Football Champions

Welcome back! This week comes our first big shakeup of the season, as two clubs from the top half of our table were eliminated from European competition. One of these teams had very real pretensions of making a run at the final season top spot. Or so they thought. They were exposed as mere pretenders at the hands of a French club that wasn't even in the top three in its own league. But last week may have just been the first of a larger shakeup. The next few days will see four more clubs eliminated from the Champions League tourney. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Here is where things stand right now:

1. Barcelona
Last ranking: 1
Record (wins-losses-ties, in all competition; two-leg match-ups count as one): 28-3-7
Results of note: (chronological order) Beat Shakhtar Donetsk (at the time ranked 14th) in the UEFA SuperCup, Aug. 29, drew at then-No. 6 Inter Milan in Champions League group stage (0-0, Sept. 16), beat then-No. 14 Dynamo Kiev at home in Champions League group stage (2-0, Sept. 29), drew at then-No. 18 Valencia (0-0, Oct. 17), lost at home to then-No. 23 Rubin Kazan (2-1, Oct. 20), drew at then-No. 11 Rubin Kazan (0-0, Nov. 4), beat then-No. 2 Inter Milan (2-0, Nov. 24), beat then-No. 7 Real Madrid (1-0, Nov. 29), won at then-No. 15 Dynamo Kiev (2-1, Dec. 9), lost to then-No. 10 Sevilla in Copa del Rey, beat then-No. 10 Sevilla at home (4-0, Jan. 16), beat then-No. 17 Valencia at home (3-0, March 14).
Commentary/recent results: Barca stumbled to a 2-2 draw at Almeira a fortnight ago but rebounded with a 3-0 thrashing of Valencia (hat trick by Lionel Messi) to keep pace with Real Madrid. The two friendly rivals are even on points atop the Liga BBVA standings.
Upcoming schedule: The return leg with Stuttgart is Wednesday. The 1-1 result from the first leg was disappointing but Barca can theoretically advance with a scoreless draw at the Camp Nou on Wednesday. Not that they'll want to play for one. Also visit Saragossa Sunday.

2. Chelsea
Last ranking: 3
Record: 30-6-6
Results of note: Beat then-No. 10 Porto in Champions League group stage (1-0, Sept. 15), beat then-No. 7 Liverpool at home in Premiership (2-0, Oct. 4), beat then-No. 4 Man United at home in Premiership (1-0, Nov. 8), won at then-No. 12 Porto (1-0, Nov. 25), won at then-No. 9 Arsenal (3-0, Nov. 29), beat then-No. 8 Arsenal at home (2-0, Feb. 7).
Commentary/recent results: Two games, two wins for Blues since the last edition of the Top 25. Not that the opponents (Stoke City and West Ham) are going to scare many teams. But the game we're all waiting, and which will likely determine Chelsea's fate, at least for the medium term, is tomorrow...
Upcoming schedule: Host Inter Milan in the return leg of their Champions League round of 16 match-up. Blues got an impressive 2-1 win in the first leg, meaning they can even lose 1-0 and still advance. Visit Blackburn Sunday.

3. Manchester United
Last ranking: 5
Record: 30-9-4
Results of note: Beat then No. 4 Arsenal at home (2-1, Aug. 29), beat then-No. 13 Manchester City (4-3, Sept. 20), lost at then-No. 20 Liverpool (2-0, Oct. 25), lost at then-No. 1 Chelsea (1-0, Nov. 8), won at then-No. 5 Arsenal (3-1, Jan. 31), beat then-No. 12 AC Milan in Champions League round of 16.
Commentary/recent results: Since the last edition of the Top 25, Red Devils have won three games by a combined score of 8-0. Granted the 4-0 result against AC Milan may not have been a true indication of Man U's superiority given that the Italian club had to throw everything forward after a point. Still, Sir Alex' men may just be peaking at the right time. They have a two point lead over Chelsea in the Premiership, albeit with an additional game played. That, combined with the fact that Blues beat them on the field in November, leaves Man U behind the West London side. For now...
Upcoming schedule: Host Liverpool Sunday.

4. Inter Milan
Last ranking: 2
Record: 22-4-11
Results of note: Beat then-No. 10 AC Milan (4-0, Aug. 29), drew then-No. 2 Barcelona at home in Champions League group stage (0-0, Sept. 17), lost at Sampdoria (1-0, Sept. 26), drew then-No. 13 Dynamo Kiev at home (2-2, Oct. 20), beat then-No. 13. Dynamo Kiev on the road (2-1, Nov. 4), lost at then-No. 3 Barcelona (2-0, Nov. 24), lost at then-No. 11 Juventus (2-1, Dec. 5), beat then-No. 9 Rubin Kazan (2-0, Dec. 9), defeated then-No. 6 AC Milan (2-0, Jan. 24).
Commentary/recent results: The nerazzurri are sputtering. First the scoreless home draw against Genoa eight days ago, then Friday's 3-1 embarrassment at Catania. Put it all together and you have a team hanging on to first place in Serie A by the skin of their teeth (a solitary point over AC Milan)
Upcoming schedule: The return leg at Stamford Bridge is tomorrow. Win by enough to advance and all is forgiven. But that's a tough task.

