But we're glad to be idiots on the day. (For the uninitiated: our official prediction for this game was a scoreless draw, a score which didn't even hold up for five minutes). It was a tremendous performance by Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium. An absolute clinic by the lads in the white shirts who should have rightfully put the game out of sight in the first 25 minutes. As it were, it took a Dele Alli goal on the stroke of halftime to reassert a two-goal advantage and effectively decide things. Spurs will take it. So will their supporters, me included. After almost five years of frustration against Liverpool, a compelling victory that puts Tottenham firmly in the top three in the Premiership table and potentially sets them up as the main title challenger to Manchester City this season.
We knew before this match that Liverpool's defense was poor. But we didn't quite know the extent. Dejan Lovren had one of the more pathetic performances you'll ever see from a Premiership defender. At times it looked like he was playing for Spurs. It was a joke, except no Liverpool supporters are laughing. Neither was the master of Gegenpressing, Juergen Klopp, who pulled the Croatian defender for Oxlad-Chamberlain midway through the first half. Gegen means against in German so maybe the concept calls for going against your own team. If so, Liverpool executed beautifully.
Credit Mauricio Pochettino again for rolling the dice with his 'WTF' lineup, same as he did in Madrid at midweek. When the starting eleven were announced, nobody even knew where people would line up. Was Aurier on the right or left? Where would Eriksen, Alli and Son play? (The latter hopefully not at left wingback again, as he did rather disastrously on one occasion last season). It took a deep dive on social media to at least answer the Aurier question.
It turns out Son was Spurs' most advanced player for most of the early stages of the game. Eriksen was on the right wing, with Alli on the left flanking Harry Winks. Maybe it was Son's positioning that threw off Lovren and the other Liverpool defenders on Tottenham's first goal. Whatever the reason, Lovren looked completely lost, but credit Trippier for a gutsy pass and Harry Kane for persevering until the ball was in the back of the Liverpool net. Less than five minutes were played. Just a few moments later, Spurs got their second goal, effectively achieving what Germans call the Vorentscheidung. Lovren was again at fault, this time whiffing on a header that put Kane and Son in on goal. Punditarena.com has some excellent analysis of both goals, complete with video.
Oct 22, 2017
Spurs beat up on Liverpool, making us look like idiots
Oct 20, 2017
Sorry Spurs Fans: We Probably Won't Beat Liverpool
File this one under posts I will be very happy to be wrong about. But a Tottenham Hotspur victory over Liverpool in Sunday's marquee Premier League matchup is looking very unlikely indeed. So, fellow Spurs fans, it is probably a good idea for us to temper our expectations, as giddy as we might be after this week's impressive showing at the Bernabeu. There are a number of reasons for this:
Start with history. Past performance is not always a reliable indicator of future results, as any investor will tell you. But if there's a pattern, well, then there's a pattern. Historically, Liverpool have won or drawn almost two-thirds of these matches, according to data compiled by 11v11.com: the tally now reads 80 wins for Liverpool and 47 for Spurs with 41 draws. The recent history has been even more in Liverpool's favor; it's been almost five years since the last time Tottenham won this matchup. You have to go back to the first term of the Obama administration, to Nov. 28, 2012 when Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale scored in a 2-1 victory at White Hart Lane. Since then it has been seven Liverpool victories and three draws. Most recently, in February, Reds beat us 2-0 at Anfield in one of Spurs' worst performances of the entire season.
Which is the other part of this: Not only do Liverpool play us tough, but we invariably play poorly in these matches. During one three-game stretch in 2013 and 2014, Liverpool won by a combined 12-0 (consecutive victories of 5-nil, 4-nil and 3-nil). Some of that overlapped with the season Liverpool bottled competed for the title, but still. And then there's the Wembley factor. While we aren't buying any of this Wembley hex talk, it is undeniable that, domestically at least, Tottenham simply do not play well at their temporary home. Perhaps it's how the size of the pitch is affecting our pressing game, as Danny Higginbotham points out here. Whatever the reason, something ain't working.
Spurs have had the benefit of weak teams visiting Wembley to get off the schneid and impress with an offensive performance to remember: Swansea, Burnley and Bournemouth were the last three opponents and suffice it to say we're still waiting for the goals to flow in any number. (For the record, Swansea was a scoreless draw, Burnley finished 1-1 when we gave up a late equalizer thanks to Kieran Tripper and while Bournemouth was our first ever league victory at Wembley, it was by the narrowest of 1-0 margins. Against a team firmly ensconsed in the relegation zone). The lack of goals is only the most apparent problem. The greater concern is the inability to create bonafide chances. Something is missing in the attacking third of the pitch, a final link in the chain appears to have been removed from Spurs' attacking play at White Hart Lane last season. Dele Alli is trying to do too much, in too many places, at too many times. His connection with Harry Kane, which at times was almost telepathic last year, is nowhere near as fluid. Christian Eriksen, too, has been uninspiring at various points -- nowhere more so than against Real at midweek, where he was the one negative in an otherwise masterful performance by the team.
