Champ's League roundup: (Most) favorites assert themselves

With one (Red) exception, all major favorites won their games in the Champions League's second round of group play. Then there was AC Milan, who have already struggled so much this season they barely deserve to be favorites of anything. Case in point: FC Zurich came away 1-0 winners from their visit to the San Siro today. Leonardo's club has one solitary point from its last three games, a stretch where they scored zero (0) goals. They've actually scored just five times in eight games all season. This from a club whose roster includes Pato and Fippo Inzaghi, among others? Pathetic. Still, the rossoneri could very well go through from this group. Zurich have been losing games to clubs named Young Boys (said to be Michael Jackson's favorite Swiss team) and Xanax Xamax. Olympique Marseille managed a scoreless draw with French champions Bordeaux back on Aug. 30 and have not been heard from since. They were trounced 3-0 by Real Madrid at the Bernabeu today. Expect them to fight out the third spot with Zurich while the Milanese get their junk in order. It may take firing their Brazilian coach, who despite all his charms as a player, does not appear cut out for the job of managing.

Once again, the biggest game of the round ended in a scoreless draw. Last week it was Barcelona and Inter Milan, this week Juventus and Bayern Munich. But there were plenty of goals elsewhere. Olympique Lyon and Sevilla rang up four each on hopelessly overmatched opponents in Hungary and Scotland, respectively. And to think we had Rangers as a top 25 club last week? Shame on us! Though with Unirea Urziceni and VfB Stuttgart, the group is even worse than Milan's (by far, actually), Rangers may just manage to advance to the quarterfinals. All they really need to do is play Stuttgart to a scoreless draw when the teams meet at Ibrox, while hoping they match the German side's record in other matches. Though we really can't see Stuttgart losing 4-1 at home to Sevilla. So 'Gers may need to win against the Swabian side when they meet in Glasgow on Nov. 24.

Other favorites had a harder time of it, but came out winners nonetheless. At Old Trafford, Manchester United went down a goal to German champions Wolfsburg, but managed to turn the game around with a pair of late strikes from Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick, respectively. (Yes, Ryan Giggs is not only still playing, but also still scoring goals and still turning around Champions League matches). Maccabi Haifa managed to hold onto a scoreless draw for 82 minutes at the Parc de Lescure before French champions Bordeaux got the winner from Michael Ciani. Group A could be a real dogfight, with Bordeaux, Juventus and Bayern slugging it out for the two spots. Impossible to handicap their chances at this point, but the next matchday could be telling: Bordeaux host Bayern and Juve host Haifa. If there is a winner in the Bordeaux match, they will be in the driver's seat with seven points from three games, followed by Juventus with five points (assuming the Italian side beat Haifa, which is certainly expected).

Then there was Liverpool, who were defeated 2-0 by Fiorentina in a game that was nowhere near as close as the score might indicate. This is typical stuff from Reds at this stage of the season (and unlike Milan, Fiorentina aren't terrible, though they aren't great either). Despite the loss, we still see Liverpool advancing to the Round of 16. It will be close, and will likely require them to defeat Lyon at Anfield in three weeks' time, but Rafa Benitez' club are used to these type of situations. A team that could be in trouble, however is Inter Milan. Tuesday's draw at Ruben Kazan leaves them third in the group with just two points from their first two games. But they get a chance to pass Dynamo Kiev, whom they face at San Siro on the next match day, on Oct. 20. It all depends on what the Ukrainian side are capable of. Judging by their performance at Camp Nou, not much. Though that too, could of course change. They play these games for a reason, after all.

Photo taken from footballitaliano.org.

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, Sept. 28, 2009

Some major upsets in Italy and England had the potential to shake up the Top 10 this week. Did they? A little. Take a look:

1. Real Madrid
Last ranking: 1
Record (wins-losses-ties, in all competition; two-leg match-ups count as one): 6-0-0
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: Real beat both opponents last week, Villareal and Tenerife, without giving up a goal. Can't find much fault with that. This is not the Villareal of years' past, however. The yellow submarine have just two points from their first five games, which puts them in the penultimate spot in the Liga standings. Not that any of that is of concern to Real Madrid. The merengues are rolling.
Upcoming schedule: Things finally get a bit more interesting when Real host Olympique Marseille in the Champions League Wednesday. They then get a lot more interesting with a trip to Sevilla Sunday. This should give us an idea of whether Real are truly deserving of the top slot. We expect them to not only win both games, but win them decisively.

2. Barcelona
Last ranking: 2
Record: 7-0-1
Results of note: Beat Shakhtar Donetsk (at the time ranked 14th) in overtime in the UEFA SuperCup, Aug. 29, drew at then-No. 6 Inter Milan in Champions League group stage (0-0, Sept. 16).
Commentary/recent results: Like Real Madrid, Barcelona won both their league games last week with ease. The two sides are already atop the Liga standings, each with perfect 5-0-0 records. Will it last? Yeah.
Upcoming schedule: Host Dynamo Kiev when the Champions League returns to action tomorrow. Host Almeira Saturday.

3. Manchester United
Last ranking: 4
Record: 8-1-0
Results of note: Beat then No. 4 Arsenal at home (2-1, Aug. 29), beat then-No. 13 Manchester City (4-3, Sept. 20).
Commentary/recent results: Red Devils won a close one at Wolves in the League Cup on Wednesday, then got a pair of second half goals to book a win at the Brittania Saturday.
Upcoming schedule: Host VfL Wolfsburg in the Champions League Wednesday and Sunderland Saturday. Wolfsburg could be tricky, but probably won't be. Sunderland won't be. A visit to Anfield looms Oct. 25.

4. Chelsea
Last ranking: 3
Record: 8-1-0
Results of note: Beat then-No. 10 Porto in Champions League group stage (1-0, Sept. 15).
Commentary/recent results: After a closer-than-comfortable 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers in the League Cup at midweek, Blues fell apart at Wigan on Saturday, losing 3-1. Ouch. So why do they only drop one spot in the rankings? For one, the teams behind them didn't do particularly well. For another, it was their first loss of the season.
Upcoming schedule: At APOEL Nikosia in the second CL game Wednesday. Liverpool visit the Bridge Sunday.

5. Juventus
Last ranking: 6
Record: 4-0-3
Results of note: Drew then-No. 9 Girondins Bordeaux at home in Champions League group stage (1-1, Sept. 16).
Commentary/recent results: With Inter Milan and Chelsea both losing games last week, the stage was set for Juve to take a significant step up our rankings. Perhaps as high as No. 4? We'll never know, because the bianconeri blew a 1-0 halftime lead to draw Bologna, 1-1, at home. This four days after a 2-2 draw at CFC Genoa. Still, Juve are undefeated. Which is more than I can say of the teams immediately behind them. But some victories are needed if Juve are going to hold on to this perch.
Upcoming schedule: Play at Bayern Wednesday in Day Two of Champions League group play. Then it's off to Palermo, Sunday. Host Fiorentina a week from Saturday. As with Real Madrid, this should give us a better perspective of what this team is capable of.

