Football Champions

For ranking methodology and other information about the series, see the original post. To read the about the No. 6-rated stadium, the Estadio Bernabeu in Madrid, click here. To see all "soccer mecca" entries click here.

No. 5 Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland
Open since: 1903
Capacity: 52,000
Tenant(s): Queen's Park, Scotland
World Cup hosts: Never

What's this? A ground that never hosted the World Cup or Euro tournament at number five?!? Believe it. This is one of those instances where the stadium's iconic value outweighs its intrinsic one (though one could of course argue there is no real intrinsic value in a soccer stadium, least of all one that can qualify it as a "mecca". That's another argument for another day).

All right, so what is this iconic value of Hampden Park? Simply put, the stadium has taken over as the defacto historic home of British soccer after Wembley's facelift. It is one of the oldest grounds in Britain (and the world) still used for topflight matches.

(As an aside, if you object to the term "British" for Scotland's national stadium I refer you to the fact that the ground is named after an Englishman, John Hampden.)

The present-day Hampden Park is actually the third rendition (not including several renovations) of the place. The first, that gave the stadium its name, was "in an area of land across from the Recreation Ground under the shadow of Hampden Terrace"--a street named after the aforementioned Englishman, according to HampdenRoar.co.uk. That lasted a mere decade, until 1883, before primary tenant Queens Park found a new home nearby. The second home appears to have been known more as Cathkin Park than Hampden Park, for whatever reason. It was taken over by the now-defunct Third Lanark FC, who rebuilt it from scratch. Glasgow's city council took over the land in the 1960s after Third Lanark went bankrupt. Three quarters of the stadium's 1903 structure survives to this day.

Hampden Park as we know it opened at its present-day location in 1903. Perhaps setting the scene for the "century of hooliganism" that would follow it, Rangers and Celtics fans in 1909 effectively destroyed that rendition of the stadium after a Scottish Cup final replay.

Speaking of the Scottish Cup final, it has been held at Hampden Park every year since 1874 (except for war years, of course).

"The atmosphere is superb when it's a full crowd," says one Scottish football fan who has attended many matches at Hampden Park. "I think the natural geography of that part of the southside of Glasgow helps - the area is a natural 'bowl'-shape, so when you are walking from the train station to the stadium, the area dips down as you approach it, creating a kind of 'cauldron' effect."

That effect is partly responsible for the "Hampden Roar" that dates to the 1929 British Home Championship if Wikipedia is to be believed (which it probably isn't). Some have argued the Hampden Roar hasn't existed in decades, however.

Hampden Park is not all about iconic value. It does hold several records--chief among them the highest attendance at a European soccer match, a record that at nearly 150,000 will probably not be broken--and has hosted many historic matches in its day. Most notably, it was here that Real Madrid won its fifth European Cup, capping a 1959-1960 tournament that was described as "possibly the greatest in the competition's history...with possibly the greatest ever team as winners," by EuropeanCupHistory.com. The Web site describes the final match as follows:

On a warm, windswept night in Glasgow, May 18th 1960 was a date for records to be broken. The Hampden Park attendance of 127,621 is still the biggest for a European Cup Final, the gate receipts of £55,000 were then a British record, there were an estimated 70 million television viewers around Europe, and they were about to see the highest scoring European Cup Final ever.

Ten goals were scored in total on a night that left the crowd "simply awestruck." Eintracht Frankfurt, who had beaten Glasgow Rangers in the semifinal, took an early lead before the Spanish side turned on the style, scoring six straight goals. The final score of 7-3 is not likely to be replicated any time soon in any serious competition, much less a cup final of this magnitude. "At the end, the Real players, with goalkeeper Dominguez carrying the cup, did a lap of honour around the Hampden track to a continuous roar that has seldom, if ever, been heard at a neutral venue," writes ECH.

Four-Four-Two calls the match "the European Cup final that sparked a revolution." Present (and deeply inspired) at Hampden Park that May night was one Alex Ferguson, then 19-years old and a Queens Park trainee striker. He wasn't the only one. Don Revie, then a young manager at Leeds United, made his team switch to white kits in honor (or something) of Real Madrid. Despite not performing particularly well in international competition (England lost a game to the U.S. at the 1950 World Cup for God's sake), Scotland and England to that point in association football history still had an insular air of superiority about their game. That ended May 18, 1960. "After the 1960 final...the blinkers came off," writes Four-Four-Two.

U.K. coaches began studying the continental game, a strategy that paid dividends for Celtic seven years later when it shocked Inter Milan in the European Cup final. Celtic's manager Jock Stein had also found religion from that 1960 game and showed it to his players before their clash with Inter.

The match was also ranked the top European Cup final by the Daily Mail's Jeff Powell.

But it was by no means the only historic event to take place at Hampden Park. Much of European club football history has been written here. The European Cup final was held at Hampden Park again in '76 and won this time by Bayern Munich (with Franz Beckenbauer, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeness among others) over Saint Etienne (with former France, Olympique Lyon and Tottenham Hotspur coach Jacques Santini--though not yet with Michel Platini, who would join the squad in 1979).

In 1970, Celtic took a 1-0 lead from the first leg of their European Cup semifinal with Leeds United into the "home" leg at Hampden Park and---after spotting Don Revie's side a goal--won to advance to the final (where they would lose to Feyernoord Rotterdam). The 136,000 plus who were on hand to watch the match constitute another record (biggest crowd at a European cup match) that is not likely to be broken.