Liverpool, of course, are beset by their own problems. Some of them, ironically, may stem from the same cause as Spurs', namely being forced to dial back the pressing game. And of course much has been said and written about Liverpool's poor defense, and justifiably so. Whether this is the fault of Juergen Klopp or some other factor is a conversation best left for a different day. But surely Reds' defense is better than Swansea's or Bournemouth's? If Spurs are unable to create real chances against these clubs, can they really be expected to accomplish this task against Liverpool? Maybe this will finally be the week the Tottenham attack finds its groove and shows the prowess it has displayed away from home? But it may not be smart to make that bet. The U.K. bookmakers all have Liverpool as strong favorites to win. Oddsmakers can be, and often are wrong of course, but they set their odds for a reason. Set pieces have been Liverpool's downfall but here too Spurs have yet to find their groove. Of the 17 goals scored in league play this season, we can recall just two coming from set pieces (Alli's off of a corner versus Burnley and Eriksen's against West Ham. Please let us know if you recall others). And Liverpool's defense was vastly improved in their last game against Man United. We unfortunately can't see them giving up more than a goal or two to Spurs tomorrow. Not with the way things have been going.
Okay, so might a draw be in the offing? The bookies have a draw even less likely than a Spurs victory. But Klopp has never won a competitive match at Wembley. Liverpool's attack is as impressive as their defense is underwhelming, but Tottenham have arguably the best backline in the league (maybe even in all of Europe) and good defense typically beats good offense. Plus Sadio Mane is out injured. Reds beat up on poor Maribor in midweek Champions League action but were unable to break down a stubborn Manchester United defense (and midfield. And, well, everything since Jose Mourinho parked the bus) last weekend. Liverpool have scored more than one goal in a match just once since August -- a stretch of games that included Burnley and Newcastle. Spurs have everybody healthy defensively, probably even Danny Rose (though probably not for the full game). Cartilage Free Captain expects Heung-Min Son and Dele Alli to start for Spurs with Trippier rotating into Serge Aurier's spot at right wingback, but this is very much an 'A' Spurs squad that will take the pitch. For these reasons a draw may be more likely than oddsmakers are anticipating. We predict Tottenham 0, Liverpool 0.
Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated Sadio Mane's first name.
Apr 13, 2014
Lucky Liverpool Remind Us Why The Premiership Race is Far From Over
Liverpool got a lucky winner at Anfield today to defeat Manchester City 3-2 and inch closer to their first league championship in 24 years. It was a spirited victory for Brendan Rodgers' men on an emotional day when Anfield marked the quarter century anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster. If Reds can "hold serve" and win their remaining four games, they will rightfully look back on this match as one of the deciding moments of their first championship campaign of the Premiership era.
Sep 1, 2013
Four Things we Learned From Man United's Defeat at Anfield Today
1. Ryan Giggs is officially too old to play at this level. We admire Giggs's efforts. We really do. He is well past the peak age (by about a decade) of a Premiership midfielder. That he has been able to remain competitive for so long speaks volumes to his conditioning, positioning and guile. But the sleight of hand has become a dangerous game. Time and again today Giggs was muscled off the ball, outrun by his man or left looking precariously flatfooted. Maybe he can be a useful sub for 15 minutes or so, but it is time to face the facts of Father Time and admit Giggs should not start another (non-friendly) match for Manchester United.
Apr 1, 2010
Ranking the world's soccer meccas: No. 3 Old Trafford and Anfield (a draw)
For ranking methodology and other information about the series, see the original post. To read the about the No. 4-rated stadium, the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay, click here. To see all "soccer mecca" entries click here.
No. 3 Old Trafford, Manchester and Anfield, Liverpool
Open since: 1910 (Old Trafford); 1884 (Anfield)
Capacity: ~75,000 (Old Trafford); ~45,000 (Anfield)
Tenant: Manchester United (Old Trafford); Liverpool FC (Anfield)
World Cup hosts: 1966 (Old Trafford)
Deciding not to decide is admittedly a bit of cop-out; but I didn't want to face the wrath of one side's supporters and be accused of harboring anti- (or pro-) feelings toward either club. I also really wanted to make this a top 10 list. Top 11 is not as nice a number, and therefore not as marketable. And as you know it's all about the money for me. Why else become a soccer blogger? If I wanted to do something nice for society I'd be a banker or something. Seriously though, necessity obviously played a role in choosing two grounds for the third-biggest soccer mecca in the world. However, the truth is that a fair objective decision (or what passes for one given the criteria at our disposal) would have been extremely difficult, if not impossible. Compelling arguments exist in support of both stadia. Old Trafford is bigger and played host to a World Cup, goes one. Anfield is older and has more of an "iconic value" in part for this reason, goes another. Well, great. Rather than fight about that let's just discuss both grounds. Old Trafford goes first because it's bigger and hosted World Cup matches. Plus this year is the 100 year anniversary of the ground's opening. The Guardian did a terrific retrospective in February that you should really read for yourself. But here is my bit:
Old Trafford
The 1994 renovation spelled the end of the beloved (by home fans at least) Stretford End, though many still refer to the stadium's west end as such. "Theatre of Dreams," a paper of sorts published on Villanova University's Web site has the following to say about the Stretford End:
"Crammed behind the goal was a heaving mass of almost 20,000 standing United fans who were amongst the loudest in Britain. It was once measured that the roar from the crowd was louder than a Jumbo Jet taking off."