6. Inter Milan
Last ranking: 5
Record: 4-1-2
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).
Commentary/recent results: Had no problem with Napoli midweek, but the nerazzuri met their match at Sampdoria Saturday, losing 1-0 to the most surprising team of the Serie A season thus far. And, we should add, the best. Just look at the table.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Rubin Kazan tomorrow in the Champions League. They'll need the points after that scoreless draw against Barca in round one. Host Udinese Saturday. Visit the other Genoa team, CFC Genoa, a week from Saturday.

7. Liverpool
Last ranking: 7
Record: 7-2-0
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: Okay so what is it with "Big Three" clubs winning their League Cup matches by 1-0? Reds did it at Leeds United Tuesday. They spotted Hull City a goal yesterday before shellacking them with six unanswered.
Upcoming schedule: Things get interesting with a trips to Fiorentina and Stamford Bridge this week. A crucial week for Rafa Benitez' men.

8. Girondins Bordeaux
Last ranking: 8
Record: 6-0-2
Results of note: A scoreless draw at then-No. 18 Olympique Marseille (Aug. 30), drew at then No. 5 Juventus (1-1, Sept. 15).
Commentary/recent results: Les Girondins held on to defeat Stade Rennes yesterday. This may not sound like much (and is not enough to move them up in the rankings, as the teams ahead of them faced two games last week) but Rennes were previously unbeaten. Bordeaux maintain a two point lead atop the League Un standings with the victory. Lyon are second. Marseille have dropped a bit off the pace, five points behind Bordeaux and three behind Lyon.
Upcoming schedule: Host Maccabi Haifa in the second CL matchday the Wednesday. That's a must-win. Also play at St. Etienne Saturday. Then at Auxerre a week later. Then host Bayern Munich on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

9. Sevilla
Last ranking: 10
Record: 5-1-0
Results of note: Beat then No. 21 Unirea Urziceni in Champions League group stage at home (2-0, Sept. 16).
Commentary/recent results: Sevilla won both games last week without giving up a goal. More of the same, in other words (they were last scored upon Sept. 12, five games ago). But now things are about to get real.
Upcoming schedule: A trip to Ibrox is on tap tomorrow. Then Real Madrid pay a visit. We shall soon know if Sevilla are truly a top 10 team.

10. Olympique Lyonnais
Last ranking: 13
Record: 7-0-2
Results of note: Beat then-No. 18 Fiorentina at home in Champions League group stage (1-0, Sept. 16).
Commentary/recent results: Beat Toulouse Saturday, reversing a 1-0 halftime deficit to win 2-1. Lyon remain unbeaten.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Hungarian side Debreceni when the Champions League returns to action tomorrow. Visit Lens (it's pronounced "Lon's") Saturday. A trip to Anfield looms Oct. 20 in the third CL matchday.

11. Manchester City
Last ranking: 11
Record: 4-1-0
Results of note: Beat then-No. 8 Arsenal at home (4-2, Sept. 12), lost to then-No. 4 Manchester United (4-3, Sept. 20).
Commentary/recent results: Idle, so they hold on to their edge over Arsenal.
Upcoming schedule: Host West Ham United later today (I knew I should have taken off for Yom Kippur). Then a tough one at Villa Park Saturday. Liverpool are the next "big four" opponent, Nov. 21. That one's at Anfield. No European action for Citizens, so this is as much as we're going to get as a point of reference.

12. Arsenal
Last ranking: 12
Record: 7-2-0
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)
Commentary/recent results: Gunners won both games last week, at W.B.A. in the League Cup (2-0) and Fulham in the Premiership. The latter game was close: 1-0. We still can't move them ahead of a team they lost to on the field, however.
Upcoming schedule: Undefeated No. 15 Olympiakos visit the Emirates tomorrow. Then Blackburn, then Birmingham City.

13. Porto
Last ranking: 15
Record: 4-2-1
Results of note: Lost at then-No. 3 Chelsea in Champions League group stage (1-0, Sept. 15).
Commentary/recent results: Porto booked their biggest victory of the season to date, defeating Sporting Lisbon 1-0. The Dragoes move up to third place in Liga Sagres with the victory, three behind Benfica and five behind unbeaten and untied Sporting Braga.
Upcoming schedule: Host Atletico Madrid Wednesday and visit Olhanense Sunday.

14. Dynamo Kiev
Last ranking: 14
Record: 9-0-1
Results of note: Won home match against then-No. 22 Rubin Kazan in Champions League group stage (3-1, Sept. 16).
Commentary/recent results: Dynamo had no problem with Zorja Lugansk Friday, winning 2-0 to maintain their two point lead atop the Ukrainian league standings.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Camp Nou. That will be interesting (we hope). Then it's a derby game with Arsenal Kiev on Saturday.

15. Olympiakos
Last ranking: 17
Record: 7-0-1
Results of note: Beat then-No. 17 AZ Alkmaar at home in Champions League group stage (1-0, Sept. 16).
Commentary/recent results: It was a big week for the Greek side and they answered the call, winning both games, midweek at AEK Athens (2-1) and Saturday over Panionios Athens at home (1-0). They're second in the Super League, two weeks behind Panathinaikos.
Upcoming schedule: An even bigger week. It's off to the Emirates for the second Champions League group stage match tomorrow, which should give us an idea of whether they are deserving of this spot. (Alkaar have turned to crap, so that victory doesn't really do much for them). Also visit Levadiakos Saturday.

16. Hamburg SV
Last ranking: 22
Record: 6-2-2
Results of note: Won at then-No. 11 VfL Wolfsburg (4-2, Aug. 23), lost at Rapid Vienna in Europa League group stage (3-0, Sept. 17), beat then-No. 9 Bayern Munich (1-0, Sept. 26).
Commentary/recent results: I'm convinced HSV are completely schizophrenic. They lose to teams like Rapid Vienna and now VfL Osnabrueck (on penalties in a cup tie last Wednesday) then defeat Bayern Munich (1-0 Saturday). Did I mention they're in first place in the Bundesliga? Will the real HSV please show up?
Upcoming schedule: Host Happoel Tel Aviv in Europa League action Thursday. They'll need the three points after that meltdown in Vienna. Visit Hertha Berlin Sunday. Host Bayer Leverkusen, with whom they are currently tied in points atop the Bundesliga standings, on Saturday, Oct. 17.

17. Bayern Munich
Last ranking: 9
Record: 6-2-2
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).
Commentary/recent results: First the good: Bayern had no problems with their minnow opponent (Rot-Weiss Oberhausen, if you must know) in their midweek cup tie, winning 5-0. Now the bad: they then went to Hamburg and lost, 1-0. They drop eight spots on the latter result. A bit harsh, but justified if you look at their overall record. Now they'll have their chance to recover lost ground, however, because...
Upcoming schedule: Host Juventus in the next Champs League game on Wednesday. Also host Cologne Saturday. A clash with Girondins Bordeaux looms Oct. 21.

18. Shakhtar Donetsk
Last ranking: 16
Record: 8-2-1
Results of note: Lost UEFA Supercup to then-No. 2 Barcelona (1-0 in overtime, Aug. 28).
Commentary/recent results: Drew at Metalist Kharkov 1-1 at midweek but recovered with a 4-0 victory over Obolon Kiev yesterday. Metalist Kharkov are certainly decent (made a deep run in the UEFA Cup last season) but I'm going to dock points anyway, partly because I have nowhere to put them.
Upcoming schedule: Host Partizan Belgrade when the Europa League returns to action Thursday, with another Ukrainian league game on tap Saturday.

