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.

The world's top 25 soccer clubs, March 1, 2010

We are on the precipice of a crucial period of the season in world club soccer, where the pretenders are separated from the contenders. So pay close attention to this week's rankings because they may be about to be shaken, not stirred. Remember that we only count two-leg matchups as one result, so while the latest Europa League action is factored into this ranking, the Champions League's is not--yet. As a result the top eight spots don't change much. Okay fine, they don't change at all. But look closely because the whole thing might be shaken up very soon. Plus the second tier is extremely interesting anyway. Enjoy.

1. Barcelona
Last ranking: 1
Record (wins-losses-ties, in all competition; two-leg match-ups count as one): 27-3-6
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).
Commentary/recent results: Barca have begun to struggle just a wee bit. There was the 1-1 draw at Stuttgart (which again is not taken into account here) and Saturday's hard-fought 2-1 win over Malaga, a team in the thick of a relegation battle. But there was also a 4-0 victory over Racing Santander since the last edition of the Top 25. All in all, it's enough to keep Barcelona tops. But it's getting kinda hectic.
Upcoming schedule: At Almeira, Saturday. Host Valencia Sunday, March 14. Then the return leg against Stuttgart.

2. Inter Milan
Last ranking: 2
Record: 22-3-10
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 played thrice over the last two weeks and did not lose. That's the good news. The bad news is their 2-1 win over Chelsea is unlikely to hold up in the return leg of their Champions League matchup. Plus they dropped points again in a scoreless home draw to Sampdoria. Their Serie A lead is down to four points..
Upcoming schedule: Host Genoa on Sunday, visit Catania a week from Friday. The return leg at Stamford Bridge is the following Tuesday.

3. Chelsea
Last ranking: 3
Record: 28-6-6
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: Blues played probably their worst game of the season Saturday, losing to Manchester City 4-2 in an encounter that was overshadowed by Wayne Bridge refusing to shake John Terry's hand. Chelsea's lead over Man United is now one solitary point. It's going to be very interesting.
Upcoming schedule: Host Stoke City Saturday in FA Cup action, West Ham United a week later.

4. Real Madrid
Last ranking: 4
Record: 22-5-4
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).
Commentary/recent results: The merengues are another club that can be glad we don't factor in the latest Champions League result into our rankings, because as we all know Real were soundly defeated at Olympique Lyon, though a 1-0 margin leaves plenty of opportunity for reversal. It's been a different story in the Spanish liga, with easy back-to-back victories over Villareal and Tenerife (6-2 and 5-1, respectively).
Upcoming schedule: Host Sevilla in a cracker Saturday. Will they be able to avenge the loss earlier this season? Then host the return leg v. Lyon on Wednesday, March 10.

5. Manchester United
Last ranking: 5
Record: 27-9-4
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).
Commentary/recent results: Red Devils rebounded from the loss at Everton, with a pair of wins. Yesterday's over Aston Villa gives them the first piece of silverware, the Carling Cup. The first of how many? We'll just have to wait and see.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Wolves Saturday. Then host AC Milan in the return leg of their Champions League match-up. Man U won the first, 3-2 and are clearly in the driver's seat to advance to the quarterfinals.

6. Girondins Bordeaux
Last ranking: 6
Record: 27-6-4
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 defeated Lorient 4-1 in a French cup tie and dropped Olympiakos by 1-0 in the first (away) leg of their Champions League matchup. Yesterday's game with Le Mans was canceled.
Upcoming schedule: Host Montpellier Saturday. This is a big game folks; the two sides are now equal on points atop the League Un standings. Bordeaux have two games in hand, but still.

7. Bayern Munich
Last ranking: 7
Record: 22-4-8
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: The Bayern resurgence continues as Louis van Gaal's club moves into first place in the Bundesliga for (I think) the first time this season. The catalyst was a dull 1-0 victory over Hamburg SV yesterday. Bayern will take it. Their lead in the German Bundesliga is now two points over Leverkusen, which could be more had Bayern not dropped points in a 1-1 draw at Nurnberg on Feb. 20. They also take a 2-1 lead into the return leg with Fiorentina.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Cologne Saturday. The aforementioned return leg in Florence is a week from tomorrow.

8. Arsenal
Last ranking: 8
Record: 24-9-5
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)
Commentary/recent results: Gunners booked a pair of easy Premiership victories after going down 2-1 at Porto. They defeated Sunderland on Feb. 20 and bounced back from an early deficit to beat Stoke City 3-1 on Saturday. They're suddenly back in the thick of the Premiership race.
Upcoming schedule: Host Burnley, Saturday. Then host Porto for the return leg, needing a win by either 1-0 or two goals to advance. Visit Hull City the following 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.

9. Sevilla
Last ranking: 10
Record: 21-5-4
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).
Commentary/recent results: Los palanganas played a disappointing scoreless draw with Bilbao yesterday. They previously defeated Mallorca and notched an important 1-1 away draw at CSKA Moscow in the first leg of their Champions League matchup. The Mallorca victory was massive as they have a three point edge over that team in the Liga standings. Sevilla are fourth, three points behind Valencia.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Real Madrid Saturday. Host Deportivo La Coruna a week from Sunday. The return leg with CSKA is the following Tuesday.