An entire book could be (and probably has been) written about the Scottish Cup finals alone. In 1928, 118,000 saw Rangers beat Celtic 4-0. Nearly 30,000 more were at the 1937 version of the event, between Celtic and Aberdeen (won 2-1 by Hoops). Celtic were winners again in 1965, giving Jock Stein the first of many trophies after just six weeks in charge. Alex Ferguson's Aberdeen won four Scottish cups, including three in a row from 1982-84. Only three other clubs (Rangers, Queen's Park and Vale of Leven, though surprisingly not Celtic) have matched that feat. Nobody has won more than three in a row.

Then you have the aforementioned British Home Championships, many of which were decided at Hampden Park. Several times the stakes were even greater than mere "bragging rights" (though this being England and Scotland do you really need any stakes?), perhaps none more famously than in 1950. That year Scotland turned down an invitation to appear in the FIFA World Cup, then agreed to partake only as the champions of Britain--a title that would be settled April 15, 1950 when England played at Hampden Park. The game was decided midway through the second half on a goal by 24-year old Englishman Roy Bentley. The Independent did a terrific story on the match a decade ago.

Until that 1950 tournament, Scotland actually had the edge over England on Home International titles, 18-17. From 1951 until 1984, the last time the tournament was held, it was 15 title wins for England and six for Scotland. One could certainly argue that 1950 game was a watershed event from which Scottish football (at the time one of the preeminent world powers) has yet to recover.

The Tartan Army would get its revenge on England though, with several compelling victories over the 'auld enemy'. The 1967 "pitch invasion" victory at Wembley was the first "unofficial World Championship" but Hampden Park would also be the scene of several Scottish triumphs: In '76 (the same year as Bayern Munich's European Cup victory) a 25-year old Kenny Dalglish got Scotland the winner in its 2-1 victory over England. It was the last time Scotland won the title on their home ground.

Of course Hampden Park was not always about England and Scotland. In 1979 "the 18-year-old Diego Armando Maradona revealed his genius to the world," the BBC reported. Maradona scored his first international goal in Argentina's 3-1 friendly win over Scotland. This was not Maradona's first game in an Argentina shirt, as has wrongly been claimed at points. That came in 1977 at the Bombonera in Buenos Aires (ranked ninth in our list of soccer meccas).

Nor did Hampden Park host the world's first football international in 1872, though this did take place elsewhere in Glasgow. In 1872 England and Scotland squared off at the West of Scotland Cricket Club's Hamilton Crescent ground in the Partick area of Glasgow. The game finished goalless.

The history of Hampden Park continues to be written. This decade it hosted at least a few events that will surely make the soccer history books. In the 2002 Champions League final, Zinedine Zidane's "wonder goal" (link to YouTube video) clinched a record ninth European Cup/Champs League title for Real Madrid. The goal in many ways serves as the defining moment of the "galacticos" era of dominance at Real Madrid, much as the 1960 final did for the Alfredo di Stefano generation. Zidane and Real Madrid were then at their peak; neither would approach those heights again. Zizou was injured for the first two (if memory serves) of France's disappointing "three and out" at the 2002 World Cup and we all know what happened in 2006. The seven years (and counting) since Real's last European title constitute the longest stretch since the 1966-1985 period.

Photo taken from uksport.gov.uk without permission.

In one of the most shocking UEFA Champions League matchdays in recent memory, no fewer than four of Soccer Source's Top 25 clubs were upset or had to settle for draws. The biggest, undoubtedly, was No. 1 Barcelona's fall from grace in a stunning 2-1 home loss to No. 23 Rubin Kazan. Few soccer fans had even heard of the Russian upstarts before the group stage draw, and the club appeared destined to fade from memory just as quickly when it lost at Dynamo Kiev on the first matchday. A 1-1 draw at home with Inter Milan a fortnight ago made some of us--the Soccer Source ranking committee included--take note, but it is safe to say nobody expected this in a million years.

Kazan's victory was punctuated by a superb goal in the opening minutes of the match. The goal, a rocket from about 30 yards by Alexandr Ryazantsev, was so unexpected it even caught the video cameras off guard (scroll to 2:35 of this video. I haven't seen any better angles yet). Barca leveled the game in the second half before the guests got the winner in the 73rd minute. Ryazantsev, whose first name is sometimes spelled Alexander in Western press, is a 23-year old Russian midfielder who appears to have come out of FK Moscow's youth system.

Yet Kazan's victory was by no means the only shocking result on the day. Indeed, it wasn't even the only one in its group! In the other Group F match, No. 13 Dynamo Kiev twice led No. 4 Inter Milan at the San Siro before settling for a 2-2 draw. Amazingly, Barca still lead the group (on goal difference, but still) as one of three teams on four points. Inter are last, on three points. The two megalith clubs may end up advancing to the knockout stage, but the Eastern Europeans have already made the group far more interesting than anybody could have anticipated.

If there was one big loser on the day it was Liverpool, who lost not only their home match to Olympique Lyon, but also Steven Gerrard to injury. The midfielder is expected to miss this weekend's match against Manchester United, an encounter that may very well be Rafa Benitez' last chance to save his job. Liverpool are already in dire straights in Group E, trailing second-placed Fiorentina by three full points after La Viola won their game at Debreceni. No wonder Benitez is already saying Reds must win their last three group stage games to qualify for the knockout round. Liverpool have been in holes before since the Spaniard took charge, but probably none this deep.