19. Galatasaray
Last ranking: 18
Record: 7-0-1
Results of note: Beat Besiktas Istanbul at home (3-0, Sept. 12), won at Panathinaikos in Europa League group stage (3-1, Sept. 17).
Commentary/recent results: Galatasaray won their first game of the week, at Kasimpasa Istanbul Monday, their seventh straight to start the season. Then they inexplicably drew Eskisehispor yesterday, 1-1. At home. But wait! Eskisehispor are fourth in the Turkish league, with no losses! So I'm keeping Galatasaray in the Top 25, just a spot lower than they were.
Upcoming schedule: Host Sturm Graz in the next Europa League encounter Thursday and play some other Turkish club Sunday.

20. Benfica Lisbon
Last ranking: 21
Record: 7-0-1
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: Benfica had no problems with Leixoes Matosinhos yesterday, walking off with an easy 5-0 win. They sit second in Liga Sagres, behind surprising Sporting Braga, whom you'll hear about in a moment.
Upcoming schedule: Visit AEK Athens when the Europa League returns Thursday. Play at Pacos de Ferreira Sunday. Host Everton in Europa League action a week from Thursday.

21. Sampdoria
Last ranking: None
Record: 5-1-0
Results of note: Beat then-No. 5 Inter Milan at home (1-0, Sept. 26).
Commentary/recent results: Too bad the Samp lost their midweek game at Fiorentina. Had they won, they would have made an even better Top 25 debut. By "debut" I mean all time. They've never been here before. Bienvenuti! So wait, how come they don't move ahead of Inter Milan the way Man City are ahead of Arsenal and HSV ahead of Bayern? We're going to need more evidence. This was the Samp's first big win of the season and they don't play in Europe.
Upcoming schedule: Host Parma Sunday. Visit Lazio a week later. A trip to Juventus looms Oct. 28.

21. Sporting Braga
Last ranking: None
Record: 6-0-0
Results of note: Won at Sporting Lisbon (2-1, Aug. 22), beat then-No. 10 Porto at home (1-0, Sept. 19).
Commentary/recent results: Like the Samp, Braga make their first ever appearance in the top 25 rankings. The catalyst was not what they did last week (a 1-0 victory at Olhanense Saturday) as what they did earlier (see above) or their overall record (ditto). Like Sampdoria, we are not moving them ahead of the foe they vanquished (in this case Porto) due to the discrepancy in schedules.
Upcoming schedule: Host Vitoria Setubal, Sunday. Unfortunately they (like the Samp) are not in any European competition this year.

23. Estudiantes
Last ranking: 24
Record: 6-0-1
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: Estudiantes beat Boca Juniors by 2-1 Saturday, taking sole possession of first place in the Apertura table with the victory .
Upcoming schedule: Visit Argentinos Juniors Saturday.

24. Glasgow Rangers
Last ranking: 23
Record: 3-0-4
Results of note: Drew at VfB Stuttgart, 1-1, in the Champions League group stage opener.
Commentary/recent results: Another scoreless draw for Rangers, this one at home to Aberdeen. They're still unbeaten though.
Upcoming schedule: No. 9 Sevilla pay a visit tomorrow. The old firm is on tap Saturday. Lose both and we won't have any reasons to keep Rangers in the top 25. Win, and they could move deep into the Top 20. We'll just have to wait and see...

25. Club America
Last ranking: 25
Record: 5-1-3
Results of note: Beat Deportivo Toluca at home (7-2, Aug. 31).
Commentary/recent results: Beat Atlante 1-0 yesterday. Amazingly, they're only third in their Apertura group, one point behind Monarcas and two behind Monterrey.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Pachuca Saturday.

Dropping Out:
AC Milan (19), Olympique Marseille (20)

Also receiving consideration (in rough order of consideration received):
PSV Eindhoven, Bayer Leverkusen, VfL Wolfsburg.

Photo supplied by Wikipedia.

While we were gone -- at the bottom

There's no nice way of saying this: Portsmouth are a terrible team. The first team to lose their first six games since Leicester City in the early 1980s, and they've scored three and conceded 12 goals in those games. We're looking at a potentially record-breaking season of awfulness here.

The worst part of it (for Pompey fans) is that while some very good players left in the summer -- Sol Campbell and Niko Kranjcar to name two -- they still have quality in their squad: David James, Younes Kaboul, Tal Ben-Haim, Jamie O'Hara and Tommy Smith, for instance. That's not get-you-into-Europe quality, but it's also not worst-Prem-team-ever quality, either.

And yet so far it is. Paul Hart always had a tough task this season -- one Guardian pundit suggested that if they stay up he should win the manager of the year award -- but things have gotten real bad real quick and the pressure's starting to show. What's more, it seems Pompey's loadsamoney Arab owner is somewhat less spendthrift than his Manchester City-owning cousins, and now news comes that their one rock of stability over the past year or so is considering leaving the club.

This week sees them taking on a resurgent Everton, who seem to have regained their winning ways after a slow start, winning four of their last five games, and two of three in the league.

Hull face the most daunting trip of the struggling teams, going to Anfield for what should be a shellacking by Liverpool. Hull manager Phil Brown is in big heap trouble these days -- as the Guardian notes, his team has won just one league game in its last 22 outings, form that would make even a Pompey fan blush.

The other team at the foot of the table is Blackburn Rovers. Many in England don't like Sam Allardyce -- just ask Newcastle fans -- but his record at Blackpool, Notts County and Bolton Wanderers deserves respect. As does the work he did at Rovers in the second half of last season. It'd be a surprise if his team are relegated; then again, maybe it would just prove the naysayers were right all long.

As with Hull and Pompey, Blackburn face a tough tie, at home to an in-form Aston Villa, winners of five straight. Perhaps the recovery will have to wait another week.

Photo taken from The Sun Web site without permission.

While we were gone -- at the top

If the English Premier League season is a party, consider us (very) fashionably late. But now that we're six games in, the standings are starting to take shape: who would bet against the top four being the same come May? Not yours truly, that's for sure.

After a series of 1-0 wins, Manchester City proved they're for real by tonking Arsenal and giving neighbors United a run for their money. Can they hold off a challenge from Arsenal? Time will tell but, as ever with Arsenal, there are concerns about how brittle they are. By all accounts, Thomas Vermaelen has proved to be a great signing, but does a midfield of Diaby, Eboue, Fabregas and Alex Song have enough steel? Maybe Wenger should have tried harder to keep certain defensive players.

Meanwhile, Chelsea trundle ominously forwards, the only unbeaten team and with a 100% record. The straw many rival fans might cling to is that the African Nations Cup could derail them, what with Drogba, Essien, Kalou and, possibly, Mikel all set to miss at least a month in January/February to play in the competition.