5. Bayern Munich
Last ranking: 7
Record: 24-4-9
Results of note: Beat then-No. 11 VfL Wolfsburg at home (3-0, Aug. 28), lost at then-No. 22 Hamburg SV (1-0, Sept. 26), drew then-No. 5 Juventus at home in Champions League group stage (0-0, Sept. 30), lost at then-No. 17 Girondins Bordeaux (2-1, Oct. 21), lost at home to then-No. 7 Bordeaux (2-0, Nov. 3), tied then-No. 19 Bayer Leverkusen at home (1-1, Nov. 22), won at then-No. 8 Juventus (4-1, Dec. 8).
Commentary/recent results: Louis van Gaal's club were able to protect their two point lead atop the Bundesliga table and advanced into the quarterfinals of the Champions League after a topsy-turvy game at Fiorentina.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Frankfurt Saturday.

6. Arsenal
Last ranking: 8
Record: 27-9-5
Results of note: Lost at then-No. 5 Man United (2-1, Aug. 29), lost at then-No. 16 Man City (4-2, Sept. 12), beat then-No. 15 Olympiakos at home in Champions League group play (2-0, Sept. 29), beat then-No. 20 Liverpool at home in League Cup (2-1, Oct. 28), lost to then-No. 1 Chelsea at home in Premiership (3-0, Nov. 29), beat then-No. 20 Aston Villa at home (3-0, Dec. 27), lost at home to then-No. 8 Manchester United (3-1, Jan. 31), lost at then-No. 2 Chelsea (2-0, Feb. 6), defeated then-No. 13 Porto in Champions League round of 16.
Commentary/recent results: Gunners are looking more and more like real, honest-to-goodness title contenders. Despite missing arguably their best player they had little problem dismantling Porto in the return leg of their Champions League match-up. Saturday they got a last minute goal from Nicklas Bendtner to defeat Hull City.
Upcoming schedule: Host West Ham Saturday. Gunners have an easy Premiership schedule the rest of the way; other than a match at White Hart Lane on April 10, only Man City (April 24) and Fulham (May 9) should be potential stumbling blocks. And both those games are home. Would it be crazy to call Arsenal the favorites to win the Premiership at this stage? No. But it wouldn't necessarily be accurate either.

7. Girondins Bordeaux
Last ranking: 6
Record: 27-7-6
Results of note: A scoreless draw at then-No. 18 Olympique Marseille (Aug. 30), drew at then No. 5 Juventus (1-1, Sept. 15), beat then-No. 16 Bayern Munich at home (2-1, Oct. 21), won at then-No. 19 Bayern Munich (2-0, Nov. 3), beat then-No. 6 Juventus at home (2-0, Nov. 25), won at then-No. 21 Olympique Lyonnais (1-0, Dec. 13).
Commentary/recent results: Les Girondins are in a bit of a slump, with two draws and a loss since we last met. Still, they remain first in Ligue Un, albeit equal on points with Montpellier (the surprising promoted club whom they drew 1-1 on March 7) but with a game in hand. That, along with their advantageous spot in their Champions League match-up with Olympiakos (they take a 1-0 lead into the home leg) allow Bordeaux to maintain a top 10 spot in our rankings.
Upcoming schedule: The aforementioned return leg with Olympiakos is Wednesday. Fourth-placed Lille pay a visit Sunday. A big week, in other words.

8. Olympique Lyonnais
Last ranking: 11
Record: 23-8-9
Results of note: Beat then-No. 18 Fiorentina at home in Champions League group stage (1-0, Sept. 16), won at then-No. 20 Liverpool (2-1, Oct. 20), lost at home to then-No. 4 Bordeaux (1-0, Dec. 13), beat then-No. 4 Real Madrid in Champions League round of 16.
Commentary/recent results: There are two reasons l'OL didn't move up higher. First, they have struggled in Ligue Un recently, with two draws in their last matches. That leaves Lyon fifth in the French league. Second, the team they dropped from the Champions League may not be very good (sure they have great players; but are they a great team?) It is looking like this might just be a weird off year for the Spanish league.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Marseille Sunday.

9. Benfica Lisbon
Last ranking: 10
Record: 24-3-4
Results of note: Lost at then-No. 22 Sporting Braga (2-0, Oct. 31), trounced Everton 5-0 in Europa League (Oct. 22), defeated then-No. 11 Porto at home (1-0, Dec. 20).
Commentary/recent results: The good news is Benfica are looking like the team to beat in Portugal's Liga Sagres. After four straight wins in the league they have clawed out a three-point lead. The bad news is they may very well exit from European competition after a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Olympique Marseille. But we don't factor those match-ups into the standings until both legs are completed. So for now, Benfica are a top 10 team.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Marseille's Velodrome for the return leg in their Europa League match-up. Host second-placed Sporting Braga Sunday. That may just decide the Portuguese title.

10. Real Madrid
Last ranking: 4
Record: 24-6-4
Results of note: Lost at then-No. 9 Sevilla (2-1, Oct. 4). drew at then-No. 17 AC Milan (1-1, Nov. 3), lost at then-No. 3 Barcelona (1-0, Nov. 29), won at then-No. 12 Valencia (3-2, Dec. 12), beat then-No. 9 Sevilla at home (3-2, March 7) lost to then-No. 11 Olympique Lyon in Champions League round of 16.
Commentary/recent results: It's all over for Real. Things started so well last week too. First they came from two goals down to defeat Sevilla and then they got an early goal in the return leg with Lyon. But it was not to be. We discussed this matter at length last week; no need to return to it now. Suffice it to say Real will probably only see the top five again if they win the Spanish league.
Upcoming schedule: Host Sporting Gijon Saturday. Look for the April 11 match with Barca to settle the Spanish liga.