It was not a good day for British clubs. Arsenal managed just a draw at AZ Alkmaar and Glasgow Rangers were overrun by Unirea Urziceni (talk about clubs nobody has ever heard of!) 4-1 at Ibrox. Rangers are dead last in Group G, with one solitary point from three matches. Walter Smith's side have even less of a chance as reaching the knockout stage than Liverpool. The Daily Mail is calling it one of the lowest points of Smith's career. Not knowing much about Smith or Rangers, I can't really comment about that. But Rangers are definitely a major disappointment in probably the weakest CL group.

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.

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.

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.

Well so much for posting fewer Top 25 lists! Turns out so many things happened this weekend, most of them flying in the face of our predictions, that we felt an update was in order. Here it is:

1. Real Madrid
Last ranking: 1
Record (wins-losses-ties, in all competition; two-leg match-ups count as one): 1-0-0
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary: Real got by Deportivo La Coruna 3-2 in the Liga curtain-raiser Saturday. Nothing spectacular in that, in fact nothing really impressive, but a win is a win and it keeps Real tops, for now.
Upcoming schedule: At Espanyol Barcelona when league play resumes after the international break. Then the Champions League opener at FC Zurich. Los merengues 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: 3-0-0
Results of note: Beat Shakhtar Donetsk in overtime in the UEFA SuperCup, Aug. 29.
Commentary: After getting the preseason SuperCups out of the way (besides the defeat of Shakhtar, Barca also beat Atletic Bilbao over two legs) Pep Guardiola's side started the Liga campaign with an easy 3-0 victory over Sporting Gijon yesterday. Zlatan Ibrahimovic got Barca's third goal eight minutes from time. Nice debut for Zlatan. Nice debut for Barca.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Getafe when league action resumes Sept. 13. Then things get real: A trip to San Siro and Inter Milan on the Champions League opener Sept. 16. Atletico Madrid visit Camp Nou after that, on Sept. 20.

3. Chelsea
Last ranking: 3
Record: 4-0-0
Results of note: None yet
Commentary: Blues had absolutely no trouble with Burnley to continue their stellar start to the season. They have yet to be tested though. Hull City, Sunderland, Fulham and Burnley do not quality competition make.
Upcoming schedule: More target practice with Stoke on Sept. 12. Then the CL opener with Porto. A Sept. 20 date with Spurs suddenly looks like it could be important for reasons other than just local bragging rights. Liverpool visit the Bridge Oct. 3. Man United come to town Nov. 17.

4. Manchester United
Last ranking: 5
Record: 3-1-0
Results of note: Beat Arsenal at home (2-1, Aug. 29)
Commentary: They may have lost their best player in the offseason, but Sir Alex' men are still a formidable side. They showed us as much in their come-from-behind victory over Gunners Saturday. We remain concerned about their midfield and who exactly is supposed to provide creative input. The job is Michael Carrick's for the taking, but he didn't really impress against Gooners.
Upcoming schedule: One down, two to go. A visit to White Hart Lane and the Manchester derby (it's pronounced dar-bee) are up next on the EPL docket. The CL opener at Besiktas Istanbul is Sept. 15.

5. Juventus
Last ranking: 6
Record: 2-0-0
Results of note: Won at Roma (3-1, Aug. 30).
Commentary: Juve vindicated their top 10 ranking with an impressive win at Roma Sunday.
Upcoming schedule: At Lazio. Then the Champions League season kicks off with Girondins Bordeaux.

6. Inter Milan
Last ranking: 8
Record: 1-0-1
Results of note: Beat AC Milan (4-0, Aug. 29).
Commentary: Inter leap two spots by virtue of their 4-0 blowout of crosstown rivals AC Milan Saturday. We thought they were done. We were obviously wrong.
Upcoming schedule: Parma is up Sept. 13. The Champions League campaign kicks off in grand style when Barcelona visit Sept. 16.

7. Liverpool
Last ranking: 7
Record: 2-2-0
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary: Reds had trouble with Bolton Wanderers, but came away with a 3-2 victory. We still aren't impressed.
Upcoming schedule: It will likely be October before Reds face quality competition, though a Sept. 29 trip to Florence is by no means a pushover. Leading up to that it's Burnley, Debreceni, West Ham and Hull City.

8. Arsenal
Last ranking: 4
Record: 3-1-0
Results of note: Lost at Man United (2-1, Aug. 29).
Commentary: Gunners had no problem advancing past Celtic in the Champions League qualification round and looked to be in the driver's seat at Old Trafford Saturday. But bad luck and inability to put Man U away ultimately resulted in a 2-1 loss. But Arse are still capable of great things this season. Whether they fulfill this promise is an entirely different question.
Upcoming schedule: At Man City when league play resumes after the international break. A potentially tricky visit to Standard Liege greets Gunners in the Champions League's first matchday, Sept. 16.

9. Bayern Munich
Last ranking: None
Record: 1-1-2
Results of note: Beat VfL Wolfsburg at home (3-0, Aug. 28).
Commentary: Bayern's first victory of the season was massive; a 3-0 decision over defending champs Wolfsburg at the Allianz Arena Saturday. But that's not the only reason they are making this leap in the rankings. The addition of Arjen Robben make Louis van Gaal's side even more dangerous. Plus now that Frank Ribery is back, Bayern can begin firing on all cylinders again.
Upcoming schedule: At Dortmund, Sept. 12 before the Champions League campaign kicks off at Maccabi Haifa, Sept. 12. HSV is on tap Sept. 26.

10. Girondins Bordeaux
Last ranking: 12
Record: 3-0-1
Results of note: A scoreless draw at Olympique Marseille (Aug. 30).
Commentary: Bordeaux's winning streak was stopped at 14 games, but only with a scoreless draw at Olympique Marseille over the weekend.
Upcoming schedule: Host Grenoble, Sept. 12. 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 Juventus on the docket Sept. 15.