And what of the other top teams? All have been spotty -- Manchester United losing to Burnley but beating Arsenal, City and Spurs, Liverpool losing to Aston Villa and Spurs, and Villa themselves losing to Wigan on opening day. It'll likely be another month or so before we can judge which of them, if any, will mount a credible challenge to Chelsea.

This week's fixture list shouldn't pose too many difficulties for the top teams, though it should be noted Stoke can be tough to beat at home. The most intriguing game may be Fulham v Arsenal -- Fulham, despite a slow start to the season, are among the best of the non-top six teams.

That said, perhaps Hull will shock us all and take points from Liverpool at Anfield. The beauty of football is that you never really know, do you?

--Smoods

Man City badge image supplied by Wikipedia.

New series: Ranking the world's 'soccer meccas'

Just like there is only one true Mecca, can there really only be one true spiritual home of world soccer? Until recently, such a place existed in the form of Wembley Stadium (the most storied grounds in the capital city of the founding nation of the sport? I don't think anybody could compete with that) but the old Wembley was demolished in 2003 and replaced with a new version four years later. Impressive as the new Wembley might be, it simply does not have the history or character (yet) to inherit the title. So who does? Probably no single stadium is the obvious heir apparent, but Soccer Source came up with a short list and ranked them.

A word on our ranking methodology:
Put simply, there were three criteria: the number of times a stadium hosted major events such as World Cup matches, the magnitude of these events in the history of the sport, and the stadium's "aura." This last item was admittedly harder to pin down: It could be architecture, location, size, quirks or other intangibles that make the grounds in question a temple of the sport.

In this, the first iteration of the series, we unveil 10th place. Next time we'll bring you No. 9, the issue after that, No. 8, and so on until we will have a complete list. Enjoy!

10. Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro), Milan
Open since: 1926 (renovated in 1989)
Capacity: 80,000
Tenant(s): AC Milan, Inter Milan
World Cup hosts: 1934, 1990

The San Siro is home to two of the world's most storied clubs but has never hosted a World Cup or Euro final. It did host the final for the Champions League (or its predecessor, the Champions Cup) three times, most recently in 2001 when Bayern Munich defeated Valencia on penalties, largely thanks to the heroics of one Oliver Kahn. The others were in '65 (Inter Milan over Benfica Lisbon) and '70 (Feyernoord Rotterdam over Celtic).

It was here that Cameroon's Indomitable Lions defeated Argentina in the curtain raiser of the 1990 World Cup. That event was likely the "coming out" party for African soccer on the world stage, as Cameroon became the first team from the continent to advance to the quarterfinals at a World Cup. In that same tournament, eventual champions West Germany played their group stage matches at the San Siro.

In 1934, Italy defeated Austria's Wunderteam (probably the favorites to hoist the trophy that year) 1-0 in a semifinal game.

Architecturally, the stadium is not terribly interesting, though the four corner towers give it a distinct signature. It is massive, modernist and rather impersonal, though it certainly gets very loud on gamedays.

Have you been to the San Siro? Where do you think it ranks among 'soccer meccas'?

The world's top 25 soccer clubs, Sept. 21, 2009

It was a very busy week in topflight soccer, with Top 25 clubs playing twice, often against each other. Remarkably, there were no major upsets to report, leaving the top 10 very much unchanged. The second tier, however, was all shook up. Let's get to it:

1. Real Madrid
Last ranking: 1
Record (wins-losses-ties, in all competition; two-leg match-ups count as one): 4-0-0
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: Real won their two games last week by a combined score of 10-2. Granted, FC Zurich and Xerez, their opponents, did not present much any type of challenge. Cristiano Ronaldo scored four of Real's 10 goals. That's six goals in four games for CR7 if you're counting.
Upcoming schedule: Things get a bit more difficult with a game at Villareal Wednesday, followed by another easy one against Tenerife Sunday. The Champions League group stage campaign is of course highlighted by back-to-back dates with AC Milan (Oct. 21 at Bernabeu, Nov. 3 at San Siro).

2. Barcelona
Last ranking: 2
Record: 5-0-1
Results of note: Beat Shakhtar Donetsk (at the time ranked 14th) in overtime in the UEFA SuperCup, Aug. 29, drew at then-No. 6 Inter Milan in Champions League group stage (0-0, Sept. 16).
Commentary/recent results: There was no winner in the season's first clash of the titans at the San Siro last week. Had Barclona won, we no doubt would have moved them up a spot (which is where many quite adamantly insist they belong). But they didn't win. They didn't lose, and it was an away match against one of the best teams in the world, so we can't exactly deduct points either. Barca followed this up with a 5-2 dismantling of Atletic Bilbao at Camp Nou on Saturday.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Racing Santander tomorrow, Malaga Sunday. Then host Dynamo Kiev when the Champions League returns to action Sept. 29.

3. Chelsea
Last ranking: 3
Record: 7-0-0
Results of note: Beat then-No. 10 Porto in Champions League group stage (1-0, Sept. 15).
Commentary/recent results: Blues passed both tests last week, beating Porto 1-0 and putting Tottenham Hotspur to the sword, 3-0.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Wigan Saturday. At APOEL Nikosia in the second CL game a weeek from Wednesday. Liverpool visit the Bridge Oct. 3. Man United come to town Nov. 17.

4. Manchester United
Last ranking: 4
Record: 6-1-0
Results of note: Beat then No. 4 Arsenal at home (2-1, Aug. 29), beat then-No. 13 Manchester City (4-3, Sept. 20).
Commentary/recent results: Red Devils did what they needed at Besiktas Istanbul, winning 1-0 at midweek. Yesterday they traded goals with Man City before winning 4-3 in (deep) stoppage time in what Sir Alex is calling the best Manchester derby ever.
Upcoming schedule: That was fun. Hope you enjoyed it because it will be a little while before United face decent competition. Other than a Champions League home game with VfL Wolfsburg and a visit to CSKA Moscow Oct. 21, Sir Alex' men probably won't be tested until their grudge match at Liverpool, Oct. 25.

5. Inter Milan
Last ranking: 6
Record: 3-0-2
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).
Commentary/recent results: Their weekend victory at Cagliari required some effort, with the nerrazurri coming back from a 1-0 halftime deficit to win 2-1. Diego Milito notched a brace, with both goals coming within five minutes of each other. Earlier there was the scoreless draw with Barca. Inter move up a spot thanks to Juve's home draw with Bordeaux.
Upcoming schedule: Host Napoli, Wednesday. Then things get very interesting with a trip to Genoa to face Sampdoria, who are unbeaten and untied atop the Serie A table.

6. Juventus
Last ranking: 5
Record: 4-0-1
Results of note: Drew then-No. 9 Girondins Bordeaux at home in Champions League group stage (1-1, Sept. 16).
Commentary/recent results: Juve rebounded from a 1-1 draw with Girondins Bordeaux by beating Livorno, 2-0. We're still docking points for the home draw though. It's only fair.
Upcoming schedule: At Genoa, Thursday, followed by a trip to Bologna and Bavaria (Bayern Munich).

7. Liverpool
Last ranking: 7
Record: 5-2-0
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: Reds won both games last week by the narrowest of margins, topping Hungarian side Debreceni 1-0 and beating West Ham 3-2 at Upton Park Saturday. Hey, as long as they keep winning...
Upcoming schedule: After playing Hull City at Anfield Sunday things get interesting with a trip to Fiorentina and Stamford Bridge next week.