11. Sevilla
Last ranking: 9
Record: 21-6-5
Results of note: Beat then No. 21 Unirea Urziceni in Champions League group stage at home (2-0, Sept. 16), won at then-No. 24 Glasgow Rangers in Champions League group stage (4-1, Sept. 30), defeated then-No. 1 Real Madrid at home (2-1, Oct. 4), beat then-No. 1 Barcelona in Copa del Rey, lost at then-No. 1 Barcelona (4-0, Jan. 16), beat then-No. 13 Valencia at home (2-1, Jan. 31), lost at then-No. 4 Real Madrid (3-2, March 7).
Commentary/recent results: Don't look now but los palanganas have not won a match since Feb. 20. After the meltdown at the Bernabeu they struggled to a 1-1 draw against Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday. That leaves Sevilla fourth, only one point ahead of fifth-placed Mallorca.
Upcoming schedule: Host CSKA Moscow tomorrow for a chance to move into the Champions League quarterfinals. A scoreless draw will see them through. Also visit Espanyol Barcelona, Sunday.

12. Rubin Kazan
Last Ranking: 14
Record: 23-6-8
Results of note: In Champions League group stage lost at then-No. 20 Dynamo Kiev (3-1, Sept. 16), drew then-No. 6 Inter Milan at home (1-1, Oct. 6), won at then-No. 1 Barcelona (2-1, Oct. 20), drew then-No. 3 Barcelona at home (0-0, Nov. 3), drew then-No. 13 Dynamo Kiev at home (0-0, Nov. 24), lost at then-No. 5 Inter Milan (2-0, Dec 9).
Commentary/recent results: The Russian champs have won both domestic games they've played in that country's young season, but face a tough task in the Europa League. They played VfL Wolfsburg to a disappointing 1-1 home draw in the first leg of their round of 16 matchup.
Upcoming schedule: The return leg at Wolfsburg is what we're all watching. Win (or draw by two goals or more) and they keep their lofty perch in the top 25. Lose and...

13. AC Milan
Last ranking: 12
Record: 20-8-10
Results of note: Lost at then-No. 8 Inter Milan (4-0, Aug. 27), won at then-No. 16 Olympique Marseille (2-1, Sept. 15), won at then-No. 2 Real Madrid (3-2, Oct. 21), drew then-No. 5 Real Madrid at home (1-1, Nov. 3), drew against then-No. 22 Olympique Marseille (1-1, Nov. 25), lost at then-No. 4 Inter Milan (2-0, Jan. 24), drew at then-No. 15 AS Roma (0-0, March 6).
Commentary/recent results: It's been an interesting fortnight for the rossoneri. First you had the utter bore of a scoreless draw at Roma on March 6, then the beatdown at Old Trafford, followed by a spirited victory over Chievo Verona that puts Leonardo's side within one point of leaders Inter. What gives? Who knows, but the Man United match made clear this is not a top five club. Probably not a top 10 either.
Upcoming schedule: Host Napoli Sunday.

14. Porto
Last ranking: 13
Record: 22-7-4
Results of note: Lost at then-No. 3 Chelsea in Champions League group stage (1-0, Sept. 15), lost at home to then-No. 1 Chelsea (1-0, Nov. 25), lost at then-No. 18 Benfica (1-0, Dec. 20), lost against then-No. 8 Arsenal in Champions League round of 16.
Commentary/recent results: The Dragoes were unable to maintain their slim lead over Arsenal but rebounded to defeat Academica de Coimbra in a Liga Sagres match yesterday. It may be too late to make a move there; Porto sit a distant third, 11 points behind leaders Benfica with just seven matchdays remaining.
Upcoming schedule: The first leg of their Portuguese cup semifinal matchup against Rio Ave Vila do Conde. Don't ask me how these Portuguese clubs got their names. Also visit Belenenses Sunday.

15. Panathinaikos
Last ranking: 23
Record: 28-6-3
Results of note: Lost Champions League qualifier with then-No. 17 Atletico Madrid (5-2 on aggregate), lost at home to then-No. 18 Galatasaray in Europa League group play (1-0, Sept. 17), lost at then-No. 19 Olympiakos (2-0, Nov. 29), beat then-No. 9 AS Roma in Europa League round of 32 (6-4 on aggregate).
Commentary/recent results: Panathinaikos continued their winning ways to establish a five point lead atop the Greek Super League standings. Unfortunately there was also the little matter of a 3-1 home defeat to Standard Liege in the first leg of their Europa League match-up. But until both legs are played we don't factor this into our rankings.
Upcoming schedule: The return leg at Liege goes down Thursday. If that wasn't tough enough they also face Olympiakos on Sunday.