10. Benfica Lisbon
Last ranking: 11
Record: 22-3-4
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: Benfica had no problems with Hertha Berlin in the Europa League, advancing easily by an aggregate score of 4-1. They also defeated Leixoes by the same score in Liga Sagres on Saturday. Their lead in the Portuguese league is one point over Sporting Braga.
Upcoming schedule: Host Pacos de Ferreira Sunday before the next stage of the Europa League ensues. Benfica host Olympique Marseille in the first leg a week from Thursday. That should be interesting.

11. Olympique Lyonnais
Last ranking: 20
Record: 22-8-7
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)
Commentary/recent results: Don't look now but l'OL has not given up a goal since Jan. 31. We had all but written off their season a few weeks ago. But now they're just two points behind co-leaders Montpellier and Bordeaux in Ligue Un and on the cusp of a major upset in the Champions League elimination round. In their last two league matches they defeated Sochaux by 4-0 and Nice by 2-0. We did say we wouldn't take the Real Madrid match into consideration until the return leg is played, but we're moving Lyon up just in case...
Upcoming schedule: Visit Boulogne Saturday followed by the all-important return leg match at the sixth-biggest soccer mecca in the world. Lyon take a 1-0 lead into that match. The way they're playing now it might just be enough. We'll see.

12. AC Milan
Last ranking: 13
Record: 19-7-9
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).
Commentary/recent results: The 3-2 home loss to Man United in the first leg of their Champions League matchup was unfortunate and will in all likelihood lead to Milan's exit from said tournament. But they rebounded nicely with three wins in a row in Serie A, to narrow their deficit to first-placed Inter Milan to four points. There's still everything to play for in Serie A. Of course that could be all that's left to play for as well, depending on how the Champions League return legs play out.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Roma Saturday in a crucial Serie A encounter. Then it's to Old Trafford and the return leg vs. Man United on Wednesday, March 10.

13. Porto
Last ranking: 12
Record: 21-6-3
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).
Commentary/recent results: The Dragoes beat up on second-placed Sporting Braga a week ago but yesterday went down 3-0 at Sporting Lisbon. The loss is significant because it leaves Porto nine points behind leaders Benfica. I don't know if they can come back from that (though they do host Benfica on the penultimate Liga Sagres matchday, May 2). There was also that little 2-1 first leg victory over Arsenal but we'll have to wait and see if that holds up.
Upcoming schedule: Host Olhanense Sunday before the trip to Emirates a week from tomorrow.

14. Rubin Kazan
Last Ranking: 18
Record: 21-6-8
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 had no problem with Israeli club Hapoel Tel Aviv, winning 3-0 on aggregate to advance to the round of 16 in the Europa League.
Upcoming schedule: Face German champions VfL Wolfsburg in the next stage of the Europa League. The Russian league kicks off March 14.

15. AS Roma
Last ranking: 9
Record: 22-7-7
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)
Commentary/recent results: We labeled Roma the hottest team in Europe a fortnight ago. That may have been true at the time, but it isn't anymore. Yes, the gialorossi kept their unbeaten streak in Serie A alive and are now in third place. But the team also exited the Europa League at the hands of Panathinaikos, who weren't even on our radar (but are now, as you'll see in a bit).
Upcoming schedule: Host AC Milan, Saturday, the team they trail by three points. First placed Inter are seven points afield. But that deficit too can still be negated. The two sides meet Mach 28 in Rome.

16. Bayer Leverkusen
Last ranking: 15
Record: 13-1-11
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: The good news is Leverkusen is still unbeaten in league play this season. The bad news is they're no longer first after a pair of disappointing draws with Werder Bremen and Cologne.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Nurnberg Sunday. Then host Hamburg SV on Sunday, March 14. A clash with Bayern Munich looms April 10.

17. Valencia
Last ranking: 16
Record: 19-6-9
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).
Commentary/recent results: Los xotos defeated FC Bruges in the Europa League 3-1 on aggregate and beat Getafe last Monday but yesterday they came undone against Atletico Madrid, losing 4-1 in their home ground. Valencia remain third in La Liga, 15 points off the pace of Barcelona. Sevilla is four points behind them. That race has obviously run its course, but there's still everything to play for in Europe.
Upcoming schedule: Host Racing Santander a week from today. The next round of the Europa League ensues the following Thursday with Werder Bremen, at home.

18. Olympiakos
Last ranking: 17
Record: 19-6-6
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: Olympiakos drew Ergotelis, lost at home to Bordeaux in the first leg of their Champions League matchup, before rebounding with a win over Atromitos Halkidona yesterday. They obviously have their work cut out for them in Europa, but in the Greek Super League they trail leaders Panathinaikos by just two points.
Upcoming schedule: At Iraklis Saloniki Saturday, followed by another Greek league match the following weekend. The return leg at Bordeaux is March 17.