11. Porto
Last ranking: 13
Record: 2-0-1
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary: After a disappointing 1-1 draw at Pacos de Ferreira to kick off the Liga Sagres campaign, Porto have now won two in a row by a combined 6-1 score. Granted, this was against mid-table Portuguese sides, but at this early stage of the season it's still enough to improve by two places in the rankings.
Upcoming schedule: Leixoes Matosinhos in Liga Sagres before the Champions League campaign kicks off Sept. 15 at Stamford Bridge.

12. AZ Alkmaar
Last ranking: 15
Record: 4-1-0
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary: The Dutch champs beat Wilhelm II by 2-1 over the weekend, to take back their rightful place at the top of the Eredivisie standings. After losing their first game of the season, Alkmaar have now cranked out four wins in a row by a 12-1 goal difference. Not bad!
Upcoming schedule: At The Hague Sept. 12, then Olympiakos in the Champions League.

13. Sevilla
Last ranking: 9
Record: 0-1-0
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary: Sevilla lost their first game of the season, 2-0 at Valencia. There is no crime in losing at Valencia--unless of course you want to have pretensions at a Top 10 spot. We still think Sevilla will come into their own and be a force.
Upcoming schedule: Real Saragossa when league play resumes Sept. 13. Then the CL opener at Unirea Urziceni (say that three times fast).

14. Hamburg SV
Last ranking: 20
Record: 4-0-1
Results of note: Won at VfL Wolfsburg (4-2, Aug. 23).
Commentary: HSV beat Cologne, 3-1, to take first place in the German Bundesliga. They're off to a fine start. Too bad they had to choke last year and miss the Champions League spots.
Upcoming schedule: Stuttgart at home, Saturday, Sept. 12. The Europa League opener at Rapid Vienna, Sept. 17. Bayern Munich come to town Sept. 26.

15. VfL Wolfsburg
Last ranking: 11
Record: 3-2-0
Results of note: Lost at home to HSV (4-2, Aug. 23), lost at Bayern (3-0, Aug. 29).
Commentary: We were afraid this might happen. After surprising everybody to take the Bundesliga title last season, Wolfsburg suddenly have a target on their backs and a packed Champions League schedule to deal with. Further compounding matters is a tough opening stretch of the Bundesliga campaign. So far, the "Wolves" came up short in both early tests against Hamburg and Bayern.
Upcoming schedule: It doesn't get any easier with a visit from Leverkusen Sept. 12 before the Champions League campaign kicks off at CSKA Moscow. Then Schalke.

16. Manchester City
Last ranking: 16
Record: 3-0-0
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary: A week after defeating newly-promoted Wolves by a goal, Man City beat Pompey by the slimmest of margins. We're about to see if Citizens are for real though, because...
Upcoming schedule: Arsenal come to town Sept. 12, followed by the Manchester derby.

17. Olympique Marseille
Last ranking: 18
Record: 2-0-2
Results of note: Drew Girondins Bordeaux at home (0-0, Aug. 30).
Commentary: L'OM became the first club in many moons to take points from French champs Girondins Bordeaux. They did so by virtue of a scoreless draw this weekend. A nice result but the Champions League will show us what they're made of.
Upcoming schedule: At Le Mans Sept. 12. Host AC Milan when the CL campaign kicks off Sept. 15.

18. AC Milan
Last ranking: 10
Record: 1-1-0
Results of note: Were trounced 4-0 by Inter Milan, Aug. 29 in a game that frankly was not as close as the score might indicate.
Commentary: The result was a giant step backwards for AC Milan, whom we gave decent chances of competing for the Serie A title. A 4-0 derby loss is not the type of thing you can simply write off as early season jitters. One can hope it will inspire Leonardo's troops. It had better, or he could be out of a job soon.
Upcoming schedule: A trip to Livorno. The CL campaign kicks off at Marseille on Sept. 15.

19. Shakhtar Donetsk
Last ranking: 14
Record: 4-2-1
Results of note: Lost UEFA Supercup to Barcelona (1-0 in overtime, Aug. 28).
Commentary: In addition to losing to game to Barca, Shakhtar also lost the services of Dmytro Chygrynskyy to the Catalan side.
Upcoming schedule: At FC Bruges in the Europa League opener Sept. 17.

20. Olympique Lyonnais
Last ranking: 21
Record: 4-0-1
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary: L'OL are off to a flying start but have yet to encounter any worthy competition. That will soon change, however.
Upcoming schedule: Host Lorient when league play resumes Sept. 12. The CL campaign kicks off with a visit from Fiorentina Sept. 16. Then it's off to Paris, where PSG have an unbeaten start of their own going on.

21. Dynamo Kiev
Last ranking: 22
Record: 5-0-1
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary: 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, Sept. 16. They'll want to win that to keep their spot in the top 25.

22. Besiktas Istanbul
Last ranking: 19
Record: 1-0-3
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary: In their last game, Besiktas could only manage a scoreless draw at home against Gaziantepspor, whoever that is. But things are about to get very interesting because...
Upcoming schedule: Visit Galatasaray Sept. 13. Man United come to town two days afterwards.