16. AS Roma
Last ranking: 15
Record: 22-7-9
Results of note: Lost at home to then-No. 5 Juventus (3-1, Aug. 30), beat then-No. 18 Fiorentina (3-1, Sept. 20), drew at then-No. 2 Inter Milan (1-1, Nov. 8), drew then-No. 12 AC Milan at home (0-0, March 6).
Commentary/recent results: The good news is Roma's unbeaten streak in Serie A continues. They last lost against an Italian club on Oct. 28, if you can believe that. The bad news is they are starting to draw too many matches they should be winning. Case in point: yesterday's 3-3 at Livorno. Roma had a golden opportunity to make up ground on the leaders from Milan. Instead they sit six points behind Inter and five behind AC. But their Champions League spot looks secure, with seven points separating them from fourth-placed Palermo.
Upcoming schedule: Host Udinese (the last Italian team that defeated them) Sunday.

17. Bayer Leverkusen
Last ranking: 16
Record: 14-2-11
Results of note: Won at then-No. 15 VfL Wolfsburg (3-2, Sept. 12), drew at then-No. 14 Hamburg SV (0-0, Oct. 17), drew at then-No. 24 Bayern Munich (1-1, Nov. 22).
Commentary/recent results: It took a little while, but Leverkusen finally lost their first Bundesliga match of the season at Nurnberg on March 7. But they rebounded to defeat fellow title aspirants Hamburg SV by 4-2 yesterday. Still, Bayer are now third, one point behind Schalke 04 and three behind leaders Bayern Munich.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Borussia Dortmund Saturday. A clash with Bayern Munich looms April 10.

18. Olympiakos
Last ranking: 18
Record: 19-7-7
Results of note: Beat then-No. 17 AZ Alkmaar at home in Champions League group stage (1-0, Sept. 16), lost at then-No. 12 Arsenal in Champions League group stage (2-0, Sept. 29).
Commentary/recent results: It's been a tough fortnight for Olympiakos, who lost one and drew one in Greek league play
Upcoming schedule: The Champions League return leg at Bordeaux is Wednesday. Do Olympiakos have a chance? They play these games for a reason so we'll have to wait and see. Also visit Panathinaikos Sunday for their last, best chance at catching the Athens side, whom they trail by seven points at the time of this writing.

19. Olympique Marseille
Last ranking: 20
Record: 22-9-9
Results of note: Drew then-No. 12 Girondins Bordeaux at home (0-0, Aug. 30), lost at home to AC Milan (2-1, Sept. 15), lost at then-No. 1 Real Madrid (3-0, Sept. 30), drew at then-No. 12 Olympique Lyon (5-5, Nov. 8), drew at then-No. 13 AC Milan (1-1, Nov. 25), lost at then-No. 7 Real Madrid (3-1, Dec. 8), drew at then-No. 2 Bordeaux (1-1, Jan. 17).
Commentary/recent results: Three straight draws for l'OM. Of course one of these, at Benfica Lisbon leaves them in a good position to advance in the Europa League. They may sit sixth in Ligue Un, but that's just three points behind the leaders.
Upcoming schedule: Host the return leg with Benfica Thursday. Then host Olympique Lyon. Yikes.

20. Dynamo Kiev
Last ranking: 19
Record: 17-4-4
Results of note: Won home match against then-No. 22 Rubin Kazan in Champions League group stage (3-1, Sept. 16), lost at then-No. 2 Barcelona in Champions League group stage, drew at then-No. 4 Inter Milan (2-2, Oct. 20), lost at then-No. 22 Shakhtar Donetsk in domestic cup (2-0, Oct. 28), lost at home to then-No. 2 Inter Milan (2-1, Nov. 4), defeated then-No. 14 Shakhtar Donetsk (3-0, Nov. 21), drew at then-No. 8 Rubin Kazan (0-0, Nov. 24), lost at home to then-No. 1 Barcelona (2-1, Dec. 9).
Commentary/recent results: Dynamo drew one and won one in Ukrainian league action. Thanks to the first result, they are now even on points with Shakhtar Donetsk.
Upcoming schedule: It's just domestic action the rest of the way, so Dynamo will have to play their cards right to keep their spot in the Top 25. Their next match against Shakhtar isn't until May 5, the penultimate match day.

21.OSC Lille
Last ranking: 22
Record: 20-11-7
Results of note: Beat then-No. 7 Girondins Bordeaux at home (2-0, Nov. 8), lost at then-No. 14 Valencia (3-1, Dec. 2), beat then-No. 18 Olympique Lyon (4-3, Dec. 6), lost at then-No. 23 Olympique Marseille in cup tie (2-1, Jan. 27), beat then-No. 21 Fenerbahce Istanbul in Europa League (3-2 on aggregate).
Commentary/recent results: L'OSC surprised everybody but us with their 1-0 home leg victory over Liverpool, which puts them in a good position to advance to the next round of the Europa League. In France they sit fourth but just two points behind the leaders.
Upcoming schedule: The aforementioned return match at Anfield is on Thursday. Visit Bordeaux Sunday with a chance to move into first place in Ligue Un. It could be a massive week for Lille.

22. Valencia
Last ranking: 17
Record: 19-7-10
Results of note: Defeated then-No. 9 Sevilla at home (2-0, Aug. 30), drew then-No. 1 Barcelona at home (0-0, Oct. 17), lost at home to then-No. 7 Real Madrid (3-2, Dec. 12), lost at then-No. 11 Sevilla (2-1, Jan. 31), lost at then-No. 1 Barcelona (3-0, March 14).
Commentary/recent results: Los xotos have come undone a bit. Losing at Barcelona is no crime in itself, but we were hoping for them to keep it a bit closer than 3-0. More importantly there was the little matter of a 1-1 home draw with Werder Bremen in the first leg of their Europa League match-up...
Upcoming schedule: Visit Bremen Thursday needing a win or a draw of 2-2 or higher to advance. If they blow it they're out of the top 25, obviously. They almost got pulled this week, in fact.