19. Dynamo Kiev
Last ranking: 19
Record: 16-4-3
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 won their first match of 2010, against some Ukrainian club. They maintain a two point lead atop the standings, with a game in hand over second-placed 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.

20. Olympique Marseille
Last ranking: 23
Record: 22-9-7
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: Four straight wins for l'OM, including an easy one over Copenhagen in the Europa League. They're still in the hunt for the Ligue Un title as well; just three points behind co-leaders Montpellier and Bordeaux and one behind second-placed Lyon with a game in hand on all but Bordeaux.
Upcoming schedule: Host Lorient Saturday, followed by the first leg of their next Europa League encounter, with Benfica Lisbon. That one should be interesting.

21. RSC Anderlecht
Last ranking: 22
Record: 26-7-5
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 defeated Atletic Bilbao by an impressive 5-1 on aggregate and followed this up with a 2-1 win at Roeselare, whoever that is. They now have a nine point lead in the Jupiler League with a game on hand over second-placed FC Bruges with only two matchdays remaining. Can that be true?
Upcoming schedule: Host Genk Saturday, then face Hamburg SV in what promises to be a tough Europa League Round of 16.

22.OSC Lille
Last ranking: -
Record: 19-11-6
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: We have to give l'OSC credit for their victory over Fenerbahce, whom we (erroneously, it turned out) deemed the better club. But Lille lost a costly game yesterday against Auxerre and are now fifth in Ligue Un. But they're still very much alive for the title, just four points behind co-leaders Bordeaux and Montpellier.
Upcoming schedule: Play at St. Etienne Saturday. Host Liverpool a week from Thursday in what promises to be an interesting Europa League matchup. It had better be or one of the teams will exit the Top 25 probably for good.

23. Panathinaikos
Last ranking: -
Record: 26-6-3
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: It's been some time coming, but we finally give Panathinaikos their due after a stirring upset of AS Roma in the Europa League. Truth is, every other time they were on the threshold of the Top 25, the lack of "quality wins" kept them out. No longer. Roma's number nine rank might have been a bit inflated but it's hard to dispute they were the best club Panathinaikos faced all season. There is also the matter of sitting in first place in the Greek Super League
Upcoming schedule: Host Levadiakos Saturday. The Europa League resumes with Standard Liege the following Thursday.

24. PSV Eindhoven
Last ranking: 14
Record: 26-2-7
Results of note: Drew at Twente (1-1, Aug. 9), defeated Ajax Amsterdam at home (4-3, Aug. 16)
Commentary/recent results: PSV were ousted by Hamburg SV in the Europa League round of 32. It was close, with HSV advancing only by virtue of the away goal rule. Unfortunately this means we'll never truly know how good this team is. They're best in Holland, obviously, but how good is that?
Upcoming schedule: Visit NAC Breda Saturday before visiting Ajax Amsterdam in a match that could decide the Eredivisie title, or at least determine if Ajax is going to have anything to do with the outcome. The Amsterdam club sit third, seven points behind PSV. Second-placed Twente are a point behind the leaders.

25. Liverpool
Last ranking: 25
Record: 17-13-7
Results of note: Lost at then-No. 4 Chelsea (2-0, Oct. 4), lost at home to then-No. 8 Olympique Lyon (2-1, Oct. 20), beat then-No. 3 Man United at home (2-0, Oct. 25), lost at then-No. 12 Arsenal (2-1, Oct. 28) in league cup, drew at then-No. 12 Olympique Lyon (1-1, Nov. 4), lost at home to then-No. 11 Arsenal in Premiership (2-1, Dec. 12), won at then-No. 20 Aston Villa (1-0, Dec. 29), lost at then-No. 8 Arsenal (1-0, Feb. 10) in Premiership.
Commentary/recent results: Reds manage to keep their top 25 spot one week after returning from a long absence. They defeated Unirea Urziceni (themselves a Top 25 club at one point) in their Europa League matchup, played a scoreless draw at Manchester City and yesterday defeated Blackburn 2-1. They're sixth in the Prem, but only one point behind fourth-placed Tottenham.
Upcoming schedule: Play at Wigan a week from Monday, followed by the first leg of what promises to be a tricky Europa League matchup with Lille. A crucial visit to Old Trafford is up March 21. Reds won the first encounter, if you'll recall...

Dropping Out:
Fenerbahce (21) after being eliminated by Lille in the Europa League, Shakhtar Donetsk (24) after being eliminated by Fulham in the Europa League.

Also receiving consideration (in rough order of consideration received):
Chivas de Guadelajara (perfect through eight games of the Mexican Clausura, which I think is some kind of record), Sporting Lisbon (3-0 victory over Porto, eliminated Everton in Europa League), Juventus (unbeaten since Jan. 28, defeated Ajax Amsterdam in Europa League), Velez Sarsfield (5-1-2 in all competition including 2-0 in Copa Libertadores), Allianza Lima (4-1-2 in all competition including 2-0 in Copa Libertadores, with a 4-1 victory over defending champions Estudiantes)

Note: The next episode of the Top 25 will appear March 15.

Photo taken from ESPN Soccernet without permission.