23. Glasgow Rangers
Last ranking: 23
Record: 3-0-0
Results of note: Nothing yet.
Commentary: Rangers picked up right where they left off last season, winning their first three games by a combined score of 10-3. That's the good news. The bad news is none of the opponents were Celtic, the only other team in the SPL that can have any hope of challenging them for the title this season.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Motherwell Sept. 12, before the CL campaign kicks off at Stuttgart. That first game will be an important test to see if Rangers do indeed have a chance at advancing.

24. Estudiantes
Last ranking: 24
Record: 2-0-0
Results of note:
Commentary: The reigning Copa Libertadores champs are off to a perfect start to the season, with two wins from two matches by a combined score of 5-0. The opponents weren't pushovers either: Arsenal de Sarandi (Copa Sudamericana champs a few seasons back) and Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata.
Upcoming schedule: Another tough one, at San Lorenzo tomorrow. Then host Independiente Sept. 13. Unfortunately no Sudamericana action for these boys.

25. Club America
Last ranking: 25
Record: 3-1-1
Results of note: None yet.
Commentary: Won their fourth in a row Sunday, beating up on Toluca 7-2.
Upcoming schedule: At Tigres, Sept. 6. Host Tecos Sept. 13.

Dropping Out:
Atletico Madrid (17).

Also receiving consideration (in rough order of consideration received):
Olympiakos, Valencia, Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham Hotspur, Palmeiras, Rubin Kazan, PSV Eindhoven, Lazio, Sporting Braga.

Photo taken from Goal.com without permission.

That time again. The European soccer season is upon us and with it, Soccer Source's signature issue, the ranking of top soccer clubs the world over. It's been some time since our last edition of this list, an absence due in no small part to the busy "summer of soccer" involving the U.S. Men's National Team stateside (and in South Africa. And Mexico). Of course, at this (very) early stage of the season, much of this amounts to little more than speculation. Nobody can know for certain how teams will gel with their new signings--especially if there is a new coach at the helm (see Barcelona last season). Of course, that's also most of the fun (however, putting together this list is incredibly labor-intensive. For this reason we will be switching from a weekly schedule to a more sporadic, bi monthly or monthly one. This will also give you more time to savor these rankings when they are published).

1. Real Madrid
Last season: 8
Outlook: What was that about this being more about potential than anything else? Oh right. Real have the potential to beat anybody and everybody, even (especially) their hated rivals from Catalonia's capital city. Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso and Karim Benzema headline the list of (very) expensive additions Real made to their side this summer. The pressure will be on new coach Manuel Pellegrini to produce results and for good reason: Real President Florentino Perez dropped close to $350 million (not a typo, though maybe not precisely accurate due to currency rate conversion math). He shouldn't have much to worry about in the early going: Until an Oct. 4 visit to Sevilla, Real really shouldn't have any problems winning games, even (especially) in their Champions League group with AC Milan, Olympique Marseille and FC Zurich.
Bottom line: These things rarely go as scripted (Man City last year anybody?). Even with all the new stars, it will be rare for Real to gel as a unit right away and produce the kind of football everybody is expecting. Pellegrini may not be the right man for the task. Expect him to be shown the door at the first sign of trouble.
Upcoming schedule: It all kicks off tomorrow against Deportivo La Coruna at the Bernabeu. Other than the aforementioned visit to Seville, los merengues face a potentially troublesome trip to Villareal Sept. 29. Barca looms Nov. 29 at Camp Nou. The Champions League group stage campaign is highlighted by back-to-back dates with AC Milan (Oct. 21 at Bernabeu, Nov. 3 at San Siro).

2. Barcelona
Last season: 1
Outlook: Barca did not have much time to rest on their laurels from the Champions League final victory over Man United. No sooner had the ink dried on some of the gushing reports of world dominance that Real Madrid set about upstaging the blaugrana through a record-setting summer spending spree. But Barcelona was able to counter with some the acquisition of a certain Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who will make Barca's midfield even more compelling than it already was. Things certainly started off on the right track, with decisive two-legged victory over Atletic Bilbao in the Spanish Supercup.
Bottom line: Real have the best team on paper, but that does not always win championships. Barca could be right there when it's all over.
Upcoming schedule: The UEFA Supercup final with Shakhtar Donetsk later today before the domestic campaign kicks off for real Aug. 31 against Sporting Gijon. A trip to Inter Milan in the Champions League's second matchday is perhaps the highlight game of next month. Real come to town Nov. 29.

3. Chelsea
Last season: 3
Outlook: The team that came a few minutes from a second straight Champions League final showdown with Man United has been tipped by many as the team to beat in the Premier League this season. It's been a quiet offseason by Blues' standards. Sure, there was a bit of drama around John Terry, but the team really didn't suffer any major departures. It quietly (again, by its own standards) resigned Didier Drogba and dropped a few million quid on Daniel Sturridge (from Man City) and Yuri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow) to strengthen its attack. Not that they'll need the help. Drogba looks to be in peak form and Ballack and Deco even found the net in the team's second game of the season (against Sunderland, but still). This might just be the year it all comes together for Blues.
Bottom line: Less is more. Chelsea made a few signings to strengthen its side at the perimeter while not allowing its nucleus to be impacted. With Man U losing its best player, this makes Blues the EPL team to beat in our book.
Upcoming schedule: More target practice with Burnley and Stoke the next two weeks. A Sept. 20 date with Spurs suddenly looks like it could be important for reasons other than just local bragging rights. Liverpool visit the Bridge Oct. 3. Man United come to town Nov. 17.