23. RSC Anderlecht
Last ranking: 21
Record: 28-7-5
Results of note: Lost Champions League qualifier against Olympique Lyon, drew Ajax Amsterdam at home in Europa League group stage (1-1, Oct. 1).
Commentary/recent results: Anderlecht wrapped up the Jupiler League with a pair of 2-0 wins over the last fortnight. There was unfortunately also the little matter of the first leg of their Europa League match-up with Hamburg SV. The Belgian side lost the first leg in Hamburg by 3-1.
Upcoming schedule: The return leg against HSV is Thursday. That's all we're really concerned with at this point.

24. Flamengo
Last ranking: -
Record: 12-1-1*
Results of note: Lost at home to Botafogo in the Taca Guanabara semifinals (2-1, Feb. 17).
Commentary/recent results: After an undefeated Taca Guanabara campaign, Flamengo were upset in the semifinals by Botafogo, who went on to win the final as well. They have since gone on to a perfect start in the Taca Rio and more importantly the Copa Libertadores, where they just notched a 3-1 victory at Caracas FC on Thursday. They previously defeated Chile's Universidad Catolica in the first matchday.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Universidad de Chile in the next Libertadores matchday. Then have a chance to avenge the loss to Botafogo on Sunday.
*results since Jan. 1, 2010

25. Chivas de Guadelajara
Last ranking: -
Record: 8-1-1*
Results of note:
Commentary/recent results: Though Chivas dropped their first points of the Mexican Clausura campaign over the last fortnight, I feel they still qualify as the 25th-best club in the world right now. But we'll see how things go from here.
Upcoming schedule: Visit Copa Libertadores participant Monterrey Sunday. Speaking of the Libertadores, Chivas will join the next round of that competition.
*results since Jan. 1, 2010

Dropping Out:
PSV Eindhoven (24), after losing 4-1 to Ajax Amsterdam and dropping five points off the pace in the Dutch Eredivisie, Liverpool (25) after, well, do you really need to hear the reasons?

Also receiving consideration (in rough order of consideration received):
Werder Bremen

Photo taken from ESPN Soccernet without permission.

Welcome back! It's been an interesting couple of weeks. Barca suddenly looked mortal yesterday, losing at Atletico Madrid. So did Chelsea, thanks to Landon Donovan and Everton a week ago, and Inter Milan, after draws to Parma and Napoli. With the leaders of the "big three" leagues all effectively treading water, would there be a shake-up in the rankings? Only one way to find out. Right here:

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.

The question of who is the best club in Spain was clearly and emphatically answered Saturday in Barca's 6-2 (not a typo) beatdown of Real Madrid. Barring a miracle, FC Barcelona will now go on to claim their first Spanish liga title since 2006. The result gives Pep Guardiola's side the top spot in our ratings as well. For now. As we all know there is still the matter of the UEFA Champions League to decide. But we're definitely in late stages. Only three clubs can claim to have a spot at the No. 1 position by season's end.

1 (2). FC Barcelona
It was by no means a well-played game, but for about 35 minutes of the first half it sure was exciting. We are referring of course to Saturday's beat down of Real Madrid at the Bernabeu (though if you make it "five minutes" instead of 35 you could supposedly be speaking about the midweek Champions League tie with Chelsea), a game that, for all intents and purposes wraps up the Spanish liga title in Barca's favor. All that remains before a (likely) epic showdown with Man U is the return leg against Chelsea.
Next Up: The aforementioned return leg at Stamford Bridge, Wednesday. Nothing else matters now.
Against Top 25 (when they were Top 25): Beat Atletico Madrid at home (6-1, Oct. 4), beat Sporting Lisbon at home (3-1, Sept. 16), beat Sporting Lisbon away (5-2, Nov. 26), beat Sevilla away (3-0, Nov. 29), beat Valencia at home (4-0, Dec. 6), beat Real Madrid at home (2-0, Dec. 13), won at Villareal (2-1, Dec. 21), beat Atletico Madrid over two legs (5-2 aggregate) in the Copa del Rey, beat Olympique Lyon in the Champions League round of 16, beat Bayern Munich in Champions League quarterfinal, won at Real Madrid (6-2, May 2).

2 (1). Manchester United
Man United give the No. 1 spot back to Barca by no fault of their own. Red Devils won both games they played last week, neither with much difficulty, against Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League semis and at Middlesbrough Saturday.
Next Up: Visit Arsenal Wednesday in the return leg of the Champions League semifinals. We don't expect Man U. to have much trouble with that one. But we've been wrong before. Also host Man City in the derby Sunday.
Against Top 25: Lost to Zenit St. Petersburg (2-1), lost at Liverpool (2-1, Sept. 13), tied Villareal at home (0-0, Sept. 17) and away (0-0, Nov. 25), tied at Chelsea (1-1, Sept. 21), beat Celtic at home (3-0, Oct. 22) and tied at Celtic Park (1-1, Nov. 6), lost at Arsenal (2-1, Nov. 8), beat Chelsea at home (3-0, Jan. 11), beat Inter Milan in Champions League round of 16, lost at home to Liverpool (4-1, March 14), beat Porto in the Champions League quarterfinals.

