Colombia.

More pleasant albiceleste memories are the 1946 South American championship. Argentina played several times at the Monumental, winning all games including the final against Brazil in another famous encounter marked by fighting on the pitch with police. In the 1959 iteration of the tourney, Argentina beat Brazil (with a 19-year old Pele) again in the final--again at the Monumental.

Speaking of Pele, he did quite well at the Monumental. In the aforementioned 1959 tourney, he scored an astonishing eight times in six games. Amazingly, those appear to have been the only times Pele ever played in Argentina as a member of the selecao (not sure about his appearances with his club side. Somebody else can research that).

Now is where all the Boca fans can cry about the injustice of putting the Monumental ahead of their beloved Bombonera. Have at it, Xeneizes!

Photo taken from 100x100millonario.blogspot.com

Ranking the world's soccer meccas: No. 9, Estadio Alberto J. Armando (La Bombonera), Buenos Aires

For ranking methodology and other information about the series, see the original post. To read the about the No. 10-rated stadium, the San Siro in Milan, go here. To see all "soccer mecca" entries click here or on the "topics covered here" link below right.

9. Estadio Alberto J. Armando (La Bombonera), Buenos Aires
Open since: 1940 (renovated 1995-96)
Capacity: 57,395
Tenant(s): Boca Juniors
World Cup hosts: Never
Closest U.S. stadium comparison: Fenway Park, Boston.

Okay, so how can a place make this list if it never even hosted a single World Cup match? Because it's the Bombonera, that's why. The Estadio Alberto J. Armando (it's official name since 2000) is preceded by its quasi-mystical reputation. It is said to be the most intimidating place to play, anywhere. The curious shape that gives the grounds its name (a "flat" stand on one side of the pitch and three steep stands around the rest resembles a candy box, or bombonera in Spanish) only adds to its mystique and contributes to the raucous acoustics. The place quite literally sways back and forth when its crazed fans are in full frenzy. Attending a match at the Bombonera, preferably for a Boca Juniors vs. River Plate superclasico, is arguably a requirement for anybody wishing to call themselves a true fan of the beautiful game.

If this makes the stadium sound like a veritable temple to the sport, that's because it is. So why then isn't it higher up in these rankings? Indeed, why isn't it No. 1? Simple. For all its (numerous) charms, the Bombonera has hosted few matches of historical significance. Perhaps because one of the times it did, in 1969, the home side (in this case the Argentine national team) managed just a 2-2 draw with Peru in a vital World Cup qualifier that kept the albiceleste out of the 1970 World Cup. It was not used in the 1978 World Cup. Unfortunately, this dearth of historic activity keeps the grounds from becoming the mecca of the sport.

Which is not to say La Bombonera hasn't hosted some important, if not groundbreaking events in world soccer. It was here that a certain Diego Armando Maradona received his first cap for the Argentine national team, entering as a second-half substitute in a 1977 friendly against Hungary. (Maradona did not play his first professional game here, as is often assumed because of his affiliation with Boca Juniors, a club he did not actually join until 1981, when he was 21 years old. Previously he played with Argentinos Juniors). Juan Riquelme got his full international debut at La Bombonera in a 1997 World Cup qualifier against Colombia (which ended in a 1-1 draw). In 1968, Manchester United played here (and lost, to Estudiantes) in the first leg of the Intercontinental Cup. In 1977, Boca Juniors hosted Borussia Moenchengladbach of Germany (after Liverpool passed on the invite) in the same tournament. England played a friendly here in 1977 (and drew, 1-1. Hard to believe there were once "friendly" matches between England and Argentina).

Then there are the Superclasico matches, between River Plate and Boca Juniors, about which an entire book can be (and probably has been) written. The U.K.'s Observer famously listed attending one of these matches as the very first of 50 "sporting events you must do before you die." About 220 such matches have been played, not including friendlies. Many of these have been held at La Bombonera, including several epic encounters: In 1962, Boca beat River 1-0 to move into first place (they captured the title in the next round). In 1974, Carlos Garcia Cambon scored four goals in his Boca Juniors debut as the home side won 5-2 (Gambon remains the only player of either team to have scored four times in the Superclasico). In 1996, Claudio Caniggia scored three as Boca defeated River 4-1. In 2000, Boca won the return leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinal by 3-0 to advance to the semis 4-2 on aggregate. They would eventually win the tournament. Of course, River had their share of triumphs at La Bombonera as well, perhaps most famously in 1977 when they scored a last minute winner on their way to the Metropolitano championship.

Photo taken from stadiumguide.com.

The world's top 25 soccer clubs, Feb. 16, 2009

With most English Premiership clubs either idle or playing minnows in F.A. Cup ties, last week was a tough one for the Soccer Source ranking committee to come to terms with. Several top teams dropped points in key situations and the logjam at the back of the list grew deeper. Luckily, intra-continental action returns to Europe this week (after starting last week in South America with the Copa Libertadores) so some clarity should return. But first, this week's ranking:

1 (1). FC Barcelona
Barca actually did NOT win its game last week and came pretty close to losing to Real Betis. Pep Guardiola's men went down 2-0 before rallying on a brace by Samuel Eto'o. That's four goals in two games now for Eto'o. With Real winning, Barca's lead in the Liga is now "only" 10 points. But maybe, just maybe, the Catalan side are human after all. We will soon know more.
Next Up: Host cross-town rivals Espanyol, Saturday. Then it's off to Lyon for the Champions League. Atletico Madrid visits Camp Nou after that.
Against Top 25 (when they were Top 25): Beat Atletico Madrid at home (6-1, Oct. 4), beat Sporting Lisbon at home (3-1, Sept. 16), beat Sporting Lisbon away (5-2, Nov. 26), beat Sevilla away (3-0, Nov. 29), beat Valencia at home (4-0, Dec. 6), beat Real Madrid at home (2-0, Dec. 13), won at Villareal (2-1, Dec. 21), beat Atletico Madrid over two legs (5-2 aggregate) in the Copa del Rey.

2 (3). Inter Milan
Okay, so Adriano's goal was a handball. Still, you can't argue that Inter weren't the better team in yesterday's Milan derby, which the nerazurri won, 2-1. They expand their Serie A lead to nine points with the victory. Earlier in the week Inter beat up on Lecce 3-0. The Serie A race may be over, folks.
Next Up: Host Bologna Saturday, then the CL grudge match with Man United.
Against Top 25: Lost to AC Milan (1-0, Sept. 28), won at Panathinaikos (2-0, Sept. 16), tied at Fiorentina (0-0, Oct. 29), beat Udinese (1-0, Nov. 9), beat Juventus (1-0, Nov. 22), beat AS Roma in Coppa Italia (2-1, Jan. 21), beat AC Milan (2-1, Feb. 15).