4. Arsenal
Last season: 7
Outlook:With Andrey Arsavin, Arse were a different team the second half of last season. Losing Kolo Toure hurts a bit, but there is enough experience and talent at the back (especially with the addition of Thomas Vermaelen) to make up for it. The return of Eduardo should make up for the departure of Emmanuel Adebayor however. Indeed, scoring goals does not appear to be a problem in the first few games of the season. Gunners have won all four games by a combined tally of 15-3.
Bottom line: Arsene Wenger's nucleus of Franco-Spanish gazelles is a year older and wiser--and better. We are expecting very good, perhaps even great things from Arse this season.
Upcoming schedule: An early season test at Old Trafford Saturday. At Man City next week. A potentially tricky visit to Standard Liege greets Gunners in the Champions League's first matchday, Sept. 16.

5. Manchester United
Last season: 2
Outlook: How many times did Cristiano Ronaldo save United's bacon last season? There was the Champs League quarterfinal in Porto, of course; a late season brace that proved to be the difference at Aston Villa when Man U. were reeling from back-to-back losses to Liverpool and Fulham; a match-winner over Blackburn in February...that's just off the top of our heads. For all of the talk of Sir Alex' managerial genius, it seems the individual exploits of CR7 were more what kept his team ahead of the rest of the world last season. Now he's gone. Who will replace him in United's midfield? We're sure Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov are up to the task of scoring goals, but who will service them? Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are ancient, Nani and Antonio Valencia unproven, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick injury-prone. Anderson? Ji-Sung Park? Darren Fletcher?
Bottom Line: The departure of Ronaldo leaves a giant hole in United's midfield. Unless Sir Alex is able to address it with a key acquisition at some point, it may turn out to be a long season for United. Last week's loss to Burnley certainly doesn't ease our concern.
Upcoming schedule: A trio of key games that could give us an idea just how good (or bad) United are: Arsenal home, resurgent Tottenham Hotspur away and the Manchester derby (it's pronounced dar-bee). A potentially tough trip to Besiktas Istanbul is on the docket for the first CL matchday. Luckily for Red Devils, they get the toughest game out of the way first.

6. Juventus
Last season: 10
Outlook: Yes, we consider Juventus the favorites for the scudetto and Italy's best hope at recapturing European glory. It's a glimmer at hope at best, considering the strengths of top clubs in Spain and England. Still, they play these games for a reason. Unlike their rivals in Milan, Juve did not lose any major pieces, while adding a pair of Brazilians (Diego from Werder Bremen and Felipe Melo from Fiorentina) to give it renewed vigor in the center of the pitch.
Bottom Line: Juve are still one star player away from the top five. Don't be surprised to see an "adjustment period" while Diego gets used to the tighter man marking of Serie A. Once he hits his stride, the bianconeri will be a force to be reckoned with.
Upcoming schedule: At Roma Sunday. Then Lazio. Then the Champions League season kicks off with Girondins Bordeaux.

7. Liverpool
Last season: 4
Outlook: Reds are coming off of one of their best Premiership seasons in recent memory. Stevie G and Co. hung around the top of the table all season before ultimately finishing second just four points behind their hated rivals. Losing Xabi Alonso will clearly hurt the team's chances this season, however.
Bottom Line: Prepare for another solid, if unspectacular top four finish from Rafa Benitez' men. They should be able to win their Champions League group (with Olympique Lyon, Fiorentina and Debreceni) with relative ease.
Upcoming schedule: Trotters this weekend, Burnley next. October dates with Chelsea and Man United.

8. Inter Milan
Last season: 5
Outlook: Inter got off to an inauspicious start to the 2009/2010 campaign, giving up a late goal to draw lowly Bari at the San Siro. A sign of things to come? Samuel Eto'o and Diego Milito are nice players, but they don't begin to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic, one of the world's very best. Inter made a few other acquisitions as well but nothing earth-shattering.
Bottom Line:Inter should compete for the Serie A crown but capturing a fourth straight scudetto looks more remote than ever. As for Europe...
Upcoming schedule: The Milan derby is on this weekend. Parma is up Sept. 13. The Champions League campaign kicks off in grand style when Barcelona visit Sept. 16. Luckily, Rubin Kazan and Dynamo Kiev leave some room for error in the CL group stage.

9. Sevilla
Last season: 24
Outlook: At first glance a bit of a shock seeing Sevilla this high, but it makes sense when you think about it. The palanganas finished third in La Liga last season and did not lose anybody of note to transfers. More importantly, they made some potentially intriguing acquisitions: Didier Zokora and former Spanish U-21 international Sergio Sanchez add depth to the defensive midfield and Real Madrid man Alvaro Negredo joins from Almeira, where he scored 19 goals last season. A favorable Champions League draw (VfB Stuttgart, Unirea Urziceni and Glasgow Rangers) helps as well.
Bottom Line: With Real Madrid and Barcelona, Sevilla has no realistic chance at the Spanish title. Then again, neither does anybody else. European competition will tell us how good this club is. The CL quarterfinals should be a distinct possibility. Maybe more, depending on miscellaneous factors.
Upcoming schedule: A visit to Valencia makes the Liga curtain-raiser a tough one for Manuel Jimenez' men.

10. AC Milan
Last season: 22
Outlook: The rossoneri lost not just Kaka (to Real Madrid) but also Yoann Gourcuff (Girondins Bordeaux) and Paolo Maldini (retirement). So why are they this high? For one, Milan were the best club in Italy the second half of last season. Ronaldinho looks rejuvenated (and more importantly, trimmer than the last time we saw him). Pato is blossoming into a superstar. New coach Leonardo is a former Milan man who may just have the touch that is needed to return the club to Italian, if not world dominance.
Bottom Line: Milan should compete for the scudetto again and is a solid bet for the Champions League spots at season's end. But Europe could prove difficult. The rossoneri face a potentially tricky group with Olympique Marseille, Real Madrid and an intriguing (seriously) Zurich side.
Upcoming schedule: The Milan derby is on for tomorrow. A trip to Livorno a week hence. The CL campaign kicks off at Marseille on Sept. 15.