3. (3). Chelsea
Blues are ostensibly in a decent position going into the return leg of their Champions League semifinal with Barcelona. Unfortunately, we saw Saturday what Barca can do with a little space on the pitch. Unless Guus Hiddinck plans to bunker and play for penalties, Chelsea may not have much of a chance. Or, Barca's suspect defense (partly done in by injuries, partly by a yellow card ban) could give the game away. There's no real way of telling. That's why they play these games, after all.
Next Up: Host Barca in the return leg of their Champions League semifinal Wednesday (first leg: 0-0). Then another cracker, at Emirates (the stadium, not the country) Sunday. By that time Blues may just have the Premiership and FA Cups left to play for. We shall see.
Against Top 25 clubs: Tied Man U at home (1-1, Sept. 21), lost to Liverpool (1-0, Oct. 25), lost to Arsenal at home (2-1, Nov. 30), lost at Man United (3-0, Jan. 11), lost at Liverpool (2-0, Feb. 1), won at Aston Villa (1-0, Feb. 21), beat Liverpool in the Champions League quarterfinal.

4 (4). Liverpool
Reds had no problems with Newcastle, beating Alan Shearer's men 3-0 at Anfield.
Next Up: Three games remain in Liverpool's season: at West Ham Saturday, West Brom a week from Sunday and Spurs May 24. Needless to say they'll need to win all three to have a chance at their first ever Premiership glory. Even then it's a longshot.
Against Top 25: Beat Manchester United (2-1, Sept. 13), beat Olympique Marseille on the road (2-1, Sept. 16), tied Atletico Madrid (1-1 at Madrid, Oct. 22 and 1-1 at Anfield, Nov. 6), won at Chelsea (1-0, Oct. 26), tied at Arsenal (1-1, Dec. 21), beat Chelsea at home (2-0, Feb. 1), beat Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16, won at Man United (4-1, March 14), lost to Chelsea in the Champions League quarterfinals, tied Arsenal at home (4-4, April 22).

5 (5). Inter Milan
The nerazurri managed to rebound from the disastrous prior week by defeating Lazio 2-0. They maintain a seven point lead over AC Milan with four games remaining.
Next Up: Visit Chievo, Sunday. Their final games are (in order) against Siena, at Cagliari and versus Atalanta Bergamo. Only Cagliari are a top half of the table side. So we don't see Inter blowing this one.
Against Top 25: Lost to AC Milan (1-0, Sept. 28), won at Panathinaikos (2-0, Sept. 16), tied at Fiorentina (0-0, Oct. 29), beat Udinese (1-0, Nov. 9), beat Juventus (1-0, Nov. 22), beat AS Roma in Coppa Italia (2-1, Jan. 21), beat AC Milan (2-1, Feb. 15), tied AS Roma (3-3, March 1), lost to Manchester United in Champions League round of 16, tied at Juventus (1-1, April 18).

6 (6). Arsenal
Arse were flattered by the 1-0 score at Old Trafford but it will be a monumental upset if they can somehow pull out the victory when the two teams meet at Emirates tomorrow. Why? Simple. No Arshavin. But Gunners are one or two veteran players away from being a real threat next season.
Next Up: Host Man United in the return leg of their Champions League matchup tomorrow. Host No. 3 Chelsea Sunday in a game that is of far greater importance to the visiting side.
Against Top 25: Tied Dynamo Kiev away (1-1, Sept. 17) won at home (1-0, Nov. 25), beat Man United at home (2-1, Nov. 8), beat Chelsea away (2-1, Nov. 30), tied Liverpool at home (1-1, Dec. 21), beat AS Roma in the Champions League round of 16, beat Villareal in the Champions League semifinal, tied at Liverpool (4-4, April 22).

7 (8). Porto
Won at Martimo Funchal to edge closer to another league title. With three games remaining and a six point lead over second-placed Sporting Lisbon, it's all but a fait accompli.
Next Up: More Liga Sagres action.
Against Top 25: Lost at Arsenal (4-0, Sept. 30), won at Sporting Lisbon (2-1, Oct. 5), lost at home to Dynamo Kiev (1-0, Oct. 21), won at Kiev (2-1, Nov. 5), beat Arsenal at home (2-0, Dec. 10), beat Atletico Madrid over two legs in the Champions League round of 16.

8 (7). Real Madrid
It really wasn't pretty on Saturday. After a hot start, Real fell apart at the back and had no answers to Barca's prowess. A disappointing way to decide a disappointing year for los merengues.
Next Up: It doesn't matter anymore, but a tough pair of away games, at Valencia and Villareal over the next fortnight.
Against Top 25: Beat Zenit St. Petersburg twice (2-1 on the road, Sept. 30 and 3-0 at home, Dec. 9), beat Atletico Madrid (2-1, Oct. 18), lost to Juventus (2-1 on the road, Oct. 22 and 2-0 at home, Nov. 5), lost at Barca (2-0, Dec. 14), beat Valencia at home (1-0, Dec. 20), beat Villareal at home (1-0, Jan. 4), tied Atletico Madrid at home (1-1, March 7), lost to Liverpool in Champions League round of 16, lost at home to Barcelona (6-2, May 2).