The last game played in front of the famous old terrace was a 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on May 2, 1992.
Old Trafford has hosted its share of famous matches, but the 1966 World Cup games don't exactly make the cut. All were group stage games and none saw very big crowds. In the first, Portugal defeated Hungary 3-1 in front of 37,000. Portugal played (and won) the second match against Bulgaria by 3-0 in front of 26,000. In the third, Hungary saw off Bulgaria by 3-0 in a match that was only significant because it meant defending champions Brazil would not make the elimination round. The Brazilians, with Pele, had earlier lost 3-1 to Portugal in a game played at Goodison Park.
Thirty years later Old Trafford was one of the main stages for Euro 96. Eventual champions Germany played their group stage matches here, winning the first two (2-1 over the Czech Republic and 3-0 over Russia) and drawing the third (0-0 against Italy). As group winners Germany then faced Croatia in the quarterfinals at Old Trafford, winning 2-1 (Croatia would win the rematch two years later at the World Cup quarterfinal in France). Old Trafford then was the stage for a tense semifinal between France and the Czech Republic, won by the Czechs on penalties.
Okay, none of these will exactly go down in the annals of soccer history. In fact, for the first 35 years of its life, Old Trafford saw little that would make the history books. Man United were a "yo-yo club" in the 1920s and 30s, switching between the top two divisions several times. It wasn't until the arrival of Matt Busby in 1945 that this changed for good (well, until 1974 at least, which we'll get to in a minute).
The 1957 European Cup semifinal pitted Man United against defending title holders Real Madrid. It was just the second year of the tournament that is today known as the UEFA Champions League, and Man U's first as a participant. Busby's babes were defeated 5-3 on aggregate but the game presented them with a measuring stick that likely would have been breached sooner had it not been for the 1959 Munich air disaster.
Less than two weeks after the tragedy, United returned to Old Trafford. The matchday programs of what would become a 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday read "United Will Go On". Blank spaces were left where the names of the eight deceased players would have been.
In 1965, Busby's side won their first championship on a Monday night at Old Trafford on goals by Denis Law (2x) and George Best.
Three years later, their first European title would finally follow. The European Cup semifinal against Real Madrid was one of the most epic match-ups in the history of club football, though most of the drama took place at the Bernabeu in the return leg. Man U won the first leg at Old Trafford on a goal by Best. Busby's side advanced after a 3-3 draw in Madrid and went on to defeat Benfica for the first-ever European Cup won by an English club.
The 70s and 80s were a tough time for United, but there were a few moments of glory at Old Trafford nonetheless. In 1984, Ron Atkinson's Red Devils faced Barcelona in the quarterfinals of the old Cup winners' cup. They were given little chance against a side that featured Diego Maradona (by then the consensus best player in the world, or close to it), especially after losing the first leg at Camp Nou by 2-0. But led by Bryan Robson, Man U rallied and five minutes after halftime the sides were level. Frank Stapleton got United the winner. They would lose the semifinal to Juventus (with Michel Platini). The BBC revisited the encounter a few years ago. Check it out.
Man U and Real Madrid would meet again in 2003 in the Champions League quarterfinals. This time Real came out winners. After winning the first leg 3-1, the return leg at Old Trafford became one of the more thrilling games you'll witness anywhere. In the end Ronaldo (the Brazilian one) proved too much for Red Devils, scoring thrice. David Beckham came on as a substitute and scored twice but it was not enough. Man U won the return leg 4-3 but bowed out on aggregate, 6-5. Too bad, because that was the year the Champions League final was played at Old Trafford. In May 2003 it hosted a rather anticlimactic affair between AC Milan and Juventus, which Milan won on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
Of course some of the most spirited matches were domestic--or even municipal--battles.
The Independent has a series of the 10 best Manchester derbies of all time. Rather than
In 1926, Manchester City won 6-1. I don't believe either club has scored that many goals in the Manchester derby since. The margin of victory was itself a record for nearly 30 years until...
...it was matched in 1955, with City winning 5-0.
On April 27, 1974, United hosted City on the penultimate matchday. In what became known as the Denis Law game, the Scotsman (and former United man, as we have seen) scored his last goal ever as a professional. The cheeky backheel (links to YouTube clip of the goal) won the game for City 1-0. United were relegated to the old Division Two, though not as a result of that game as is often reported (they would have gone down regardless).
In March 1991, a 17-year old Welshman by the name of Ryan Giggs scored the first goal of his career in a Manchester derby. The goal decided the match in United's favor (1-0).
The following December, a certain Frenchman named Eric Cantona made his debut for United in the first Manchester derby of the Premiership era. Cantona went on to score eight goals in eight Manchester derbies over the following four seasons but he was kept off the scoresheet that day (United didn't need the help; they won 2-1).