3 (2). Manchester United
Man U. had no problem with Derby County, winning their F.A. Cup tie 4-1. United drop a spot here by no fault of their own; a victory over Derby is simply not as impressive as two over Lecce and AC Milan. But the two sides will have a chance to decide this battle for themselves soon...
Next Up: Host Fulham, Wednesday and Blackburn, Sunday. Then it's off to Inter Milan for the Champions League a week from tomorrow.
Against Top 25: Lost to Zenit St. Petersburg (2-1), lost at Liverpool (2-1, Sept. 13), tied Villareal at home (0-0, Sept. 17) and away (0-0, Nov. 25), tied at Chelsea (1-1, Sept. 21), beat Celtic at home (3-0, Oct. 22) and tied at Celtic Park (1-1, Nov. 6), lost at Arsenal (2-1, Nov. 8), beat Chelsea at home (3-0, Jan. 11).

4 (4). Real Madrid
Real beat up on Sporting Gijon, 4-0. Their eighth straight victory. They haven't even conceded a goal in five games. Is this team peaking at exactly the right moment? It may be...
Next Up: Host Real Betis, Saturday. Then Liverpool visit for the first leg of the CL round of 16.
Against Top 25: Beat Zenit St. Petersburg twice (2-1 on the road, Sept. 30 and 3-0 at home, Dec. 9), beat Atletico Madrid (2-1, Oct. 18), lost to Juventus (2-1 on the road, Oct. 22 and 2-0 at home, Nov. 5), lost at Barca (2-0, Dec. 14), beat Valencia at home (1-0, Dec. 20), beat Villareal at home (1-0, Jan. 4).

5 (5). Liverpool
Idle last week.
Next Up: Host Man City, Sunday.
Against Top 25: Beat Manchester United (2-1, Sept. 13), beat Olympique Marseille on the road (2-1, Sept. 16), tied Atletico Madrid (1-1 at Madrid, Oct. 22 and 1-1 at Anfield, Nov. 6), won at Chelsea (1-0, Oct. 26), tied at Arsenal (1-1, Dec. 21), beat Chelsea at home (2-0, Feb. 1).

6 (6). Juventus
Juventus hit the post and the upright something like a dozen times in their game with Sampdoria yesterday, but only managed to score once, before settling with a 1-1 draw that may have just sealed their Serie A title hopes.
Next Up: Visit Palermo Saturday, then it's off to Stamford Bridge for the Champions League tie with Chelsea.
Against Top 25: Beat Zenit St. Petersburg at home (1-0, Sept. 17) and tied on the road (0-0, Nov. 25), tied at Fiorentina (1-1, Aug. 31), tied at BATE Borisov (2-2, Sept. 30), beat Real Madrid (2-1 at home, Oct. 22 and 2-0 at the Bernabeu, Nov. 5), lost at Inter Milan (1-0, Nov. 22), beat AC Milan at home (4-2, Dec. 14)

7. (9). Chelsea
Blues beat Watford in the F.A. Cup, 3-1, in what was not quite the beginning of the Guus Hiddink era at Stamford Bridge (Luiz Felipe Scolari assistant Ray Wilkins was in charge for the game). We thought the Big Phil firing was necessary and believe Hiddink will breathe some life into the West London club. The Premiership title is probably still out of the question though, but we are bullish enough on Chelsea's chances to move them up two whole spots in the Top 25.
Next Up: Visit Aston Villa Saturday, then host Juve inthe first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 a week from Wednesday.
Against Top 25 clubs: Tied Man U at home (1-1, Sept. 21), lost to Liverpool (1-0, Oct. 25), lost to Arsenal at home (2-1, Nov. 30), lost at Man United (3-0, Jan. 11), lost at Liverpool (2-0, Feb. 1).

8 (10). Olympique Lyon
Beat Le Havre 3-1 yesterday. L'OL take advantage of slip-ups by some of the teams ahead of them to move up a few spots. Are they worthy of the honors? We should know soon...
Next Up: Visit Nancy, Saturday. Then host No. 1 Barca a week from tomorrow.
Against Top 25: Tied Fiorentina at home (2-2, Sept. 17) and Bayern Munich on the road (1-1, Sept. 30), won at Fiorentina (2-1, Nov. 25), lost to Bayern at home (3-2, Dec. 10).

9. (7) AC Milan
As previously noted, the rossoneri came up short in the Milan derby yesterday. They hang on to third place, but the title is probably out of the question now. So can David Beckham return to California now? Uh, probably not. He said he would "find it difficult" to return to LA next month. Yeah.
Next Up: Visit Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup Wednesday. Then host Cagliari Sunday before the return leg with Werder at San Siro.
Against Top 25: Beat Inter Milan (1-0, Sept. 28), beat Lazio (4-1, Sept. 21), lost at Juventus (4-2, Dec. 14), tied at AS Roma (2-2, Jan. 11), lost to Inter Milan (2-1, Feb. 15).

10 (8). Bayern Munich
Juergen Klinsmann's side were defeated 2-1 by Hertha Berlin Saturday and drop all the way to fourth place in the Bundesliga.
Next Up: Host Cologne Saturday. The first leg of their Champions League tie with Sporting Lisbon takes place in Portugal the following Wednesday.
Against Top 25: Tied Olympique Lyon at home (1-1, Sept. 30), won at Steaua Bucharest (1-0, Sept. 17), beat Fiorentina at home (3-0, Oct. 22), tied at Fiorentina (1-1, Nov. 6), beat Hoffenheim (2-1, Dec. 5), beat Olympique Lyon on the road (3-2, Dec. 10), lost at Hertha Berlin (2-1, Feb. 14).

11 (18). Porto
The defending Portuguese champions won their league match to maintain a slim (one-point) lead atop the Liga Sagres table. They get an enormous bump here, due to all the clutter ahead of them.
Next Up: Another Sagres match Sunday, followed by the first leg of their Champs League knockout tie with Atletico Madrid a week from tomorrow.
Against Top 25: Lost at Arsenal (4-0, Sept. 30), won at Sporting Lisbon (2-1, Oct. 5), lost at home to Dynamo Kiev (1-0, Oct. 21), won at Kiev (2-1, Nov. 5), beat Arsenal at home (2-0, Dec. 10).

12 (11). Aston Villa
Martin O'Neill's side were beaten pretty soundly by Everton in an F.A. Cup tie yesterday. Their first loss in a long time. Is this a top four club? We'll have to wait and see.
Next Up: The UEFA Cup returns, with CSKA Moscow playing the first leg at Villa Park, followed by a visit from Chelsea Saturday.
Against Top 25: Tied Liverpool at home (0-0, Aug. 31), lost at Chelsea (2-0, Oct. 5), beat Arsenal away (2-0, Nov. 15) tied Man United at home (0-0, Nov. 22)

13 (13). Arsenal
Idle last week.
Next Up: Host Cardiff in the replay of their FA Cup tie later today.
Against Top 25: Tied Dynamo Kiev away (1-1, Sept. 17) won at home (1-0, Nov. 25), beat Man United at home (2-1, Nov. 8), beat Chelsea away (2-1, Nov. 30), tied Liverpool at home (1-1, Dec. 21).

