Power Rankings: The best teams in Europe - Week 31
Following a week in which:
- Real Madrid, as expected, beat Chelsea.
- Manchester City, as expected, made another UEFA Champions League semi-final.
- Ollie Watkins, as expected, continue to score an outrageous number of goals.
90min's Sean Walsh and Jack Gallagher sat down to record the second episode of our new podcast series '90min's Definitive European Power Rankings' and, yep you guessed it, rank the 10 best teams in Europe right now.
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On this edition of 90min's Definitive European Power Rankings, part of the 90min podcast network, Sean Walsh and Jack Gallagher discuss the top 10 teams from across the continent after a busy week of Champions League quarter-finals.
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10. Barcelona (down 6)
For the first time since 2005, Barcelona have drawn successive games 0-0 in La Liga.
Boring.
Down six as a result.
Sean: "I had the displeasure of having to watch this game on Sunday..."
9. Feyenoord (new entry)
A new entry late in the season, Feyenoord have been so consistent in domestic and continental football all season thanks to their wonderful manager Arne Slot.
He's being linked with every top job for a very good reason.
Sean: "They're deserving of their place in this rankings, they've been on a complete tear in the Eredivisie and are on the verge of a Europa League semi-final."
8. Brighton and Hove Albion (re-entry)
As expected, Brighton completely played Chelsea off the park at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to earn a 2-1 win.
Who thought that Brighton doing that would be 'expected' this season?
A Wembley semi-final clash with Manchester United awaits Roberto De Zerbi's side this weekend.
Jack: "They've been one of the funner teams to watch in Europe this season."
7. Aston Villa (up 1)
Aston Villa put in a truly brilliant performance to see off high-flying Newcastle United on Saturday.
That win was their fifth in a row and they're now mounting a surprise European challenge because of this great form.
Sean: "For me, the win over Newcastle United was their most impressive performance of the Unai Emery era so far."
6. Atletico Madrid (up 2)
Antoine Griezmann is back to his best, and Atletico Madrid are too as a result.
The French star scored a brace in the win over Almeria at the weekend.
Jack: "That was their seventh win in a row in La Liga. They just keep motoring."
5. Arsenal (down 3)
In thick of the title race, Arsenal have now given up two two-goal leads in the space of one week to drop four points.
You can't afford to do that at this stage of the season.
Jack: "It was bad. There was a lot to not like about that performance against West Ham."
4. Lazio (up 1)
Ciro Immobile scored a penalty and was hit by tram this week.
Get a man who can do both.
Jack: "It was only Spezia, but a win is a win."
3. Real Madrid (up 4)
Real Madrid have made it through to yet another Champions League semi final - their eighth in the last 10 seasons.
They're built for Europe's elite competition, and they may win it for a record-extending 15th time in June.
Sean: "Carlo Ancelotti doesn't get enough credit for the tactical decisions he made while at Real Madrid."
2. AC Milan (up 1)
Over two-legs against Serie A runaway leaders Napoli, AC Milan put in a vintage defensive performance.
They kept Napoli at arm's length and then, thanks to the brilliance of Rafael Leao, had the quality to go and score the goals which have seen them safely through to their first Champions League semi final since 2007.
Jack: "One of the best defensive performances of the last five or 10 years."
1. Manchester City
Manchester City currently look unbeatable.
They put in yet another professional performance against Bayern to make it through to the Champions League semi finals, they have an FA Cup semi final against Sheffield United to look forward to this weekend, and then they face off against Arsenal in a Premier League title decider next Wednesday.
The treble is on, and the chances of it being completed hinge on the next seven days.
Sean: "They can beat teams in more ways now."