In the first derby of the new Millenium in 2001, Roy Keane very nearly ended the career of Alf-Inge Haaland with a vicious tackle. The tackle, which was swiftly red-carded, was revenge for an injury Keane himself sustained at Haaland's expense (kind of. In 1997 Keane was injured when he attempted to tackle Haaland. Only Roy Keane knows why he needed to avenge an injury caused by Roy Keane or why he needed to boast about it in his book. The latter move cost him an additional fine).
Anfield
Interestingly enough, Liverpool were not Anfield's original tenants. That honor goes to Everton, who built the ground in 1884 and called it home for eight years. They left over some internal dispute and Liverpool were formed with the express purpose of occupying Anfield. So Liverpool is very much the house that Anfield build, not vice-versa. I'm sure Everton fans never remind their Liverpool brethren of this.The (in)famous kop was not part of the original construct either. In fact, no stands were. For the first two years, players had to walk down a road from an off-site locker room to the pitch, according to Liverweb.org.uk. The site also supplies this tidbit from the ground's very early days:
In 1894 following some early success the club decided to build a proper main stand which would incorporate dressing rooms. The stand was built and cost a total of £1,000. The stand was made of timber and remained relatively unmodified until the 1970's when it was to become as it is in modern times. The stand was at the time considered extremely good for the football ground. In the middle of the stand roof was a mock semi-circular gable in red and white. A large plaque was later place on this area reading 'Liverpool Football Club'. Today though the only thing left of it are photographs as the original itself was lost in development of the stand. It is likely to have been placed in a builders skip.
The "kop" stand was built in 1906 and named after the Spion Kop, a hill in South Africa where a local regiment suffered heavy losses during the Boer War. The roof was added in 1928. The kop can rightfully claim to be the most famous soccer stand in the world. It was here that the singing we associate today with football supporters came into being. "While cheering and the occasional singing at English football matches was nothing new, the spontaneous, collective songs of the masses in the Kop was something never before seen," writes Albion Road.
This alone makes Anfield a legend among soccer stadia. Its status as a soccer mecca is cemented by the fact that it also berthed soccer's most famous song. "You'll never walk alone," has since been adopted as the anthem of virtually every club not named Everton and Manchester United. The song has existed since 1945. It started as a Broadway show tune if you can believe that (probably one of very few links between the world of Broadway musicals and soccer--or professional sport for that matter) and was covered by everybody from Frank Sinatra to Elvis Presley. It was first heard at Anfield around 1963 when Merseyside group Gerry & The Pacemakers made it popular in Britain. It appears to have become the club's official anthem shortly afterward (I found a YouTube clip from 1964).
A wave of renovations were spurred by the arrival of Bill Shankly in 1959. "He was livid at the conditions and said that the ground was not good enough for the fans who supported them each week," writes Liverweb.
In 1971, Anfield had the dubious distinction of hosting a Man United match. This Web site explains why. So Anfield has actually held home games for Liverpool's two fiercest rivals!
Still, nobody can argue that the team that gets the most inspiration from Anfield is Liverpool. From 1978 to 1981, Reds did not lose a match at their home ground.
From the mid 1960s to late 1980s the club celebrated a lengthy golden age. In 1973 it hoisted its first European trophy, the UEFA Cup, and won the first division for the "double." The first leg of the UEFA cup final was in fact played at Anfield (back then two legs decided the winner). Reds won 3-0 over Borussia Moenchengladbach with Kevin Keegan scoring two goals within a nine minute span of the first half. In fact, Keegan had a chance for a hat trick but missed a penalty. Liverpool had to hang on for dear life in the return leg; at halftime they were down 2-0. But they pulled it off. '73 was also Shankly's last year in charge at Anfield. Three years later, with Bob Paisley now in charge, Reds won the league and UEFA Cup again.
The first leg of the 1976 UEFA Cup final against Belgian side Bruges was probably one of the best games ever played at Anfield. After just 12 minutes Reds were down two goals. They got three goals in the last 30 minutes of the match (the third on a Keegan penalty) to take the first leg 3-2.
The following season Liverpool took their first champions cup (forerunner to the Champions League). Between 1977 and 1985, they would reach the final five times, winning the first four.
Of course Liverpool also has a few memorable losses at Anfield. The most painful may be the April 1989 league championship decider with Arsenal. Gunners needed to win by two goals on the final matchday. Michael Thomas got Arsenal's second goal in the final minute of the match. Liverpool has not won a league title since.
Like Old Trafford, Anfield also hosted Euro 96 games; three group stage matches and a quarterfinal between France and the Netherlands that ended scoreless (France advanced on penalties). The most interesting of the group stage matches was probably Russia's 3-3 draw with the Czech Republic in the third and final round. With zero points from its first two games, Russia had no hope of advancing, but they could spoil the Czech Republic's quarterfinal qualification with a victory. It didn't start well; after just 19 minutes Russia was down two goals. But they rallied at the start of the second half and by minute 54 had tied the game up. Then, five minutes before time Vladimir Beschastnykh put the Russians up, before the Czechs equalized three minutes later. They would go on to make the finals of the tournament and lose in extra time on a disputed "golden goal" by Oliver Bierhoff.