14 (15). FC Sao Paulo
The Brazilian champs (third year in a row) beat Ponte Preta at midweek before drawing Corinthians 1-1. That was in the Paulista league, the regional championship for what we assume is the Sao Paulo area. FCSP are third in said league, behind Corinthians and Palmeiras.
Next Up: Host Independiente Medellin in their first Copa Libertadores game Wednesday. Also visit Barueri, whoever that is, in Paulista action.

15 (12). AS Roma
Were trounced at Atalanta di Bergamo yesterday, 3-0. This would be the worst time of the season for Roma to lose their form again. The gialorossi are now sixth in Serie A.
Next Up: Host Siena, Saturday. Then it's off to Emirates (the stadium, not the country) a week from tomorrow for the next stage of the Champions League.
Against Top 25: Lost at home to Inter (4-0, Oct. 19), lost at Chelsea (1-0, Oct. 22), lost at Udinese (3-1, Oct. 26), lost at Juventus (2-0, Nov. 1), beat Chelsea (3-1, Nov. 4), beat Fiorentina (1-0, Nov. 29), tied AC Milan at home (2-2, Jan. 11), lost at Inter (2-1, Jan. 21) in Coppa Italia.

16 (17). Standard Liege
Won their Jupiler League game Saturday, their sixth win and fourth clean sheet in a row. Have a two point lead in the standings, but second-placed Anderlecht has a game in hand.
Next Up: Sporting Braga in the UEFA Cup Wednesday, followed by the aforementioned Anderlecht, Sunday. Both games are on the road. We shall soon know what Standard are made of...
Against Top 25: Lost to Liverpool in Champions League qualifiers (1-0 in aggregate on an overtime goal in the second leg), beat Sevilla at home (2-0, Nov. 6).

17 (16). Panathinaikos
Played a scoreless tie with Iraklis Saloniki yesterday. With first-placed Olympiakos winning, Panathinaikos are now 14 points behind the leaders, albeit still in second place. It looks like only the Super League champion gets a chance at Champions League spots next year. Can anybody confirm that?
Next Up: Host Panionios, Saturday before a visit to Villareal in the Champions League.
Against Top 25: Lost to Inter Milan at home (2-0, Sept. 16), beat Inter Milan (1-0 away on Nov. 25)

18 (19). Palmeiras
Palmeiras continue their perfect start to the 2009 campaign, where they have nine wins in all nine matches played. Last week they won 3-2 at Mirasol and beat Paulista 1-0. They lead the Paulista league with 21 points from seven matches (the other two wins were in their Libertadores qualifier).
Next Up: Their Libertadores opener at LDU Quito, Wednesday. Quito, it should be noted, are the tournament's defending champions. The other teams in the group are Chile's Colo Colo and fellow Brazilian side Sport Club do Recife.

19 (21). Sporting Lisbon
Beat Belenenses 2-1 yesterday.
Next Up: Things get earnest with second-placed Benfica paying a visit Saturday and the first leg of their Champions League knockout rounder with Bayern Munich (at Lisbon) on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
Against Top 25: Lost to Barcelona (3-1 away, Sept. 19 and 5-2 home, Nov. 25).

20 (14). Boca Juniors
Argentina's Apertura champs suffered a set-back last week, losing 2-0 to Newell's Old Boys Saturday. At home, no less. Boca are probably not as good as we had given them credit for. But we'll have a better idea what they're capable of soon, because...
Next Up: Their first Copa Libertadores tie, at home to Deportivo Cuenca Wednesday. Visit Lanus in Clausura action Sunday.
Against Top 25: Beat San Lorenzo (3-1, Dec. 20), lost to Newell's Old Boys (2-0, Feb. 14).

21 (-). Hertha Berlin
Hertha make their debut appearance in the Top 25 thanks to a 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich that catapulted them into first place in the Bundesliga. Unfortunately, the European campaign was an entirely forgettable one for Lucien Favre's side: Draws with Benfica Lisbon and Metalist Kharkov and losses to Galatasaray and Olympiakos have them watching the proceedings from home the second half of the season. Granted, that's a pretty tough UEFA Cup group right there. Still, it will likely keep Hertha from advancing very far in this space, regardless of how well they defend their perch in the Bundesliga (one point separates Hertha from second-placed Hoffenheim, who were thrashed 4-1 by Leverkusen and voted off the Top 25 island as a result).
Note to our Greek readers: We are keenly aware that Hertha Berlin were beaten 4-0 by Olympiakos earlier this season. But unfortunately, leading the Bundesliga simply overshadows that at this point. Still, hang read on and there will be some consolation...
Next Up: Visit Wolfsburg, Saturday.
Against Top 25: Lost at Bayern Munich (4-1, Aug. 31), beat Hoffenheim (1-0, Nov. 1), beat Bayern Munich (2-1, Feb. 14).

22 (23). Sevilla
Beat relegation-threatened Espanyol Barcelona, 2-0. Solidly in third place in La Liga now, nine points behind Real Madrid, three ahead of fourth-placed Valencia.
Next Up: Host Atletico Madrid, Saturday.
Against Top 25: Won at Atletico Madrid (1-0, Sept. 28), won at Real Madrid (4-3, Dec. 7), lost to Barcelona at home (3-0, Nov. 29), beat Villareal at home (1-0, Dec. 13), beat Valencia over two legs in the Copa del Rey.

23 (22). Chivas de Guadelajara
After taking a last minute equalizer in the Copa Libertadores opener at Lanus, Chivas lost at Santos Laguna in Mexican Clausura action yesterday. They continue to lead their group, however. And the result at Lanus was impressive and shows they are deserving of this spot.
Next Up: Visit Lanus in the first game of the Copa Libertadores group stage (the other teams in the group are Caracas of Venezuela and Everton of Chile). Then visit Santos Laguna, Sunday.
Against Top 25: Lost to Internacional over two legs in the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals.

24 (-). Olympiakos
We're finally biting the bullet and giving Olympiakos their due here. We had a soft spot for the Greek champions (and cup holders) last season but wrote them off after they inexplicably lost their Champions League qualifier to Anorthosis Famagusta this season. They're back now though, mainly by virtue of their 14 point lead in the Greek Super League. But their European campaign is still alive and well in the UEFA Cup, where they notched impressive victories over Hertha Berlin and Benfica Lisbon (while also losing to Galatasaray and Metalist Kharkov). So why aren't Olympiakos ahead of Hertha now? For one, the 4-0 victory in the UEFA Cup was a little misleading, coming as it did at home and on the last match day. If it had been a home-and-home series, we figure Berlin would not have taken as many late goals as they did. It actually would have been a completely different match, because Hertha would not have been forced to attack from the word go as they did. Also, Olympiakos have not beaten anybody of Bayern's caliber, the way Hertha did last week. Finally, the Bundesliga is simply a better league than the Super League, so placing first in Germany is worth more than placing first in Greece. Sorry!
Next Up: Host St. Etienne in the first stage of their UEFA Cup knockout tie. St. Etienne are struggling in France so this shouldn't be a problem for Olympiakos. Also visit AE Ergotelis Sunday.
Against Top 25: Tied at Panathinaikos (0-0, Nov. 9).