8. Girondins Bordeaux
Last ranking: 9
Record: 5-0-2
Results of note: A scoreless draw at then-No. 18 Olympique Marseille (Aug. 30), drew at then No. 5 Juventus (1-1, Sept. 15).
Commentary/recent results: Les Girondins did well to draw Juventus 1-1 midweek and followed it up with an easy 2-0 victory over Boulogne Saturday.
Upcoming schedule: Host Stade Rennes Sunday and Maccabi Haifa in the second CL matchday the following Wednesday.

9. Bayern Munich
Last ranking: 8
Record: 5-1-2
Results of note: Beat then-No. 11 VfL Wolfsburg at home (3-0, Aug. 28).
Commentary/recent results: Bayern continued their hot streak, winning both games last week (3-0 at Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League opener and 2-1 over Nurnberg at home). But the latter of these required a bit more effort than might have been expected. After a scoreless first half, the teams traded goals before a late header from Daniel van Buyten clinched it for the Bavarian side. (In case you're wondering, Nurnberg are lower mid-table. This game wasn't supposed to be close).
Upcoming schedule: After a midweek cup tie against some minnow (Rot Weiss Oberhausen, if you must known), Bayern pay first-placed Hamburg SV a visit on Saturday. Then host Juventus in the next Champs League game a week from Wednesday.

10. Sevilla
Last ranking: 11
Record: 3-1-0
Results of note: Beat then No. 21 Unirea Urziceni in Champions League group stage at home (2-0, Sept. 16).
Commentary/recent results: After the easy midweek victory over Unirea Urziceni, Sevilla played well in a 2-0 win at Osasuna.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Bilbao next week. A trip to Ibrox is on a week from tomorrow.

11. Manchester City
Last ranking: 13
Record: 4-1-0
Results of note: Beat then-No. 8 Arsenal at home (4-2, Sept. 12).
Commentary/recent results: What's this? Man City lost their game last week and move up two spots? Where's the justice in that? Mark Hughes' men showed they clearly belong, playing one of the very best teams in the world to the letter. Without Emmanuel Adebayor to boot. The back-and-forth battle with No. 4 Man United was only decided six minutes into stoppage time when Mickey Owen broke Citizens' hearts with the winning goal. In fact, Hughes wants the FA to look into the incident, believing the final whistle should have sounded before Owen had a chance to get the game winner.
So here is where things get interesting: City have a better record than Arsenal and beat them on the field. But Arsenal played twice last week and won both. What gives? What happened on the field is what decides this one. That, and Arsenal had a tough time in their first game last week in Belgium. Belgium.
Upcoming schedule: Host West Ham United a week from today. Then a tough one at Villa Park Oct. 5. Liverpool are the next "big four" opponent, Nov. 21. That one's at Anfield.

12. Arsenal
Last ranking: 14
Record: 5-2-0
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)
Commentary/recent results: After a gutty (though not particularly convincing) mid-week win at Standard Liege in the Champions League opener, Gunners had absolutely no problem with Wigan, winning 4-0 at the Emirates Saturday. Well done Gooners. Even if it was Wigan.
Upcoming schedule: An easy stretch of games: Fulham, Olympiakos, Blackburn and Birmingham City. All but Fulham are home.

13. Olympique Lyonnais
Last ranking: 15
Record: 6-0-2
Results of note: Beat then-No. 18 Fiorentina at home in Champions League group stage (1-0, Sept. 16).
Commentary/recent results: L'OL did well defeating Fiorentina at midweek then dropped points at the Parc des Princes, drawing Paris Saint-Germain 1-1. They had to come from behind to do that as well. PSG are looking pretty good though, tied for sixth in Ligue Un with a 3-1-2 record. We may hear from them again before the season is out. As for Lyon, they are quietly unbeaten.
Upcoming schedule: Host Toulouse Saturday. Visit Hungarian side Debreceni when the Champions League returns to action a week from tomorrow.

14. Dynamo Kiev
Last ranking: 20
Record: 8-0-1
Results of note: Won home match against then-No. 22 Rubin Kazan in Champions League group stage (3-1, Sept. 16).
Commentary/recent results: Another strong week for the Ukrainian side, with victories over Rubin Kazan and Metalist Karkov.
Upcoming schedule: Zorja Lugansk, Saturday. Visit Camp Nou a week from tomorrow. That will be interesting (we hope).

15. Porto
Last ranking: 10
Record: 3-2-1
Results of note: Lost at then-No. 3 Chelsea in Champions League group stage (1-0, Sept. 15).
Commentary/recent results: A tough week for Porto, who lost a pair of 1-0 decisions. The first, at Stamford Bridge, was a forgivable offense. The second, at Sporting Braga less so. But Braga might just be a force to be reckoned with in Portugal this year.
Upcoming schedule: It doesn't get any easier with Sporting Lisbon and Atletico Madrid up next. At least both games are home.

16. Shakhtar Donetsk
Last ranking: 19
Record: 7-2-1
Results of note: Lost UEFA Supercup to then-No. 2 Barcelona (1-0 in overtime, Aug. 28).
Commentary/recent results: Had no problem in either game last week, winning the Europa League opener at Bruges, 4-1 and their weekend Ukrainian league match over Arsenal Kiev (they're really called that) by 4-2.
Upcoming schedule: At Metalist Kharkov, who if we aren't mistaken went pretty far in the UEFA Cup last season, on Wednesday. Host Oblon Kiev, whoever that is, this weekend. Host Partizan Belgrade when the Europa League returns to action Oct. 1.

17. Olympiakos
Last ranking: None
Record: 6-0-1
Results of note: Beat then-No. 17 AZ Alkmaar at home in Champions League group stage (1-0, Sept. 16).
Commentary/recent results: The Greek side make their first appearance in the top 25 in a very long time. It's well-deserved. Olympiakos are unbeaten and are coming off a 1-0 victory over Dutch champs AZ Alkmaar in their Champions League opener.
Upcoming schedule: Visit AEK Athens Wednesday. Host Panionios Athens Sunday. Then it's off to the Emirates for the second Champions League group stage match, a week from today.

18. Galatasaray
Last ranking: None
Record: 6-0
Results of note: Beat Besiktas Istanbul at home (3-0, Sept. 12), won at Panathinaikos in Europa League group stage (3-1, Sept. 17).
Commentary/recent results: Galatasaray are forcing people (us included) to take note of them, with six straight wins to open the season. Last week's victory over Panathinaikos was particularly impressive.
Upcoming schedule: At Kasimpasa Istanbul, later today. Host Eskisehispor Sunday and Sturm Graz in the next Europa League encounter a week from Thursday.

19. AC Milan
Last ranking: 18 (Sept. 1)
Record: 3-1-1
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).
Commentary/recent results: A solid week by the rossoneri catapult them back into the Top 25 after a one week absence. First came the Champions League victory at Marseille, then they beat Bologna 1-0. The second is a bit close for comfort, but they'll take it.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Udinese Wednesday; Bari Sunday. The next Champions League encounter is against FC Zurich at the San Siro a week from Wednesday. That one should be tough. Not.