Man United v Liverpool
The "Northwest derby" between Liverpool and Man United is one of the most spirited affairs in all of sport, so we are devoting an entire section to it. All but a handful of these matches were played at Old Trafford or Anfield. Liverpool drew first blood in their first meeting in 1895; the 7-1 victory at Anfield remains the widest margin of victory in these games.
There have been so many memorable matches since then, it's hard to pick a select few that stand out. But for historical significance's stake, perhaps none is greater than the 1999 FA Cup tie at Old Trafford. Trailing 1-0 with a minute to go, Sir Alex' men stunned the visitors with a pair of goals (links to YouTube video clip) en route to their historic treble. The Champions League final against Bayern Munich is rightly remembered as the crowning moment of the season, but it turns out Red Devils had pulled an identical feat (scoring twice to overcome a 1-0 deficit in the final minute of a match) three months earlier.
The teams' August 1953 meeting at Anfield proved the start of a dark period for Liverpool. The home side led 4-2 at the hour mark but United rallied to tie the score. The equalizer was controversial; Liverpool goalkeeper Charlie Ashcroft was bundled into the net with seven minutes to go and apparently the Anfield faithful were so incensed police had to form a line in front of the kop. An interesting tidbit for those who might think soccer violence (or the threat thereof) is something that began in the 1960s. The Lancashire Evening Post interviewed the 82-year old Ashcroft about this and other memorable games in January 2009. United won the return leg at Old Trafford and Liverpool were relegated. Man U went on to become, well Man U (at least the 1950s version).
When they were finally re-promoted for the 1962-63 season, Liverpool had a rough start, winning just four of their first 16 games when they faced their hated rivals at Old Trafford. It started badly for Bill Shankly's side and at the half the score was Man U 1, Liverpool 0. The teams traded goals in the second half with United getting the last laugh on the final play of the game, equalizing for a 3-3 score. But Liverpool were clearly buoyed by the result; they went on to win their next nine games and were crowned league champions in 1964.
Sir Alex' first season in charge at Old Trafford was largely forgettable, but Red Devils did manage a 1-0 win at Anfield on Boxing Day 1986 that helped put an end to Liverpool's chances of defending their league title.
In 1988, United came from two goals down to draw 3-3 at Anfield in a game made famous for Gordon Strachan smoking an imaginary cigar in front of the kop. Liverpool won the league anyway. But they haven't won it since.
In 1992 it was still United who was suffering the title drought however. Sir Alex' men hit Anfield in April with their title hopes hanging by a thread. They lost 2-0. The last-ever league championship before the creation of the Premier League went to Leeds United (ironically with Strachan). But Man U won the next one. And the one after that. In fact, seven of the first nine Premiership titles went to Man United.
In 1993 Man United suffered a brief setback at the hands of their rivals. Sir Alex' men had a 3-0 lead after just 24 minutes at Anfield, but the match ended up a 3-3 draw. Man U went on to win the double that season.
In 1995 Cantona returned from the suspension he earned for the Selhurst Park incident and had a part in both United goals in an exciting 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
In December 2000, Liverpool ended a 10-game unbeaten run against their rivals, winning 1-0 on a freekick goal by Danny Murphy at Old Trafford.
As for the last decade worth of games, you should be young enough to remember them yourself and won't need me to relive them.
Mar 1, 2010
The world's top 25 soccer clubs, March 1, 2010
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.
Feb 26, 2010
Just how viable are the Soccer Source rankings?
But now, with these matchups either halfway done (in the case of the Champions League) or decided (Europa League) we figured the time would be right to revisit the issue. That, and there is nothing to do at the dayjob today due to all the snow we're having in New York. Anyway, here goes:
Barcelona (No. 1 at last ranking) vs. Stuttgart (unranked)
The top team in our rankings had to struggle to get a 1-1 away draw against a team that has not even been on our radar as far as top clubs are concerned. While this is potentially troubling, can there really be any doubt Barca will trounce the German side at Camp Nou in the return leg? No, there cannot really. Besides, everybody in the world predicted Barca to advance so if we get this wrong we're hardly in the minority.
Inter Milan (2) vs. Chelsea (3)
Our rankings predicted a very tight matchup between two top teams and that is what it got. Inter took the first leg 2-1 at home. The advantage is to Chelsea in the return leg by virtue of the away goal, but this can still go either way--just like we had predicted.
Real Madrid (4) vs. Olympique Lyon (20)
According to our rankings, Real is clearly the superior club. Yet they lost the first leg at Lyon 1-0 and have their work cut out for them in the return leg. This would be a major upset in our book. But maybe our ranking of Real is inflated? After all this is a club whose biggest achievement was a 3-2 win at Valencia in December. We shall see.
Manchester United (5) vs. AC Milan (13)
We have Man U as the superior club so we aren't at all surprised by their 3-2 away win in the first leg. Sure, Milan could still come back but they will have to score at least twice at Old Trafford to do so.