25 (-). Newell's Old Boys
The club with one of the strangest names this side of Young Boys Bern (also known as Michael Jackson's favorite team), Newell's quickly established themselves at the top of the Argentine Clausura table after an impressive 2-0 victory over Boca Juniors at the Bombonera yesterday. We can't pretend to know anything else about this team. They aren't in the Copa Libertadores, which makes it difficult for them to advance from this spot very far.
Next Up: More Clausura action, none against teams you would have ever heard of.
Against Top 25: Won at Boca Juniors (2-0, Feb. 15).

Dropping Out:
Hoffenheim (20), Villareal (24), Atletico Madrid (25)

Also receiving votes:
AZ Alkmaar, Olympique Marseille, Paris Saint Germain, San Lorenzo, Caracas FC, Everton.

The world's top 25 soccer clubs, Feb. 9, 2009

Call this the calm before the storm. Intracontinental action returns next week with some UEFA Cup and Copa Libertadores games before the UEFA Champions League puts a definite end to the winder doldrums. How have the world's best teams positioned themselves for this decisive stretch of the season? Let's take a look.

1 (1). FC Barcelona
Okay, so no real surprise here again. Barca had no real problems with either team they faced last week, Mallorca in the first stage of the Copa del Rey semis and Sporting Gijon in the Liga, winning the games 2-0 and 3-1, respectively. It has become an accepted fact that Pep Guardiola's side is not going to be challenged until European competition resumes the week after next. They visit Lyon in the first leg of the Champions League knockouts. That could be interesting. Or Barca could continue to dominate.
Next Up: Visit Real Betis Saturday, then play cross-town rivals Espanyol again. Barca struggled a bit with Espanyol in the Copa del Rey, so this could actually be interesting. Though again, probably not.
Against Top 25 (when they were Top 25): Beat Atletico Madrid at home (6-1, Oct. 4), beat Sporting Lisbon at home (3-1, Sept. 16), beat Sporting Lisbon away (5-2, Nov. 26), beat Sevilla away (3-0, Nov. 29), beat Valencia at home (4-0, Dec. 6), beat Real Madrid at home (2-0, Dec. 13), won at Villareal (2-1, Dec. 21), beat Atletico Madrid over two legs (5-2 aggregate) in the Copa del Rey.

2 (2). Manchester United
Man United have the heroics of an old hand to thank for their latest victory over West Ham United at Upton Park yesterday. The man in question? Ryan Giggs, who scored a heroic late goal to win it for United. Sir Alex' men maintain their two point lead atop the Premiership standings (with a game in hand over second-placed Liverpool).
Next Up: Visit Derby in an F.A. Cup tie Sunday.
Against Top 25: Lost to Zenit St. Petersburg (2-1), lost at Liverpool (2-1, Sept. 13), tied Villareal at home (0-0, Sept. 17) and away (0-0, Nov. 25), tied at Chelsea (1-1, Sept. 21), beat Celtic at home (3-0, Oct. 22) and tied at Celtic Park (1-1, Nov. 6), lost at Arsenal (2-1, Nov. 8), beat Chelsea at home (3-0, Jan. 11).

3 (3). Inter Milan
Inter rebounded from an iffy week by beating Lecce on the road, 3-0. Their Serie A lead is seven points over Juventus.
Next Up: Visit Lecce. The Milan derby is on for Sunday. Then host Bologna a week from Saturday, then the CL grudgematch with Man United.
Against Top 25: Lost to AC Milan (1-0, Sept. 28), won at Panathinaikos (2-0, Sept. 16), tied at Fiorentina (0-0, Oct. 29), beat Udinese (1-0, Nov. 9), beat Juventus (1-0, Nov. 22), beat AS Roma in Coppa Italia (2-1, Jan. 21).

4 (6). Real Madrid
Real beat Racing Santander Saturday, 1-0, their seventh straight victory. They have a solid hold on second place in La Liga now, with third-placed Sevilla now nine points off. Unfortunately, it's 12 points between Real and first-placed Barca--a race that, for all intents and purposes, appears to be over. But keep your eyes on Real, who quietly may just be peaking at exactly the right time.
Next Up: Visit Sporting Gijon, Sunday. Then host Real Betis the following Saturday. Then Liverpool visit for the first leg of the CL round of 16.
Against Top 25: Beat Zenit St. Petersburg twice (2-1 on the road, Sept. 30 and 3-0 at home, Dec. 9), beat Atletico Madrid (2-1, Oct. 18), lost to Juventus (2-1 on the road, Oct. 22 and 2-0 at home, Nov. 5), lost at Barca (2-0, Dec. 14), beat Valencia at home (1-0, Dec. 20), beat Villareal at home (1-0, Jan. 4).

5 (4). Liverpool
Reds played one of the craziest (and most entertaining, though not best-played) games of the Premiership season Saturday at Pompey. Trailing by a goal 12 minutes from time, Rafa Benitez' side forced in the equalizer in the 85th minute, then got the winner in stoppage time. There was a fair amount of luck involved, of course, but the victory keeps Liverpool's Premiership hopes alive. Their FA Cup season, meanwhile, went up in smoke at Everton on Wednesday. Worse still, they lost Steven Gerrard for a crucial stretch of the season.
Next Up: Host Man City, Sunday.
Against Top 25: Beat Manchester United (2-1, Sept. 13), beat Olympique Marseille on the road (2-1, Sept. 16), tied Atletico Madrid (1-1 at Madrid, Oct. 22 and 1-1 at Anfield, Nov. 6), won at Chelsea (1-0, Oct. 26), tied at Arsenal (1-1, Dec. 21), beat Chelsea at home (2-0, Feb. 1).

6 (7). Juventus
Those looking for proof that Serie A is still corrupt and tilted in Juventus' favor had plenty to go by in the team's win at Catania Sunday. The referee let a blatant Juventus handball in their area go and in stoppage time Christian Poulsen stole the winner for the "old lady". Earlier in the week they also beat Napoli in the Coppa Italia.
Next Up: Host Sampdoria, Sunday. Then visit Palermo, then it's off to Stamford Bridge for the Champions League tie with Chelsea.
Against Top 25: Beat Zenit St. Petersburg at home (1-0, Sept. 17) and tied on the road (0-0, Nov. 25), tied at Fiorentina (1-1, Aug. 31), tied at BATE Borisov (2-2, Sept. 30), beat Real Madrid (2-1 at home, Oct. 22 and 2-0 at the Bernabeu, Nov. 5), lost at Inter Milan (1-0, Nov. 22), beat AC Milan at home (4-2, Dec. 14)

7. (6) AC Milan
Had to come back to tie Reginna 1-1 on Saturday. At home, which is not very good. They drop a spot, to third place in Serie A--and here as well.
Next Up: The Milan derby, Sunday. Then visit Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup.
Against Top 25: Beat Inter Milan (1-0, Sept. 28), beat Lazio (4-1, Sept. 21), lost at Juventus (4-2, Dec. 14), tied at AS Roma (2-2, Jan. 11).