9 (9). Dynamo Kiev
The Ukrainian side suffered a setback in their quest to make the UEFA Cup final, managing just a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the semifinal with in-country rivals Shakhtar Donestks. This means Dynamo will likely need to win the return leg in Donetsk Thursday.
Next Up: The return leg of the UEFA Cup semifinal. They've all but wrapped up the Ukrainian Premier-Liga, with a 12-point lead four games from the finish.
Against Top 25: Tied Arsenal at home (1-1, Sept. 17), lost at Emirates (1-0, Nov .25).

10 (10). Juventus
Managed just a 2-2 draw at home against Lecce to drop four points behind third-placed AC Milan
Next Up: Have a chance to make things interesting when they visit AC Milan at San Siro. If they don't win they can pretty much forget about third place.
Against Top 25: Beat Zenit St. Petersburg at home (1-0, Sept. 17) and tied on the road (0-0, Nov. 25), tied at Fiorentina (1-1, Aug. 31), tied at BATE Borisov (2-2, Sept. 30), beat Real Madrid (2-1 at home, Oct. 22 and 2-0 at the Bernabeu, Nov. 5), lost at Inter Milan (1-0, Nov. 22), beat AC Milan at home (4-2, Dec. 14), lost to Chelsea in Champions League round of 16, tied Inter Milan at home (1-1, April 18).

11 (11). Shakhtar Donetsk
The other Ukrainian side in the top 25 got the better of the first one, playing a 1-1 draw at Dynamo Kiev in the first leg of their UEFA Cup semifinal. We'll wait for the return leg before we adjust any of these teams' positions.
Next Up: Host the return leg Thursday.
Against Top 25: Lost to Barcelona at home (2-1, Oct. 1), beat CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Cup Round of 16, beat Olympique Marseille in the UEFA Cup quarterfinals.

12 (12) Olympique de Marseille
What was a five team race for Ligue Un glory has now effectively become a matter of just two teams. L'OM are one. Girondins Bordeaux are the other. L'OM managed just a 2-2 draw with Toulouse Saturday and are now level on points with les Girondins with four games remaining.
Next Up: Visit Nice Wednesday and host Lyon Sunday.
Against Top 25: Lost at Liverpool (2-1, Sept. 16), lost at Atletico Madrid (2-1, Oct. 1), lost to Liverpool at home (1-0, Nov. 26), tied Atletico Madrid at home (1-1, Dec. 1), tied at Olympique Lyon (0-0, Dec. 14), won at Girondins Bordeaux (1-0, Feb. 8), won at Paris Saint Germain (3-1, March 15), lost to Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Cup quarterfinals.

13 (13). AZ Alkmaar
The newly-crowned Eredivisie champs...ah who cares. They're the champs, let's leave it at that.
Next Up: More Eredivisie action.

14 (16). VfL Wolfsburg
The "wolves" won decisively over Hoffenheim (whom you haven't heard from for good reason; they've been awful since the winter break and now are a distant ninth in the Bundesliga) by 4-0. Still a way to go before their first ever (we think) Bundesliga title but we're moving them up just in case.
Next Up: A tough one, at fourth-placed Stuttgart Saturday.
Against Top 25: Lost at Bayern Munich (4-2, Oct. 25), drew AC Milan (2-2, Dec. 17), won at HSV (3-1, March 1), beat Bayern Munich (5-1, April 4)

15 (15). Sao Paulo Futebol Clube
Idle but learned their opponent in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16: Chivas de Guadelajara. The first leg is Thursday, presumably in Mexico, though there is some question due to the H1M1 virus, otherwise known as the Swine Flu.
Next Up: After Thursday's game, wherever it's played, visit Fluminense Sunday for the curtain raiser of the Campeonato Brasileiro season.

16 (17). Bayern Munich
The Jupp Heynckes era is off to a good start, after Bayern defeated Borussia Moenchengladbach to move back into second place in the Bundesliga. They remain three points behind Wolfsburg with four games remaining.
Next Up: Visit Energie Cottbus Saturday.
Against Top 25: Tied Olympique Lyon at home (1-1, Sept. 30), won at Steaua Bucharest (1-0, Sept. 17), beat Fiorentina at home (3-0, Oct. 22), tied at Fiorentina (1-1, Nov. 6), beat Hoffenheim (2-1, Dec. 5), beat Olympique Lyon on the road (3-2, Dec. 10), beat Sporting Lisbon in first leg of Champions League round of 16 (5-0).

17 (14). Olympique Lyon
The perennial French champs suffered another major setback when they lost at Valenciennes Saturday. They now trail Olympique Marseille by seven points with four games remaining.
Next Up: They get their shot at Marseille Sunday but it may be too late for another title, even if they do win.
Against Top 25: Tied Fiorentina at home (2-2, Sept. 17) and Bayern Munich on the road (1-1, Sept. 30), won at Fiorentina (2-1, Nov. 25), lost to Bayern at home (3-2, Dec. 10), lost to Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16.