Girondins Bordeaux (6) vs. Olympiakos (17)
The French club demonstrated their supriority in a 1-0 away win in the first leg. They're in the driver's seat to prove us right. Allez les Girondins!
Bayern Munich (7) vs. Fiorentina (unranked)
Bayern struggled to win 2-1 in the home leg, looking nothing like a team that is supposed to be the seventh-best in the world. Fiorentina, to our credit, are not complete strangers to the Top 25, having figured prominently earlier this season. But their run of recent form led us to drop them. If they can win the return leg and advance we'll obviously have to revisit that--not to mention Bayern's perch at 7.
Arsenal (8) vs. Porto (12)
The Soccer Source rankings give Arsenal the edge, though not by much. So we aren't at all surprised by Porto's 2-1 win in the first leg. Even if they are bounced at Emirates on March 9 we can still pat ourselves on the back for this. Unless of course it's a blowout...
AS Roma (9) vs. Panathinaikos
Um, okay we can pretend this didn't happen, right? Roma lost the return leg 3-2 at home, their first defeat in 20 games (we didn't count their first leg loss by the same score since it's part of the same matchup). Oops.
Sevilla (10) vs CSKA Moscow (unranked)
The Spanish side struggled to get a 1-1 away draw in the first leg of their Champions League matchup. That result is somewhat surprising considering Moscow hadn't played a competitive game in months. Less so considering it was played in an arctic climate that is to southern Spain what Vermont is to Miami.
Benfica Lisbon (11) vs. Hertha Berlin
No surprise here. Benfica blew out the German club 4-0 in the first leg and sauntered to a 1-1 draw in the second. They're through to the next round.
PSV Eindhoven (14) vs. Hamburg SV (unranked)
We had been singing PSV's praises all season, while Hamburg has been in and out of the Top 25 (mostly out). Yet the German club proved superiod in a narrow matchup, winning the return leg at home 1-0 after losing the first 3-2. At least PSV kept it close for us.
Rubin Kazan (18) vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv (unranked)
As expected, the Russian side advanced easily 3-0 on aggregate.
Fenerbahce Istanbul (21) vs. OSC Lille (unranked)
Lille have made a few appearances in the top 25 but by the time this Europa League matchup was played Fener had the advantage. Or so we thought. The French club won by scoring a late equalizer in the return leg.
RSC Anderlecht (22) vs. Athletic Bilbao
We were widely ridiculed for putting Anderlecht in our rankings. But who's ridiculous now? The Belgian side trounced the Basques 4-0 in the first leg of their Europa League matchup and coasted to a 1-1 away draw in the second. Most of the soccer world will call this an upset. Not us.
Olympique Marseille (23) vs. FC Copenhagen (unranked)
L'OM advanced easily as our rankings predicted, 6-2 on aggregate.
Shakhtar Donetsk (24) vs. Fulham (unranked)
Ooops. Roy Hodgson's side defeated the defending champs in their Europa League matchup. Oh well.
Liverpool (25) vs. Unirea Urziceni (unranked)
Reds advanced past the Romanian side without too much difficulty. Point for us.
Teams ranked 15 (Bayer Leverkusen), 16 (Valencia) and 19 (Dynamo Kiev) are not actively engaged in European competition.
Tally:
4 wrong
5 accurate
4 pending with our prediction likely correct (visiting team won or drew)
1 pending with our prediction unlikely (home team lost or drew)
3 pending and too close to call
A look at the next round of the Europa League:
Note that victories in the first elimination round have not yet been factored into the ranking. That will take place in the next edition of the Top 25, Monday, March 1:
Benfica (11) vs. Olympique Marseille (23)
Rubin Kazan (18) vs. VfL Wolfsburg (unranked)
Anderlecht (22) vs. HSV (unranked)
Liverpool (25) vs. Lille (unranked)
Photo taken from AccuWeather.com without permission.
Feb 15, 2010
The world's top 25 soccer clubs, Feb. 15, 2010
1. Barcelona
Last ranking: 1
Record (wins-losses-ties, in all competition; two-leg match-ups count as one): 25-3-6
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 suffered just their third loss of the season yesterday, falling to Atletico Madrid 2-1. All goals came in the first 30 minutes. Barca had several absences on defense but these are games the best team in the world really should win even with a thin line up. And yes, we are keeping Barca in the top spot for the simple reason that they have the best record. That and the teams immediately behind didn't exactly impress either. The result of yesterday's game is significant however, because it reduces the defending champs' lead atop the Spanish liga table to a mere two points. The league race is wide open in other words. And Real Madrid happen to host the second match between the two rivals on April 11.
Upcoming schedule: Host Santander Saturday. The first leg of their UEFA Champions league Round of 16 matchup with VfB Stuttgart is in Germany Feb. 23.
2. Inter Milan
Last ranking: 3
Record: 21-3-9
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 four times over the last two weeks and did not lose. But they didn't win every game either, in fact the last two (at Parma and Naples) were draws. Inter have a seven point lead in the Serie A standings. Can they afford to start dropping points like this?