8 (9). Bayern Munich
Bayern were the only top three Bundesliga team to win their game last week, coming from behind to trounce Borussia Dortmund 3-1. Juergen Klinsmann's side move back into second place with the victory, only one point behind the leaders Hoffenheim.
Next Up: A massive game at third-placed Hertha Berlin on Saturday.
Against Top 25: Tied Olympique Lyon at home (1-1, Sept. 30), won at Steaua Bucharest (1-0, Sept. 17), beat Fiorentina at home (3-0, Oct. 22), tied at Fiorentina (1-1, Nov. 6), beat Hoffenheim (2-1, Dec. 5), beat Olympique Lyon on the road (3-2, Dec. 10).

9. (8). Chelsea
Chelsea continue to stumble, playing Hull City to a scoreless draw Saturday. Their Premiership title hopes aren't gone yet, but they're circling the drain for sure. Blues are now fourth, two points behind Aston Villa.
Next Up: Visit Watford in the FA Cup Saturday.
Against Top 25 clubs: Tied Man U at home (1-1, Sept. 21), lost to Liverpool (1-0, Oct. 25), lost to Arsenal at home (2-1, Nov. 30), lost at Man United (3-0, Jan. 11), lost at Liverpool (2-0, Feb. 1).

10 (10). Olympique Lyon
Won at Nice, 3-1. With second-placed Girondins Bordeaux losing to Marseille, Lyon expands their Ligue Un lead from one to four points. Some badly-needed breathing space in other words.
Next Up: Host Le Havre, Sunday.
Against Top 25: Tied Fiorentina at home (2-2, Sept. 17) and Bayern Munich on the road (1-1, Sept. 30), won at Fiorentina (2-1, Nov. 25), lost to Bayern at home (3-2, Dec. 10).

11 (11). Aston Villa
Martin O'Neill's side pulled a "Rovers sweep" last week, beating Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup and Blackburn Rovers in the Premiership. They take third place in the Prem with the latter victory.
Next Up: Visit Everton Sunday. The UEFA Cup returns the week after that, with CSKA Moscow playing the first leg at Villa Park, followed by a visit from Chelsea a week Saturday.
Against Top 25: Tied Liverpool at home (0-0, Aug. 31), lost at Chelsea (2-0, Oct. 5), beat Arsenal away (2-0, Nov. 15) tied Man United at home (0-0, Nov. 22)

12 (13). AS Roma
Convincingly beat Genoa, 3-0, taking fifth place from said club in the process.
Next Up: Visit Atalanta di Bergamo, Sunday.
Against Top 25: Lost at home to Inter (4-0, Oct. 19), lost at Chelsea (1-0, Oct. 22), lost at Udinese (3-1, Oct. 26), lost at Juventus (2-0, Nov. 1), beat Chelsea (3-1, Nov. 4), beat Fiorentina (1-0, Nov. 29), tied AC Milan at home (2-2, Jan. 11), lost at Inter (2-1, Jan. 21) in Coppa Italia.

13 (12). Arsenal
The good news Arshavin is coming. The bad news is Arsenal really needs him. Or somebody capable of controlling the midfield and contributing some decent ideas to their game. Gunners continue to drop off the pace in the Premiership, yesterday playing a scoreless game at White Hart Lane, of all paces.
Next Up: Host Cardiff in the replay of their FA Cup tie a week from today.
Against Top 25: Tied Dynamo Kiev away (1-1, Sept. 17) won at home (1-0, Nov. 25), beat Man United at home (2-1, Nov. 8), beat Chelsea away (2-1, Nov. 30), tied Liverpool at home (1-1, Dec. 21).

14 (14). Boca Juniors
After wrapping up the Torneo de Verano title last week, Argentina's Apertura champs picked right up where they left off in the Clausura curtain raiser, beating Gimnasia Y Esgrima Jujuy yesterday 2-1.
Next Up: Host Newell's Old Boys, who are the early Clausura leaders, after winning their opener 3-0. That's Sunday. Then it's the Copa Libertadores, where they host Deportivo Cuenca Wednesday, Feb. 18.
Against Top 25: Beat San Lorenzo (3-1, Dec. 20).

15 (16). FC Sao Paulo
The Brazilian champs (third year in a row) won both games in the Paulista league last week, against Bragantino and Botafogo, by identical 2-1 scores. They move up to third with the victories, one point behind second-placed Corinthians and two behind first-placed Palmeiras. Palmeiras has a perfect five wins from five games, by the way. But there's still plenty left to play for.
Next Up: Host Ponte Preta Wednesday and Corinthians Sunday. In the Copa Libertadores, Sao Paulo are in a group with Uruguay's Defensor Sporting, America de Cali of Colombia and Independiente Medellin, whom they meet in their first game, Wednesday Feb. 18.

16 (17). Panathinaikos
Easily beat third-placed PAOK Saloniki yesterday after a scoreless first leg of a cup tie at Panserraikos.
Next Up: At Iraklis Saloniki, Sunday.
Against Top 25: Lost to Inter Milan at home (2-0, Sept. 16), beat Inter Milan (1-0 away on Nov. 25)

17 (15). Standard Liege
Won their Jupiler League game Friday, their fifth win and third clean sheet in a row. Have a two point lead in the standings, but second-placed Anderlecht has a game in hand. Even though Standard won their game last week we are moving them down because the teams immediately behind them posted more impressive victories. That's how things go when you play in the Belgian Jupiler League...
Next Up: Some other Belgian club, Saturday. Then things finally get interesting, with a trip to Sporting Braga in the UEFA Cup a week Wednesday, followed by the aforementioned Anderlecht.
Against Top 25: Lost to Liverpool in Champions League qualifiers (1-0 in aggregate on an overtime goal in the second leg), beat Sevilla at home (2-0, Nov. 6).

18 (-). Porto
Porto return to the Top 25 for the first time in a long time. Possibly even the first time this season. According to our calculations the defending Portuguese champions have not lost a game since Nov. 1, when they were defeated at home to Naval 1 de Maio. That includes a stretch of victories over Fenerbahce, Dynamo Kiev and Arsenal. So why haven't they been in the Top 25? For starters the victory against Arsenal was tainted, coming on the final match day of the CL group stage when everything was wrapped up. Their champions league group was one of the weakest on record and their domestic league is the weakest its been in a long time as well. Still, we have to admit this is overdue. Even though Porto only managed a 1-1 tie with Benfica Lisbon over the weekend.
Next Up: Two Portuguese league matches against teams we can't pretend to have ever heard of, followed by the first leg of their Champs League knockout tie with Atletico Madrid.
Against Top 25: Lost at Arsenal (4-0, Sept. 30), won at Sporting Lisbon (2-1, Oct. 5), lost at home to Dynamo Kiev (1-0, Oct. 21), won at Kiev (2-1, Nov. 5), beat Arsenal at home (2-0, Dec. 10).