20. Olympique Marseille
Last ranking: 16
Record: 4-1-2
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).
Commentary/recent results: L'OM rebounded from their disappointing Champions League loss by defeating a decent Montpellier side 4-2 at the Velodrome yesterday. That's good enough for third place in Ligue Un.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Valenciennes Saturday. The second Champions League matchday has them at the Bernabeu, Wednesday. With their backs already against the wall after the home loss to AC Milan, they'll need to at the very least keep things close.

21. Benfica Lisbon
Last ranking: None
Record: 6-0-1
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: A fast start to the season for Benfica, though there have not been any real quality victories yet. Last week's 2-0 win over Belarussian (right?) club BATE Borisov, a Champions League participant last season, might be the closest thing yet. Also won their weekend domestic league match.
Upcoming schedule: Host Leixoes Matosinhos Sunday. Visit AEK Athens when the Europa League returns a week from Thursday.

22. Hamburg SV
Last ranking: 12
Record: 5-1-2
Results of note: Won at then-No. 11 VfL Wolfsburg (4-2, Aug. 23), lost at Rapid Vienna in Europa League group stage (3-0, Sept. 17).
Commentary/recent results: What the hell happened to HSV last week? First they lost 3-0 (that's three-nil) at Rapid Vienna in the Europa League. Then they followed it up with a 1-1 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt yesterday. They're lucky they didn't lose the latter game; we might have had no choice but to take them off this list altogether. And yet, Bruno Labbadia's side sit top of the table in Germany.
Upcoming schedule: A cup tie Wednesday before receiving a visit from No. 8 Bayern Munich Saturday.

23. Glasgow Rangers
Last ranking: 23
Record: 3-0-3
Results of note: Drew at VfB Stuttgart, 1-1, in the Champions League group stage opener.
Commentary/recent results: After impressing with a 1-1 draw at Stuttgart midweek, Rangers played a rather disappointing scoreless draw at Kilmarnock Saturday. We're still keeping them here, but their margin of error is now nil.
Upcoming schedule: Host Aberdeen Saturday. Then Sevilla pay a visit. The latter game is a big one, for a number of reasons. Lose and we won't have any reasons to keep Rangers in the top 25. Win, and they could move deep into the Top 20. We'll just have to wait and see...

24. Estudiantes
Last ranking: 24
Record: 5-0-1
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: Estudiantes won their league match at Atletico Huracan with ease Friday, taking first place in the Apertura table with the victory (on goal difference, but still).
Upcoming schedule: Host Boca Juniors, Sunday. Boca have had a rough start to the season, with just five points from their first four games. But a win could turn their season around. Stay tuned...

25. Club America
Last ranking: 25
Record: 4-1-3
Results of note: Beat Deportivo Toluca at home (7-2, Aug. 31).
Commentary/recent results: Played a scoreless draw at Querentano yesterday but we don't have anybody to replace them in the Top 25.
Upcoming schedule: Host Atlante, Sunday.

Dropping Out:
AZ Alkmaar (17), Fiorentina (18), Unirea Urziceni (21), Rubin Kazan (22)

Also receiving consideration (in rough order of consideration received):
Sampdoria, Atletic Bilbao, PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Braga, Bayer Leverkusen, Dinamo Bucharest, VfL Wolfsburg.

Photo taken from Sportinglife.com without permission.

Champions League Round 1, Day 2: Arsenal come from way back to win at Liege

Down two goals after just four minutes, Arsenal mounted a furious comeback at Standard Liege to capture an improbable 3-2 victory on the second day of Champions League group stage openers Wednesday. Eduardo cost Gunners the first goal with a miserable clearance off a corner, but made good for his mistake by scoring the winner nine minutes from time. The Belgian side doubled their lead off a penalty just four minutes in. Nicklas Bendtner got Arsenal on the scoreboard shortly before halftime and Thomas Vermaelen (ironically a Belgian) equalized on 78 minutes. Standard complained (not without merit) of offside on the equalizer but this being soccer and not tennis or (American) football they did not have any means with which to challenge the call.

The win is significant for Arsene Wenger's club, which had previously suffered consecutive defeats in the Premiership and dropped to 14th in our Top 25 rankings (after starting the season fourth, a decision we'd admittedly like back). But Gunners obviously have a long way to go. Standard Liege are not a top tier club by any means. If Arsenal are going to have any pretensions at any silverware this season (to say nothing of a top 10 spot in our rankings) they'll need to start putting away clubs like that by wider margins.

The marquee match of the round, between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona, ended scoreless. This lends a little credence to our decision to keep the Spanish champs second in our Top 25 (but not much. The game was played in Milan, after all).

In the second-most intriguing match of the day, Olympique Lyon got a late goal from Miralem Pjanic to defeat Fiorentina at the Stade Gerland. Both clubs had been hot coming into the game (and both in our Top 20; Lyon 15th and Fiorentina 18th). Lyon appear on a mission to recapture some of the glory they lost last season, but with Girondins Bordeaux they'll have some stellar competition for the Ligue Un crown.

We said Glasgow Rangers (23rd in our rankings) faced a good test at Stuttgart. Consider having passed the test. Rangers played well in the second half to secure a 1-1 draw. The group is by far the weakest of the eight, with just Sevilla presenting a challenge. We'll find out just how much of a challenge next week when they visit Ibrox Park.

The only upset of the day (if it can even be called that) took place in Greece where Olympiakos defeated Dutch champions AZ Alkmaar. We had the Dutch side ranked 17th. Expect that to change.

Elsewhere, No. 7 Liverpool beat Debreceni by the narrowest of margins, No. 11 Sevilla had no problems with Romanian side Unirea Urziceni (who were 21st but will now in all likelihood drop out of the top 25) and No. 20 Dynamo Kiev rallied from a 1-0 halftime deficit to put away No. 22 Ruben Kazan by 3-1.

Photo supplied by Wikipedia.

Inzaghi brace gets AC Milan back on track

Filippo Inzaghi scored goals on either side of halftime to secure a vital away win for AC Milan on the first day of Champions League group play. With the 2-1 win at Olympique Marseille, the rossoneri keep pace with Real Madrid, who easily won their game at FC Zurich by 5-2. Milan were outplayed for large portions of the game, according to at least one report, but with the way things have been going, they'll take it. After winning their first game of the season at Siena, Leonardo's side were shellacked 4-0 by crosstown rivals Inter Milan and last weekend played a disappointing scoreless draw at Livorno. The latter result dropped Milan from the most recent iteration of our Top 25.

Was that decision premature? Or entirely unwarranted? Time will tell. The rossoneri will need to get past winless Bologna this weekend for us to even begin having any discussions. As for l'OM, our 16th-ranked team coming into today, their fate for the short term rests on a match-up with surprising Montpellier at the Velodrome this weekend. The newly-promoted Montpellier Hérault Sport Club (its official name) sit third in France's Ligue Un, with three wins and two draws from its first five games.