11. VfL Wolfsburg
Last season: 16
Outlook: The "Wolves" shocked many people in winning their first ever Bundesliga title last season. Are they worthy of a repeat performance? The North German side improved their lineup with the additions of Karim Ziani (from Marseille) and Obafemi Martins (Newcastle). So far, so good: Wolfsburg have started strong to the new season with three wins and one loss in all competition. The one loss came to Hamburg SV, a team that may just be the best one in Deutschland when all is said and done. More on HSV in a bit.
Bottom Line: Wolfsburg are strong, but Champions League campaigns have ways of messing up German squads not named Bayern Munich. The new acquisitions give Armin Veh's men some much needed depth. But the schedule could take its toll anyway. The Champions League group, with Besiktas Istanbul, CSKA Moscow and Man United could prove their undoing.
Upcoming schedule: It gets tough right away, with Bayern up this weekend and Leverkusen Sept. 12 before the Champions League campaign kicks off with Moscow. Then Schalke. Like we said, the schedule could prove their undoing.

12. Girondins Bordeaux
Last season: Unranked
Outlook: Last season's surprising French champions have started strongly to the new campaign, with three wins from three games. They lost one key defender from last year's squad (Senegalese international Souleymane Diara, who joined Marseille), replacing him with Mickael Ciani from Lorient. The acquisition of Yoann Gorcuff from Milan may just put Girondins on the map as a real power.
Bottom Line: The team to beat in France. That may not translate to European success however.
Upcoming schedule: The Ligue Un schedule gets serious with a visit to Marseille's Velodrome Sunday. With Juventus, Maccabi Haifa and Bayern Munich, les Girondins have a group of death on their hands in the Champions League.

13. Porto
Last season: 7
Outlook: Porto had another good run last season, winning their domestic league and very nearly ousting Man United from the Champions League. But they lost some of their best players, including the Argentine tandem of Lisandro Lopez and Lucho Gonzalez.
Bottom Line: Porto were unable to reload and face an uncertain future. Another top 10 finish looks unlikely.
Upcoming schedule: Naval 1 de Maio and Leixoes Matosinhos in Liga Sagres before the Champions League campaign kicks off Sept. 15 at Stamford Bridge.

14. Shakhtar Donetsk
Last season: 9
Outlook: Last year's UEFA Cup champions were upset in their Champions League qualifier last month and will have to settle with the Europa League. They've started strongly to the Ukrainian league, winning three games and drawing one. They appear to have lost just one key player from last year's run (Evgeniy Seleznev) but a €25 million move of Dmytro Chygrynskyy to Barca appears imminent.
Bottom Line: Not making the Champions League hurts. Can they repeat in the "consolidations tournament"?
Upcoming schedule: Barca in the UEFA Supercup later today.

15. AZ Alkmaar
Last season: 13
Outlook: Alkmaar came out of nowhere to capture the Eredivisie crown in impressive fashion last season. They've largely stood pat, though Dutch international defender Demy de Zeeuw departed for Ajax Amsterdam. A pair of Swedes, Rasmus Elm and Pontus Wernbloom, were signed to shore up the central midfield.
Bottom Line: The element of surprise is gone. We are about to find out just how good AZA really are. A Champions League group with Olympiakos, Standard Liege and Arsenal leaves them in a favorable position of advancement.
Upcoming schedule: Wilhelm II, The Hague, then Olympiakos.

16. Manchester City
Last season: Unranked
Outlook: Considering Citizens didn't qualify for any European competition, it is going to be tough to vindicate putting them this high--unless, of course they make a run at the Premiership's Big Four. City spent like drunken sailors again this summer, adding Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and now Julian Lescott. If they break the Big Four it will all be worth it.
Bottom Line: Mark Hughes' men face the dubious task of having to incorporate all the new signings while gaining quick momentum from a fast start. So far, so good. Two games, two wins, zero goals allowed. Too bad the opponents were Wolves and Blackburn.
Upcoming schedule: At Pompey Sunday before a first test at Old Trafford in a week's time. If they win both, look out.

17. Atletico Madrid
Last season: 18
Outlook: It was a volatile season for Atletico last year. A midseason slump cost Javier Aguirre his job, but the rojiblancos were one of few sides to defeat Barcelona in a game that mattered. Not much was done with the roster in the offseason; the team remains built around Maxi Rodriguez and Diego Forlan. Nothing wrong with that.
Bottom Line: Atletico could surprise some people. They have a realistic shot at third place in La Liga and should advance to the CL knock-out round (at the expense of Porto. Nikosia and Chelsea are the other teams in their group).
Upcoming schedule: Malaga Sunday. Racing Santander Sept. 13. Barca a week thereafter.

18. Olympique Marseille
Last season: 12
Outlook: L'OM spent over €40 million improving a squad that finished a close second to Bordeaux last year. Fernando Morientes (from Valencia), Lucho Gonzalez (Porto) and 23-year old Cameroon international Stéphane M'Bia Etoundi (Rennes) head the list of big name acquisitions. Of course l'OM also lost Djibril Cisse, Karim Ziani and Lorik Kana, three starters. With two wins and a draw, Marseille have started strongly to the new season. But a Champions League group with AC Milan, Real Madrid and FC Zurich may be too much for them to handle.
Bottom Line: L'OM will be in the thick of the Ligue Un race again but we don't see how they can advance in the Champions League.
Upcoming schedule: A first clash with Girondins Bordeaux this weekend. Host AC Milan when the CL campaign kicks off Sept. 15.