19 (-) Palmeiras.
Not only do Palmeiras have five wins in five games in the Paulista tournament, they also eliminated Bolivian champion Real Potosi from the Libertadores tournament. This makes them seven for seven (seven games, seven wins) so far in '09. Deserving of a spot here, we think.
Next Up: Visit Mirasol in their next Paulista match, then host Paulista FC (yes there is also a team by this name) Sunday. Actually the first Paulista match might need to be moved or something because their Libertadores opener at LDU Quito is Wednesday. Quito, it should be noted, are the tournament's defending champions. Joining them in the group are Chile's Colo Colo and fellow Brazilian side Sport Club do Recife.

20 (19). Hoffenheim
Managed just a 1-1 tie at relegation-threatened Borussia Moenchengladbach. Their Bundesliga lead shrinks to a solitary point.
Next Up: Things don't get any easier, with fifth-placed Bayer Leverkusen paying a visit, Friday.
Against Top 25: Beat Hamburg SV at home (3-0, Oct. 26), lost at Bayern Munich (2-1, Dec. 5).

21 (18). Sporting Lisbon
Lost at home to Sporting Braga. They're still third in Liga Sagres, but now four points behind top placed Porto. That's still close enough to make a run.
Next Up: Visit Belenenses Sunday. Then things get earnest with second-placed Benfica paying a visit and the first leg of their Champions League knockout rounder with Bayern Munich (at Lisbon) on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
Against Top 25: Lost to Barcelona (3-1 away, Sept. 19 and 5-2 home, Nov. 25).

22 (20). Chivas de Guadelajara
Managed just a tie with Necaxa, but continue to lead their Clausura group. But things are about to get very interesting.
Next Up: Visit Lanus in the first game of the Copa Libertadores group stage (the other teams in the group are Caracas of Venezuela and Everton of Chile). Then visit Santos Laguna, Sunday.
Against Top 25: Lost to Internacional over two legs in the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals.

23 (22). Sevilla
Won the first leg of the Copa del Rey at home against Atletico Bilbao, but the 2-1 margin of victory leaves no room for error in the return leg. Then lost the derby match to Real Betis. If they weren't still third in La Liga (by a solitary point over the killer Vs, Valencia and Villareal), we would have dropped Sevilla from the Top 25. As is, they manage to hang on by the skin of their teeth.
Next Up: Visit Espanyol Barcelona Sunday.
Against Top 25: Won at Atletico Madrid (1-0, Sept. 28), won at Real Madrid (4-3, Dec. 7), lost to Barcelona at home (3-0, Nov. 29), beat Villareal at home (1-0, Dec. 13), beat Valencia over two legs in the Copa del Rey.

24 (24). Villareal
Beat Numancia, 2-1 to move even on points with fourth-placed Valencia (who, incidentally, were dropped from this list after losing to Osasuna).
Next Up: Visit Racing Santander Sunday.
Against Top 25: Tied Man U twice (0-0 at Old Trafford, Sept. 18 and 0-0 at home Nov. 25), beat Celtic at home (1-0, Sept. 29), tied Atletico Madrid at home (4-4, Oct. 26), lost at Sevilla (1-0, Dec. 14), lost to Barcelona at home (2-1, Dec. 21), lost at Real Madrid (1-0, Jan. 4), tied Valencia on the road (3-3, Jan. 10).

25 (-) Atletico Madrid.
One of our preseason favorites, Atletico hit a rough midseason stretch that cost Javier Aguirre his job (the same week that the rojiblancos were dropped from the Top 25. Coincidence? We think not). They rebounded last week, beating Recreativo Huelva by a 3-0 score. Huelva are 16th, so this isn't going to light the world on fire. Still, it's enough to get Atletico back where they belong, shortly ahead of their Champions League tie with No. 18 Porto.
Next Up: Host Getafe, Sunday. Then things get interesting, with a trip to third-placed Sevilla and the aforementioned first leg with Porto.
Against Top 25: Lost at Barcelona (6-1, Oct. 4), lost to Real Madrid (2-1, Oct. 18), tied Liverpool (1-1, Oct. 23), tied Villareal (4-4, Oct. 26), tied at Liverpool (1-1, Nov. 5), lost to Barcelona over two legs in the Copa del Rey (5-2 aggregate).

Dropping Out:
Hamburg SV (21), Valencia (23), Girondins Bordeaux (25)

Also receiving votes:
Olympiakos, Paris Saint Germain, AZ Alkmaar, San Lorenzo.

The world's top 25 soccer clubs, Feb. 2, 2009

Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers, winners of Super Bowl XLIII in "that other football"--the one played in the U.S., which curiously does not involve feet striking balls very often. But that's not why we're here. There was a lot of action in association football (soccer here in the U.S.) that affected the top 25 ranking of best soccer clubs in the world. Let's get to it.

1 (1). FC Barcelona
Barca had their troubles with cross-town rival Espanyol in a midweek cup tie, but managed to hold on for a 3-2 victory. They had to come back at Racing Santander in their second game of the week yesterday, getting a brace from Lionel Messi to win it.
Next Up: Host Mallorca in the next stage of the Copa del Rey Thursday. Host Gijon Sunday.
Against Top 25 (when they were Top 25): Beat Atletico Madrid at home (6-1, Oct. 4), beat Sporting Lisbon at home (3-1, Sept. 16), beat Sporting Lisbon away (5-2, Nov. 26), beat Sevilla away (3-0, Nov. 29), beat Valencia at home (4-0, Dec. 6), beat Real Madrid at home (2-0, Dec. 13), won at Villareal (2-1, Dec. 21), beat Atletico Madrid over two legs (5-2 aggregate) in the Copa del Rey.

2 (2). Manchester United
At this point Man United's supremacy in England, the U.K. and Northern Ireland should not be in dispute. Nor should the club's status as second-best team in the world behind Barca. So let's just have the two play each other and cancel the rest of the season, right? Not so fast. They play these games for a reason, after all. And mathematically it's still a long way to go before Red Devils clinch the Premiership. This week, Man United beat W.B.A. 5-0 at midweek before defeating Everton 1-0 Saturday in a game that was probably not as close as the result would indicate. Toffees have a certain American goalkeeper to thank for keeping them in the game (the least he could do after that blunder against Liverpool a few weeks back).
Next Up: Visit West Ham United Saturday.
Against Top 25: Lost to Zenit St. Petersburg (2-1), lost at Liverpool (2-1, Sept. 13), tied Villareal at home (0-0, Sept. 17) and away (0-0, Nov. 25), tied at Chelsea (1-1, Sept. 21), beat Celtic at home (3-0, Oct. 22) and tied at Celtic Park (1-1, Nov. 6), lost at Arsenal (2-1, Nov. 8), beat Chelsea at home (3-0, Jan. 11).