While we're on the subject of French sides, how about Girondins Bordeaux? In the top match of the day (according to our rankings, at least, pitting No. 9 Bordeaux at No. 5 Juventus), the French champs pulled off a surprising 1-1 result. Czech international Jaroslav Plasil equalized for les Girondins 15 minutes from time. Thanks for vindicating our faith in you, mecs!

Elsewhere, Bayern Munich continue to be red-hot, vanquishing Maccabi Haifa by 3-0. England's representatives both got wins, Man United at Besiktas Istanbul and Chelsea over Porto. No surprises there, though we're glad the Portuguese side (10th in our rankings) at least managed to keep pace with Blues.

Finally, VfL Wolfsburg might not be as terrible as their Bundesliga form (three losses in a row) has let on. Granted, CSKA Moscow might not scare many clubs but a Champions League victory is a Champions League victory--even if it came at home against a Russian team.

In many ways today was just a warmup, however. Tomorrow, Inter Milan host FC Barcelona in a clash of the titans. We'll be back to report on that one.

Photo taken from bestfootballers.net without permission.

The world's top 25 soccer clubs, Sept. 14, 2009

The world's top club leagues returned to action after a two week layoff for international matches. With one exception (you know who you are, Arsenal), the top clubs in our ranking won their games this weekend. Ahead of the UEFA Champions League schedule, which kicks off this week, things are about to get very interesting. Who knows what the Top 25 will look like next? But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Here are this week's rankings:

1. Real Madrid
Last ranking: 1
Record (wins-losses-ties, in all competition; two-leg match-ups count as one): 2-0-0
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: It took a little while for Real to get on the scoresheet, but they ended up having no problems at Espanyol Barcelona, winning 3-0 on Saturday. Second-half substitute Cristiano Ronaldo even made the scoresheet, getting Real's third goal in stoppage time. That's two goals in two games for CR7 (the first was by penalty, but still).
Upcoming schedule: The Champions League opener at FC Zurich tomorrow. Then Xerez at home Sunday. Los merengues then face a potentially troublesome trip to Villareal Sept. 29. Barca looms Nov. 29 at Camp Nou. The Champions League group stage campaign is of course highlighted by back-to-back dates with AC Milan (Oct. 21 at Bernabeu, Nov. 3 at San Siro).

2. Barcelona
Last ranking: 2
Record: 4-0-0
Results of note: Beat Shakhtar Donetsk (at the time ranked 14th) in overtime in the UEFA SuperCup, Aug. 29.
Commentary/recent results: Won easily at Getafe, 2-0 on Saturday. That's two wins and a 5-0 goal difference from two games in La Liga.
Upcoming schedule: A trip to San Siro and Inter Milan on the Champions League opener Wednesday. Atletico Madrid visit Camp Nou Sunday.

3. Chelsea
Last ranking: 3
Record: 5-0-0
Results of note: None yet
Commentary/recent results: It took stoppage time (and shoddy goalkeeping from Thomas Sorensen, who we feel should have done better with Florent Malouda's shot) for Chelsea to defeat Stoke City 2-1 and remain unbeaten and untied in Premiership action. Still, hard to argue Chelsea weren't the better team and didn't deserve the three points at the Britannia Saturday. Moreover, the victory showed grit and character--the type of things you need to make a run at Premiership (and European) glory. So Blues get to keep their spot.
Upcoming schedule: The CL opener with Porto, tomorrow. Then an intriguing London derby match with Spurs at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool visit the Bridge Oct. 3. Man United come to town Nov. 17.

4. Manchester United
Last ranking: 4
Record: 4-1-0
Results of note: Beat then No. 4 Arsenal at home (2-1, Aug. 29)
Commentary/recent results: Red Devils started badly at White Hart Lane (a bicycle trick goal by Jermaine Defoe less than a minute in) but quickly recovered and ended up winning 3-1.
Upcoming schedule: The CL opener at Besiktas Istanbul tomorrow. Then the Manchester derby (it's pronounced dar-bee). Other than a Champions League home game with VfL Wolfsburg and a visit to CSKA Moscow Oct. 21, Man United probably won't be tested until their grudge match at Liverpool, Oct. 25.

5. Juventus
Last ranking: 5
Record: 3-0-0
Results of note: Won at Roma (3-1, Aug. 30).
Commentary/recent results: Juve won their second consecutive game at Rome's Olympic Stadium, easily putting away Lazio 2-0 on Saturday. David Trezeguet is back (and scored Juve's second goal) but Diego left the game with an injury. Losing him would be a massive blow.
Upcoming schedule: The Champions League season kicks off with Girondins Bordeaux tomorrow. Then Livorno at home, followed by a trip to Genoa next Thursday.

6. Inter Milan
Last ranking: 6
Record: 2-0-1
Results of note: Beat then-No. 10 AC Milan (4-0, Aug. 29).
Commentary/recent results: Inter had no problems with Parma, winning 2-0 at San Siro yesterday. But things are about to get very interesting, because...
Upcoming schedule: The Champions League campaign kicks off in grand style when Barcelona visit Wednesday. That's about the only game of note for the next couple of months.

7. Liverpool
Last ranking: 7
Record: 3-2-0
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: Reds had absolutely no trouble with Burnley on Saturday, discarding with the Clarets by a 4-0 score.
Upcoming schedule: The CL opener with Debreceni, Wednesday. It will likely be October before Reds face quality competition, though a Sept. 29 trip to Florence is by no means a pushover.

8. Bayern Munich
Last ranking: 9
Record: 3-1-2
Results of note: Beat then-No. 11 VfL Wolfsburg at home (3-0, Aug. 28).
Commentary/recent results: As expected, Bayern have started firing on all cylinders. This weekend, Borussia Dortmund were made believers by a 5-1 score. The game was played at Dortmund, which is supposed to be a tough place to play. Look out, because Bayern are back.
Upcoming schedule: The Champions League campaign kicks off at Maccabi Haifa tomorrow. Then Nurnberg, then a cup tie. Then HSV is on tap Sept. 26.

9. Girondins Bordeaux
Last ranking: 10
Record: 4-0-1
Results of note: A scoreless draw at then-No. 18 Olympique Marseille (Aug. 30).
Commentary/recent results: With a 1-0 win at Grenoble Saturday, Bordeaux assume their rightful spot at the top of the Ligue Un table.
Upcoming schedule: With Juventus, Maccabi Haifa and Bayern Munich, les Girondins have a group of death on their hands in the Champions League. They get the toughest one out of the way first, with a trip to No. 5 Juventus tomorrow.

10. Porto
Last ranking: 11
Record: 3-0-1
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: After a disappointing 1-1 draw at Pacos de Ferreira to kick off the Liga Sagres campaign, Porto have now won three in a row by a combined score of 10-2. Granted, this was against mid-table Portuguese sides, but they'll take it.
Upcoming schedule: It gets real right away. At Stamford Bridge tomorrow. Then first-placed Liga Sagres side Sporting Braga (away), Sporting Lisbon (home) and Atletico Madrid (home).

11. Sevilla
Last ranking: 13
Record: 1-1-0
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: Beat up on Real Saragossa, 4-1 on Saturday.
Upcoming schedule: The CL opener at Unirea Urziceni (say that three times fast) followed by Osasuna Saturday. Host Mallorca and visit Bilbao next week.