19. Besiktas Istanbul
Last season: Unranked
Outlook: The Turkish champs added a few pieces to their "small market payroll" (at €95 million it's only the third highest in Turkey): Michael Fink joins from Eintracht Frankfurt, Matteo Ferrari from Genoa and a few Turkish players from other points. Like we said, nothing earth shattering.
Bottom Line: Galatasaray and Fenerbahce both reloaded in pretty substantial fashion, so the pressure is off Besiktas to repeat as champs. A tough Champions League group (with Man United, Wolfsburg and CSKA Moscow) could see the Turks facing an early exit from European competition--and with it, from the ranks of this list.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Galatasaray Sept. 13. Man United come to town two days afterwards.

20. Hamburg SV
Last season: Unranked
Outlook: HSV spent nearly €25 million improving a side that was right in the thick of last year's Bundesliga race before fading down the stretch. That sum doesn't include Ze Roberto, who joins from Bayern Munich on a free transfer. The new players (Eljero Elia from Twente, David Rozenhal from Lazio and Markus Berg from Groningen are the other big names) should more than make up for the loss of Ivica Olic to Bayern. After a jittery pair of first games (needing overtime to defeat Fortuna Duesseldorf in a cup tie and a draw with newly-promoted Freiburg) HSV have turned it on, defeating Borussia Dortmund and defending champs Wolfsburg in decisive fashion.
Bottom Line: HSV will challenge for the Bundesliga title and make some noise in the Europa League. Count on that at a bare minimum.
Upcoming schedule: Cologne and Stuttgart at home. The Europa league campaign starts in there somewhere. Bayern Munich come to town Sept. 26.

21. Olympique Lyonnais
Last season: 17
Outlook: L'OL were finally, finally dethroned in Ligue Un last season. They had a decent Champions League campaign, losing to eventual winners Barca in the Round of 16. They've reloaded for 2009/10, raiding FC Porto for Lisandro Lopez and Aly Cisokho among other notable moves (the €72.5 million spent on new players has got to be a club record). A favorable CL draw (Liverpool, Fiorentina, Debreceni) give Claude Puel's men a good shot at the elimination round.
Bottom Line: L'OL want their title back. But Bordeaux and Marseille present formidable challenges. The Ligue Un race will be one to watch this season.
Upcoming schedule: Nancy, Lorient, before the CL campaign kicks off with a visit from Fiorentina Sept. 16.

22. Dynamo Kiev
Last season: 11
Outlook: Dynamo had a solid run last season, winning the Ukrainian Premier-Liga and making all the way to the UEFA Cup semis where they lost to eventual winner Shakhtar Donetsk. They started strongly to the domestic campaign this season, with four wins and one draw from their first five games. They did lose a few key players, most notably Guinean striker Ismael Bangoura, who joined Stade Rennes on an €11 million transfer but spent the money on shoring up their side with three acquisitions (two from Brazil).
Bottom Line: Having been drawn into a group with Inter Milan and Barcelona, Dynamo have no virtually no shot at advancing to the elimination round. But another Europa League run is a strong possibility. The fourth team in the group is Russia's Rubin Kazan.
Upcoming schedule: Metalurg Donetsk, Monday.

23. Glasgow Rangers
Last season: Unranked
Outlook: Yes we're going there. Or here, whatever. After Celtic let us down last season, we're throwing in our lot with Rangers this year. Walter Smith's men got younger and quicker this offseason (not just because of Barry Ferguson's departure). Full disclosure: We're partial to the fact that they have two Yanks (Maurice Edu and DaMarcus Beasley) in their squad, though neither has done much thus far.
Bottom Line: Rangers should repeat as SPL champs. They have a shot at advancing in the Champions League as well, having been drawn into quite possibly the easiest group of them all (Sevilla, VfB Stuttgart, Unirea Uriziceni).
Upcoming schedule: Hamilton, then Motherwell, before the CL campaign kicks off at Stuttgart. That first game will be an important test to see if Rangers do indeed have a chance at advancing.

24. Estudiantes
Last season: Unranked
Outlook: Winners of the 2009 Copa Libertadores after finishing a disappointing sixth in the Clausura tournament. Won their first Apertura match, at Arsenal Sarandi. We realize there may be better teams in Europe, but our bylaws dictate at least one club from CONMEBOL, UEFA and CONCACAF be represented in this list for it to be a true world ranking.
Bottom Line: We'll have to see how they do at the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup this December.
Upcoming schedule: Assuming the Argentine league picks up again, they face La Plata and San Lorenzo.

25. Club America
Last season: Unranked
Outlook: The Mexico City side played well in this summer's World Football Challenge money-maker friendly tour of U.S. stadia, losing on penalty kicks to Inter and defeating AC Milan 2-0 before succumbing to Chelsea 2-0. In games that matter they've done well also, with 10 points from five Apertura league games, including wins in the last three.
Bottom Line: With Mexican clubs out of the Copa Sudamericana, we unfortunately have no way of judging them against other teams in the hemisphere. The Mexican league is still a solid show though.
Upcoming schedule: Host Toluca Sunday. At Tigres, Sept. 6. Host Tecos Sept. 13.