Upcoming schedule: Host Sampdoria, who beat them earlier in the season, Saturday before the clash with Chelsea next Wednesday.
3. Chelsea
Last ranking: 2
Record: 27-5-6
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 defeated Cardiff City in the FA Cup yesterday but it's been a less than perfect fortnight for the West London side. Yes, they looked great against Arsenal the weekend before last but Everton made them look downright mid-table (that's what Landon Donovan will do for a club. Keep that in mind ahead of June 12, England fans). Chelsea's lead over Man United is now one solitary point. It's going to be very interesting.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Wolves Saturday but the game we'll be watching is next Wednesday's trip to the San Siro and Inter Milan.
4. Real Madrid
Last ranking: 5
Record: 20-5-4
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 won a pair of 3-0 decisions since we last met. That's four wins in a row. Could Real be peaking at exactly the right time? We'll have to wait and see...
Upcoming schedule: The first leg of their Champions League matchup with Olympique Lyon is tomorrow. Host Villareal at home Sunday.
5. Manchester United
Last ranking: 4
Record: 25-8-4
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 played just twice in the past fortnight, defeating Pompey back on Feb. 6 but drawing Aston Villa 1-1 last Wednesday. Now things get interesting, because:
Upcoming schedule: It's off to the San Siro tomorrow for the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 matchup with AC Milan. Then another challenge, at Everton Saturday.
6. Girondins Bordeaux
Last ranking: 6
Record: 26-6-4
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: Two up, two down for les Girondins since the last edition of le Top 25. They remain first in Ligue Un, but only three points ahead of surprising Montpellier (not the capital of Vermont but a city in southern France. Anyway Montpelier, Vt., is spelled differently).
Upcoming schedule: Visit Lorient Wednesday. Visit Olympiakos for their Champions League matchup Feb. 23.
7. Bayern Munich
Last ranking: 7
Record: 21-4-7
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 remains perfect in 2010. They actually haven't lost since Nov. 3. And yet, first place in the Bundesliga is still shared with Leverkusen, whom they just can't seem to shake. Until they do we simply cannot advance them past Bordeaux, who owned the German club in their two Champions League matchups last fall (see above).
Upcoming schedule: Host Fiorentina in the first stage of their Champions League match-up. Visit Nurnberg Saturday. A clash with Hamburg SV follows a week later.
8. Arsenal
Last ranking: 8
Record: 22-9-5
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: Arse were outclassed at the Bridge but remain just six points behind the leaders after defeating a (somewhat) resurgent Liverpool squad last Wednesday.
Upcoming schedule: Travel to Portugal for their Champions League match-up with Porto on Wednesday. Host Sunderland Saturday..
9. AS Roma
Last ranking: 13
Record: 21-6-6
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: Can there be any argument about the hottest team in Europe right now? It's got to be Roma, winner of nine games in a row and an unbeaten streak of 20 (!) dating back to October. In the three years I've been keeping these charts I've never come across anything like this. Oh yeah, the gialorossi have now moved up to second, seven points behind the leaders.
Upcoming schedule: Host Panathinaikos in the first leg of their Europa League match-up Thursday. Host Catania Sunday. Look toward a March 7 date with Milan and March 28 meeting with Inter (both home) to decide the scudetto.
10. Sevilla
Last ranking: 9
Record: 20-5-3
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 got past Getafe in the Copa del Rey semifinals and followed this up with a victory over Osasuna yesterday. There was a loss to Saragossa in there as well, however. The liga race has long run its course; 16 points separate Sevilla from first-place Barcelona. But third place, and an automatic Champions League qualification is merely four points beyond them.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Mallorca Saturday followed by the first leg of their Champions League match-up with CSKA Moscow. That game is in Russia, a week from Wednesday.
11. Benfica Lisbon
Last ranking: 11
Record: 20-3-4
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: With two wins and a draw since the last edition of the Top 25, Benfica were able to take sole possession of first place in the Portuguese league.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Hertha Berlin for what is sure to be an easy Europa League encounter.
12. Porto
Last ranking: 12
Record: 20-5-3
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 won two and drew one over the last two weeks to keep pace with first-placed Benfica. Unfortunately, they're nine points behind the leaders and eight points behind second-placed Sporting Braga.
Upcoming schedule: Host Arsenal Wednesday. Get their chance against Sporting Braga Sunday. Then Sporting Braga a week later. If Porto are going to right their season, here's their chance.
13. AC Milan
Last ranking: 10
Record: 16-7-9
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: Leonardo's men finally got off the schneid Friday, defeating Udinese 3-2 to end a four game winless streak. But they've dropped to third, nine points behind the leaders.
Upcoming schedule: Host Man U tomorrow. They shouldn't have a chance in this game. But you never know...
14. PSV Eindhoven
Last ranking: 14
Record: 25-1-6
Results of note: Drew at Twente (1-1, Aug. 9).