12. Hamburg SV
Last ranking: 14
Record: 5-0-1
Results of note: Won at then-No. 11 VfL Wolfsburg (4-2, Aug. 23).
Commentary/recent results: HSV are off to a fine start in the Bundesliga, which they currently lead. Bruno Labbadia's side beat VfB Stuttgart Saturday. Too bad they had to choke last year and miss the Champions League spots.
Upcoming schedule: The Europa League opener at Rapid Vienna Thursday. Bayern Munich come to town Sept. 26.

13. Manchester City
Last ranking: 16
Record: 4-0-0
Results of note: Beat then-No. 8 Arsenal at home (4-2, Sept. 12).
Commentary/recent results: Citizens put away Arsenal by a 4-2 margin, the club's biggest victory since, well, who knows? We haven't had reason to pay any attention to Man City since that record-breaking shopping spree blew up in their face last season. But this year, it appears, will be different. Mark Hughes men looked very good against Arsenal and are the only club not named Chelsea with a perfect record in the Premiership. Unfortunately we won't be seeing them in European competition. Maybe next year.
Upcoming schedule: The Manchester derby at Old Trafford, Sunday. We don't expect a victory from that one.

14. Arsenal
Last ranking: 8
Record: 3-2-0
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)
Commentary/recent results: That's two losses in a row for Arsenal. Much has been made of Emmanuel Adebayor's antics, which overshadows the fact that Man City looks to be a club to be reckoned with. But more on them in a bit. As for Arse, they may have stumbled a bit in the early going this season, but have a chance to right the ship over the coming weeks because...
Upcoming schedule: An easy stretch of the schedule awaits Arsene Wenger's side, who open the Champions League campaign with a visit to Standard Liege Wednesday. Then it's Wigan, Fulham, Olympiakos, Blackburn and Birmingham City. All but Fulham are home.

15. Olympique Lyonnais
Last ranking: 20
Record: 5-0-1
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: L'OL beat Lorient 1-0 Saturday to continue their flying start. The competition has ben crap but that is about to change...
Upcoming schedule: Fiorentina visit in the Champions League opener Wednesday. Then it's off to Paris, where PSG have a hot start of their own going on.

16. Olympique Marseille
Last ranking: 17
Record: 2-0-2
Results of note: Drew then-No. 12 Girondins Bordeaux at home (0-0, Aug. 30).
Commentary/recent results: L'OM beat Le Mans 2-1 yesterday.
Upcoming schedule: Host AC Milan in the CL curtain raiser tomorrow. The second Champions League matchday has them at the Bernabeu. So we'll soon know what Marseille are made of.

17. AZ Alkmaar
Last ranking: 12
Record: 4-2-0
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: After four wins in a row following their season-opening loss, the Dutch champs lost at The Hague by 2-1 Saturday.
Upcoming schedule: At Olympiakos in the Champions League opener Wednesday, followed by Nijmegen and Ajax Amsterdam.

18. Fiorentina
Last Ranking: -
Record: 3-0-1
Results of note: Beat Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League qualifier.
Commentary/recent results: Fiorentina had a bit of a slow start to the season, which is why they did not receive consideration for a Top 25 spot until now. After squeaking by Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League qualifer, La Viola drew Bologna on the first Serie A matchday. They've come on since, with wins over Palermo and Cagliari. Their upcoming games are sure to be more difficult, however.
Upcoming schedule: At No. 15 Olympique Lyonnais in the Champions League opener Wednesday, followed by Roma (away) and Sampdoria (home). Then a brief respite against Livorno, followed by Liverpool, Lazio and Juventus. Have fun with that, ragazzos!

19. Shakhtar Donetsk
Last ranking: 19
Record: 5-2-1
Results of note: Lost UEFA Supercup to then-No. 2 Barcelona (1-0 in overtime, Aug. 28).
Commentary/recent results: Won what appears to have been a Ukrainian cup tie over the weekend. They remain second in the league, behind Dynamo Kiev.
Upcoming schedule: At FC Bruges in the Europa League opener Thursday.

20. Dynamo Kiev
Last ranking: 21
Record: 6-0-1
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: Won their weekend match over Metalist Kharkov, who unless we're mistaken were a UEFA Cup semifinalist last season. Dynamo have resumed their dominance of the Ukrainian Premier-Liga with five wins and only one draw (and a 21-4 goal difference) albeit against very suspect competition.
Upcoming schedule: The Champions League opener at home against Rubin Kazan, Wednesday.

21. Unirea Urziceni
Last Ranking: -
Record: 4-1-1
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: We cannot even pretend to have heard of the Romanian side before the Champions League draw. Maybe because they're one of those former Communist party clubs that changed their name? But what we know now is they only lost once all season, in the opener against CFR Cluj (which was in the Champions League last year and may have even had a run in our Top 25, if memory serves). Since then, they have rattled off four wins and a draw by a 7-2 combined score, a streak that includes victories over Steaua and Rapid Bucharest.
Upcoming schedule: The Champions League opener at No. 10 Sevilla, Wednesday. Then at Dinamo Bucharest. With Glasgow Rangers and VfB Stuttgart the other teams in their Champions League group, they are capable of actually advancing.

22. Rubin Kazan
Last Ranking: -
Record: 14-3-4*
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: One of two Russian Champions League representatives, this one happens to lead the Premier Liga by six points over Spartak Moscow. They've reeled off six wins in a row, dating back to a scoreless draw with Zenit St. Petersburg on July 25. That includes victories over three Moscow clubs (FK, Dynamo, Spartak).
Upcoming schedule: At Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League opener Wednesday.
*Russian league starts in the spring.

23. Glasgow Rangers
Last ranking: 23
Record: 3-0-1
Results of note: Nothing yet.
Commentary/recent results: Rangers played a scoreless draw at Motherwell Saturday. They continue to lead the SPL, however, tied with their friendly neighbors Celtic.
Upcoming schedule: The CL campaign kicks off at Stuttgart Wednesday, which will be an important test to see if Rangers do indeed have a chance at advancing.

24. Estudiantes
Last ranking: 24
Record: 3-0-1
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: After dropping their first points of thee season in a 2-2 draw at San Lorenzo, the reigning Copa Libertadores champs beat Independiente 2-1. They are second in Argentina's Apertura League, behind Rosario Central, who somehow have a perfect record through four games.
Upcoming schedule: At Atletico Huracan, Friday. Boca Juniors are up after that, on Sept. 27. Unfortunately no Sudamericana action for these boys.

25. Club America
Last ranking: 25
Record: 4-1-2
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary/recent results: After a 1-1 draw at Tigres, Sept. 6, los aguilas (eagles?) beat up on Tecos by 5-0 to continue their torrid start.
Upcoming schedule: At Querentano, Sunday.

Dropping Out:
VfL Wolfsburg (15), AC Milan (18), Besiktas Istanbul (22).

Also receiving consideration (in rough order of consideration received):
Panathinaikos, Valencia, PSV Eindhoven, Galatasaray, Sporting Braga, Bayer Leverkusen, Feyernoord Rotterdam, BATE Borisov, Goias Esporte Clube.

Photo taken from CNN.com without permission.