3 (3). Inter Milan
After beating Catania at midweek, Inter stumbled in yesterday's game with Torino, ultimately settling for a 1-1 tie. Luckily for them the other team from Turin, second-placed Juventus, had a horrible time of it last week. So Inter's Serie A lead is now six points.
Next Up: Visit Lecce. The Milan derby looms Sunday, Feb. 15.
Against Top 25: Lost to AC Milan (1-0, Sept. 28), won at Panathinaikos (2-0, Sept. 16), tied at Fiorentina (0-0, Oct. 29), beat Udinese (1-0, Nov. 9), beat Juventus (1-0, Nov. 22), beat AS Roma in Coppa Italia (2-1, Jan. 21).

4 (4). Liverpool
Reds tied Wigan 1-1 at midweek but won the more important game against Chelsea yesterday. They still fall two points behind Man United in the Premiership (Man U also have a game in hand, it should be noted). Despite yesterday's "quality" win, and despite the fact that Inter stumbled as well, Liverpool do not move up. Why is that? For one, Inter leads their league (even though the two teams' records are comparable and Reds have one less league loss) but more importantly, Liverpool got lucky yesterday. Steve Lampard was given a straight red card for a foul that was at best a yellow and that event, more than anything else, led Reds to break through with the late goal.
Next Up: Another game with Everton, Wednesday followed by a trip to Pompey on Saturday.
Against Top 25: Beat Manchester United (2-1, Sept. 13), beat Olympique Marseille on the road (2-1, Sept. 16), tied Atletico Madrid (1-1 at Madrid, Oct. 22 and 1-1 at Anfield, Nov. 6), won at Chelsea (1-0, Oct. 26), tied at Arsenal (1-1, Dec. 21), beat Chelsea at home (2-0, Feb. 1).

5 (6). Real Madrid
Real beat Numancia Saturday, 2-0, their sixth straight victory. They have a solid hold on second place in La Liga now, with third-placed Sevilla six points off. Unfortunately, it's 12 points between Real and first-placed Barca--a race that, for all intents and purposes, appears to be over.
Next Up: Host Racing Santander, Saturday.
Against Top 25: Beat Zenit St. Petersburg twice (2-1 on the road, Sept. 30 and 3-0 at home, Dec. 9), beat Atletico Madrid (2-1, Oct. 18), lost to Juventus (2-1 on the road, Oct. 22 and 2-0 at home, Nov. 5), lost at Barca (2-0, Dec. 14), beat Valencia at home (1-0, Dec. 20), beat Villareal at home (1-0, Jan. 4).

6. (7) AC Milan
After a midweek draw with fourth-placed Genoa, the rossoneri beat Lazio 3-0 to take second place in Serie A from slumping Juventus. They move up in this table too. For those of you who have questioned our sanity for putting AC Milan in the top 10: suck it.
Next Up: Host Reggina Saturday. The Milan derby is on for the week after that.
Against Top 25: Beat Inter Milan (1-0, Sept. 28), beat Lazio (4-1, Sept. 21), lost at Juventus (4-2, Dec. 14), tied at AS Roma (2-2, Jan. 11).

7 (5). Juventus
It was a very bad week for Juventus, who lost both games, at Udinese (2-1) and at home to Cagliari (3-2). Juve are not looking like a top 10 team right now, much less the top five one they were a week ago.
Next Up: Host a Coppa Italia tie with Napoli Wednesday, before visiting Catania Sunday.
Against Top 25: Beat Zenit St. Petersburg at home (1-0, Sept. 17) and tied on the road (0-0, Nov. 25), tied at Fiorentina (1-1, Aug. 31), tied at BATE Borisov (2-2, Sept. 30), beat Real Madrid (2-1 at home, Oct. 22 and 2-0 at the Bernabeu, Nov. 5), lost at Inter Milan (1-0, Nov. 22), beat AC Milan at home (4-2, Dec. 14)

8. (8). Chelsea
Beat Middlesbrough at midweek before losing to Liverpool yesterday.
Next Up: Host Hull City, Saturday.
Against Top 25 clubs: Tied Man U at home (1-1, Sept. 21), lost to Liverpool (1-0, Oct. 25), lost to Arsenal at home (2-1, Nov. 30), lost at Man United (3-0, Jan. 11), lost at Liverpool (2-0, Feb. 1).

9 (9). Bayern Munich
Bayern's curious Dr. Jekyl/Mr. Hyde act was apparently not exorcised by the month long winter break. After showing their class in defeating Stuttgart 5-1 in a midweek cup tie, they were defeated by Hamburg SV Friday night. Hamburg temporarily took first place in the German Bundesliga with the win before relinquishing it to Hoffenheim, who won Saturday. But more on them later.
Next Up: Host Dortmund Sunday.
Against Top 25: Tied Olympique Lyon at home (1-1, Sept. 30), won at Steaua Bucharest (1-0, Sept. 17), beat Fiorentina at home (3-0, Oct. 22), tied at Fiorentina (1-1, Nov. 6), beat Hoffenheim (2-1, Dec. 5), beat Olympique Lyon on the road (3-2, Dec. 10).

10 (13). Olympique Lyon
Beat Olympique Marseille in a midweek cup tie, then tied St. Etienne, 1-1 yesterday. We're still moving them up, because being first place in France has to count for something.
Next Up: Visit Nice, Sunday.
Against Top 25: Tied Fiorentina at home (2-2, Sept. 17) and Bayern Munich on the road (1-1, Sept. 30), won at Fiorentina (2-1, Nov. 25), lost to Bayern at home (3-2, Dec. 10).

11 (10). Aston Villa
Martin O'Neill's side beat Pompey 1-0 at midweek but just couldn't put the ball in the net against Wigan Saturday. The teams ended up playing a scoreless draw that Villa could ill afford if they were going to be serious about challenging for their first English championship since 1981.
Next Up: Host Doncaster Rovers in an FA Cup tie Wednesday before visiting Blackburn Saturday. The UEFA Cup returns the week after that, with CSKA Moscow playing the first leg at Villa Park.
Against Top 25: Tied Liverpool at home (0-0, Aug. 31), lost at Chelsea (2-0, Oct. 5), beat Arsenal away (2-0, Nov. 15) tied Man United at home (0-0, Nov. 22)

12 (11). Arsenal
A pair of disappointing draws for Arsene's men, who at this point cannot reasonably be viewed as a realistic contender for the Premiership.
Next Up: Host Cardiff in the replay of their FA Cup tie tomorrow, then visit White Hart Lane.
Against Top 25: Tied Dynamo Kiev away (1-1, Sept. 17) won at home (1-0, Nov. 25), beat Man United at home (2-1, Nov. 8), beat Chelsea away (2-1, Nov. 30), tied Liverpool at home (1-1, Dec. 21).