Commentary/recent results: PSV rebounded from their first loss of the season (on Jan. 27) to win three in a row. They lead the Dutch Eredivisie by three points.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Hamburg SV for a tough Europa League match-up Thursday.
15. Bayer Leverkusen
Last ranking: 15
Record: 13-1-9
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: After a disappointing draw at Bochum, Leverkusen rebounded with a 2-1 victory over the defending champions Wolfsburg Saturday. They are first in the Bundesliga on goal difference.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Bremen Saturday. No European action for these guys but look to a stretch between March 14 and April 10 that will decide the title race. During that time, Bayer face Hamburg SV (currently fourth), Borussia Dortmund (fifth), Schalke (third) and Bayern Munich (second).
16. Valencia
Last ranking: 16
Record: 17-4-9
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 beat Valladolid and drew Sporting Gijon over the last two weeks. They remain third in La Liga.
Upcoming schedule: The Europa League match-up with FC Bruges kicks off Thursday. Host Getafe Sunday.
17. Olympiakos
Last ranking: 18
Record: 18-6-5
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 continued their winning ways, over Levadiakos and Asteras Tripolis to move within three points of first-placed Panathinaikos. Smart money says they'll catch the Athenian side by season end.
Upcoming schedule: At Ergotelis Saturday. Then host Girondins Bordeaux in an intriguing Champions League matchup. It seems the Greek club are in better form at the moment. But we'll have to wait and see what happens this weekend first.
18. Rubin Kazan
Last Ranking: 19
Record: 20-6-8
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 season is over. Kazan are champions. Face Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Europa League round of 32. The victor faces the winner of Wolfsburg and Villareal.
Upcoming schedule: Host the Israeli club Thursday. The Russian league doesn't start until March 14.
19. Dynamo Kiev
Last ranking: 20
Record: 15-4-3
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: Idle.
Upcoming schedule: Nothing until Feb. 27.
20. Olympique Lyonnais
Last ranking: -
Record: 20-8-7
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: L'OL have managed to stop their freefall in Ligue Un. They haven't lost a league match this year and have moved up to fourth place as a result, five points behind leaders Bordeaux.
Upcoming schedule: Now things get real. Or Real, as the Spanish juggernauts pay a visit to the Stade Gerland tomorrow.
21. Fenerbahce Istanbul
Last ranking: 17
Record: 22-6-3
Results of note: Beat Galatasaray (3-1, Oct. 25), beat then-No. 20 Twente (Dec. 2, 1-0).
Commentary/recent results: Fener hit a bit of a rough spot the last two weeks. They struggled to advance past Bursaspor in what appears to have been two legs of a cup tie and drew their two league matches in that span. These results knocked them out of first place in the Turkcell Super Lig, one point behind Galatasaray.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Lille in intriguing Europa League match-up Thursday.
22. RSC Anderlecht
Last ranking: 21
Record: 23-7-5
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 won the clash against second-placed FC Bruges then lost to some club named Sint Truidense VV. Their game with Charleroi was canceled Saturday, presumably due to weather.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Atletic Bilbao in an intriguing Europa League match-up Thursday.
23. Olympique Marseille
Last ranking: 23
Record: 19-9-7
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: L'OM exited the Coupe de France at Lens last week (by the way "France" and "Lens" rhyme when pronounced correctly) but rebounded with a gutsy win at Monaco Saturday. Marseille are fifth in the French first division, one point behind fourth-placed Lyon and only two behind third-placed Lille with a game in hand over both clubs.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Copenhagen Thursday for the first leg of their Europa League match-up. Host Nancy Sunday.
24. Shakhtar Donetsk
Last ranking: 24
Record: 17-4-4
Results of note: Lost UEFA Supercup to then-No. 2 Barcelona (1-0 in overtime, Aug. 28), beat then-No. 10 Dynamo Kiev at home in domestic cup match (2-0, Oct. 28), lost at then No. 16 Dynamo Kiev (3-0, Nov. 21).
Commentary/recent results: Nothing.
Upcoming schedule: The first round of the Europa League play-off, at Craven Cottage Thursday.
25. Liverpool
Last ranking: -
Record: 15-13-6
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).
Commentary/recent results: Liverpool are back. Granted their overall record is not very impressive but Rafa Benitez' squad have fought their way back to fourth place in the Premiership with some pretty decent results these past few months. It's been a long time since we saw them here: Oct. 26 to be exact. Will they manage to stick around?
Upcoming schedule: Face fellow Champions League rejects Unirea Urziceni in the Europa League Thursday followed by a visit to Man City. A crucial visit to Old Trafford is up March 21. Reds won the first encounter, if you'll recall...
Dropping Out:
Twente (22) after losing to Ajax Amsterdam by 3-0, Corinthians (25).
Also receiving consideration (in rough order of consideration received):
Chivas de Guadelajara (perfect through five games of the Mexican Clausura), Ajax Amsterdam (defeated Twente, sit third in Eredivisie, undefeated in 2010).
Please note: The Top 25 will next appear March 1. So don't go looking for it in a week and come crying to me. You've been warned.
Photo taken from Goal.com without permission.