18 (-). Corinthians
Time to give Ronaldo and his mates their due. While they are tragically not in the Copa Libertadores the Sao Paulo side won the Paulista championship through an aggregate victory over Santos that ended in penalties yesterday. The Paulista state championship is arguably the second-biggest title in Brazil after the Brazileiro. Corinthians have a solid record against quality competition as well. So why aren't they higher-placed than Sao Paulo? No continental action to deal with, simple.
Next Up: Host Atletico Paranaense in a cup tie Thursday. Host Internacional in the first round of the Campeonato Sunday.
Against Top 25: Tied at Sao Paulo (1-1, Feb. 15), beat Sao Paulo over two legs in the Paulista semifinals.

19 (20). Hamburg SV
Martin Jol's side won the first leg of the UEFA Cup semifinal at Werder Bremen 1-0 but suffered a setback in the Bundesliga title chase, playing Hertha Berlin to a 1-1 draw at home.
Next Up: Werder Bremen again, twice. At home in the return leg of the UEFA Cup semis and on the road in Bundesliga action.
Against Top 25: Tied at Bayern Munich (2-2, Aug. 15), beat Bayern at home (1-0, Jan. 30), lost at home to Werder Bremen in German cup semis (penalties, April 22).

20 (21). Atletico Madrid
Won at Real Betis yesterday to move up to fifth in La Liga, just one point behind fourth-placed Valencia.
Next Up: Host Espanyol Sunday. Then the aforementioned Valencia, at home on Sunday, May 17.
Against Top 25: Lost at Barcelona (6-1, Oct. 4), lost to Real Madrid (2-1, Oct. 18), tied Liverpool (1-1, Oct. 23), tied Villareal (4-4, Oct. 26), tied at Liverpool (1-1, Nov. 5), lost to Barcelona over two legs in the Copa del Rey (5-2 aggregate), beat Barca at home (4-3, March 1), tied at Real Madrid (1-1, March 7), lost to Porto in Champions League quarterfinal, beat Villareal at home (3-2, March 15).

21 (18). Werder Bremen
Lost the first leg of the UEFA Cup semifinal with Hamburg SV less than a week after beating Martin Jol's side in a penalty shoot-out to reach the German cup final.
Next Up: The return leg at Hamburg Thursday. Then host HSV again, this time for a league match. If you're keeping score, that's four games in a row with their north-German rivals.
Against Top 25: Won at Bayern Munich (5-2, Sept. 20), tied at Inter Milan (1-1, Oct. 1), beat Inter Milan (2-1, Dec. 9), beat AC Milan over two legs in the UEFA Cup round of 32, tied Bayern Munich at home (0-0, March 1), beat Hamburg SV in German cup semis (penalties, April 22).

22 (22). Panathinaikos
Appear to have been idle.
Next Up: Play at PAOK Saloniki in the first matchday of the mini-tournament to decide finishers 2-6 in the Greek Super League.
Against Top 25: Lost to Inter Milan at home (2-0, Sept. 16), beat Inter Milan (1-0 away on Nov. 25), lost to Villareal in Champions League round of 16.

23 (24). AC Milan
A week after returniing to the top 25, the rossoneri cemented their position and second place in Serie A with it. By beating Catania 2-0, Milan have five straight victories and an eight game unbeaten run. Their goal differential in the past five games is 13-1. If any of those had come against quality competition we might be tempted to say AC Milan are one of the hottest teams in the world right now. But they haven't, so we won't.
Next Up: Host third-placed Juventus Sunday.
Against Top 25: Beat Inter Milan (1-0, Sept. 28), beat Lazio (4-1, Sept. 21), lost at Juventus (4-2, Dec. 14), tied at AS Roma (2-2, Jan. 11), lost to Inter Milan (2-1, Feb. 15), lost to Werder Bremen over two legs in the UEFA Cup round of 32.

24 (23) Chivas de Guadelajara
Tied at Everton of Chile (not Liverpool) to secure advancement to the Libertadores Round of 16, where they will face No. 15 Sao Paulo. The first game is Thursday. Needless to say if Chivas win this round they will be in the Top 20. Also played a scoreless draw against Puebla yesterday. That drops them to third place in their Clausura group with one match day remaining. The top two qualify for the playoffs though the best third-placed teams can enter through some kind of backdoor tournament, the liguilla.
Next Up: The aforementioned first leg with Sao Paulo followed by the final Clausura regular season game at Indios Sunday. Not sure if they'll allow fans for that one.
Against Top 25: Lost to Internacional over two legs in the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals.

25 (-). Sevilla
Return to the top 25 after a three week absence (or whenever April 13 was). Their 2-0 victory at Villareal (last week's No. 19 team) did the trick. Keep in mind this club is third in Spain, so that has to count for something, disappointing European campaign aside. Or maybe Spain is just a "big two" league?
Next Up: Host Mallorca Saturday. Manolo Jimenez side then face Osasuna, Deportivo la Coruna and Numancia in their last three games. Only Deportivo are at all decent (they sit seventh). Osasuna are fighting for relegation. Numancia are dead last. So yeah, chances are good los palanganas will finish third and qualify automatically for next season's Champions League. Whether they go anywhere is an entirely different question of course.
Against Top 25: Won at Atletico Madrid (1-0, Sept. 28), won at Real Madrid (4-3, Dec. 7), lost to Barcelona at home (3-0, Nov. 29), beat Villareal at home (1-0, Dec. 13), beat Valencia over two legs in the Copa del Rey, won at Villareal (2-0, May 2).

Dropping Out:
Villareal (19), Universitario Lima (25)