Champions League power rankings: Bayern leads quartet of perfect teams
A snapshot of how teams are doing halfway through the group stage
The Champions League may be halfway through the playing of the group stage, but some of the usual suspects are leading the charge.
Eight teams remain undefeated, while half of them (Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City) remain perfect with three wins in as many matches.
Here’s a look at this month’s power rankings:
10. RB Leipzig (2-0-1)
Currently second in Group G, RB Leipzig defeated Red Star Belgrade 3-1. Xavi Simons recorded a goal, his first ever in the UCL, and an assist to help the Germans to the win.
9. Paris Saint-Germain (2-0-1)
PSG got the job done against AC Milan, also posting a 3-1 victory, to go tops in Group F, also known as the “Group of Death.” Kylian Mbappe’s goal got things rolling and the Paris-based club never looked back. Could this be the start of more good things to come?
8. Napoli (2-0-1)
The defending Serie A champions got the 1-0 road win against Union Berlin and now have a lock on second place in Group C, one of the toughest, behind Real Madrid. Despite some early troubles, it looks like the Partenopei are favorites to advance out of the group.
7. Arsenal (2-0-1)
The Gunners are first in Group B following a 2-1 road win against Sevilla. Arsenal look to battle on several fronts this season and it appears that manager Mikel Arteta’s side is equipped to compete this season.
6. Inter Milan (2-1-0)
The highest-ranked Italian side in this month’s power rankings, Inter Milan downed RB Salzburg 2-1 at home to hang on to second in Group D. Currently first in Serie A, Inter Milan are also favorites to advance after finishing runners up last season.
5. Real Sociedad (2-1-0)
It’s not everyday that Real Sociedad is this high on any power ranking list. Currently first in Group D, the Spanish club stunned Benfica 1-0. Brais Mendez scored the game’s lone goal, his third of the competition.
4. Barcelona (3-0)
The Catalan giants remain perfect and remain first in Group H. A 2-1 win against Shakhtar Donetsk proved difficult following a dominant first half, but escaping with three points at home a sign that Barca are always difficult to play against.
3. Manchester City (3-0)
The only other Premier League to make the power rankings (after Arsenal), the defending European champions shined in a 3-1 win against Young Boys. Erling Haaland netted a brace to stay perfect and tops in Group G.
2. Real Madrid (3-0)
Los Blancos also remain perfect and in control of Group C. Like their rivals Barca (who they face on Saturday in El Clasico), Real Madrid also struggled and could only muster a 2-1 road victory against Braga. Jude Bellingham, who has been on fire since the start of the season, scored the winning goal.
1. Bayer Munich (3-0)
The Bavarian giants top the power rankings after a 3-1 win against Galatasaray. Harry Kane found the back of the net — along with Jamal Musiala — late in the game to win it. A team capable of soaking up immense pressure for sustained periods, it’s the Bayern attack that’s proven even more ruthless. The team’s nine goals in three games — tied for most at this stage along with Man City — is proof of it.