13 (12). AS Roma
Beat Palermo, 2-1 at midweek, then managed only a 2-2 tie at Reggina on the weekend. Roma are fifth in Serie A, six points behind the Champions League spots. First place is a little too distant at this stage (13 points).
Next Up: Genoa pay a visit Sunday.
Against Top 25: Lost at home to Inter (4-0, Oct. 19), lost at Chelsea (1-0, Oct. 22), lost at Udinese (3-1, Oct. 26), lost at Juventus (2-0, Nov. 1), beat Chelsea (3-1, Nov. 4), beat Fiorentina (1-0, Nov. 29), tied AC Milan at home (2-2, Jan. 11), lost at Inter (2-1, Jan. 21) in Coppa Italia.

14 (16). Boca Juniors
Argentina's Apertura champs beat Racing 2-0 Tuesday to win the Torneo de Verano tournament. The Verano is just a mini tournament that ends next week. But the teams seem to take it seriously.
Next Up: Visit Gimnasia Y Esgrima Sunday in the curtain raiser on their Clausura championship season. In the Copa Libertadores, it looks like Boca will be in a group with Paraguay's Libertad, Peru's Universidad (a college team that somehow qualified for this competition, it appears) and Mexico's San Luis.
Against Top 25: Beat San Lorenzo (3-1, Dec. 20).

15 (18). Standard Liege
Beat up on Roselare, 3-0. Don't ask us who Roselare is, because we don't know. The boys from Luettich (that's the German name of the town) are at unprecedented heights in the Top 25. Do they deserve to be here? Well check out their record against quality competition. Of course if they trip up in the next stage of the UEFA Cup (they face Sporting Braga) they'll be gone faster than you can say Liege-Bastogne-Liege.
Next Up: Some other Belgian club, Friday.
Against Top 25: Lost to Liverpool in Champions League qualifiers (1-0 in aggregate on an overtime goal in the second leg), beat Sevilla at home (2-0, Nov. 6).

16 (15). FC Sao Paulo
The Brazilian champs (third year in a row) beat Guarani at midweek before losing to Santo Andre at home yesterday in the Paulista preseason tournament for teams in that municipality. Sao Paulo themselves are now sixth.
Next Up: More Paulista action. Host Bragantino Wednesday and play at Botafogo Sunday. In the Copa Libertadores, Sao Paulo will be in a group with Uruguay's Defensor Sporting, America de Cali of Colombia and in all likelihood Independiente Medellin, who beat Uruguay's Penarol 4-0 in the first leg of their qualifier.

17 (19). Panathinaikos
Beat Levadiakos (did we say that right?) 2-1 on Saturday. Panathinaikos are third in Super League.
Next Up: A cup tie Wednesday followed by second-placed PAOK Saoliniki at home Sunday. They'll move up with the victory.
Against Top 25: Lost to Inter Milan at home (2-0, Sept. 16), beat Inter Milan (1-0 away on Nov. 25)

18 (17). Sporting Lisbon
Played a scoreless draw at Trofense yesterday. Ouch. Sporting are only third in Portugal, though within striking distance (three points) of first-placed Porto. Still, this is supposed to be a Top 20 team? For now...
Next Up: Host Sporting Braga, Sunday.
Against Top 25: Lost to Barcelona (3-1 away, Sept. 19 and 5-2 home, Nov. 25).

19 (25). Hoffenheim
The "Wintermeister" (winter champions, because they finished first after the first half of the season) picked right up where they left off, beating Energie Cottbus 2-0 yesterday. With Bayern losing, their lead is now two points--over Hertha Berlin.
Next Up: Visit Borussia Moenchengladbach Saturday.
Against Top 25: Beat Hamburg SV at home (3-0, Oct. 26), lost at Bayern Munich (2-1, Dec. 5).

20 (23). Chivas de Guadelajara
Beat Monterrey 2-1 yesterda to take first place in their Clausura group.
Next Up: Host Necaxa Sunday. In the Libertadores they're drawn with Lanus of Argentina, Caracas of Venezuela and Everton of Liverpool (just kidding they're actually from Chile). A tough group for sure.
Against Top 25: Lost to Internacional over two legs in the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals.

21 (-). Hamburg SV
HSV returns to the Top 25 for the first time since Oct. 20. They actually had several appearances earlier this season but promptly lost and were knocked off. Maybe this time will be different? Anyway, the reason they're here at all is of course their impressive victory over Bayern Munich last Friday. Martin Jol's side moves into third place in the Bundesliga with the victory. Earlier in the week they also beat 1860 Munich (a second division side these days. A bad one) 3-1 in a cup tie.
Next Up: Visit Karlsruhe, Saturday.
Against Top 25: Tied at Bayern Munich (2-2, Aug. 15), beat Bayern at home (1-0, Jan. 30).

22 (21). Sevilla
Beat Valencia in the return leg of the Copa del Rey to advance by virtue of the away goal rule. Then turned around and lost at Gijon, 1-0. They're a distant third in the liga, six points behind second-placed Real and only one ahead of fourth-placed Valencia, the team they knocked out of the cup.
Next Up: Host Atletico Bilbao in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal. The derby with Real Betis is on for Sunday.
Against Top 25: Won at Atletico Madrid (1-0, Sept. 28), won at Real Madrid (4-3, Dec. 7), lost to Barcelona at home (3-0, Nov. 29), beat Villareal at home (1-0, Dec. 13), beat Valencia over two legs in the Copa del Rey.

23 (20). Valencia
Lost to Sevilla in the Copa del Rey but rebounded by (barely) beating Almeira at home, 3-2.
Next Up:At Osasuna, Sunday.
Against Top 25: Lost to Real Madrid over two legs in Spanish Supercup, tied at Sevilla (0-0, Nov. 22), lost at Barcelona (4-0, Dec. 6), beat Atletico Madrid (3-1, Jan. 4), tied Villareal (3-3, Jan. 10), lost to Sevilla over two legs in Copa del Rey.

24 (14). Villareal
The Yellow Submarine's form continues to disintegrate. One week after a 1-1 draw with last-placed Osasuna, Villareal got smacked around by Deportivo La Coruna, 3-0. Deportivo are now only one point behind the yellows in the battle for fifth place.
Next Up: Host Numancia Sunday.
Against Top 25: Tied Man U twice (0-0 at Old Trafford, Sept. 18 and 0-0 at home Nov. 25), beat Celtic at home (1-0, Sept. 29), tied Atletico Madrid at home (4-4, Oct. 26), lost at Sevilla (1-0, Dec. 14), lost to Barcelona at home (2-1, Dec. 21), lost at Real Madrid (1-0, Jan. 4), tied Valencia on the road (3-3, Jan. 10).

25 (24). Girondins Bordeaux
Tied seventh-placed Lille, 1-1.
Next Up: Visit fourth-placed Marseille Sunday.
Against Top 25: Lost at Chelsea (4-0, Sept. 16), tied at home (1-1, Nov. 26), lost to Roma twice (3-1 at home, Oct. 1; 2-0 away, Dec. 9), lost at Lyon (2-1, Nov. 16)

Dropping Out:
Atletico Madrid (22)

Also receiving votes:
Olympiakos, Porto, Paris Saint Germain, AZ Alkmaar.