This past week, the UEFA Champions League made a grand return, delivering some thrilling television.
Vinicius Junior and Raphinha propelled Real Madrid and Barcelona to significant victories over German powerhouses Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, respectively. Meanwhile, the English clubs showcased their dominance in the competition, with Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa all securing vital wins.
After all the excitement, here are 90min’s current rankings of Europe’s elite teams.
Class player / OSCAR DEL POZO/GettyImages
Are Europe’s leading clubs aware that Jonathan David’s contract with LOSC Lille will expire at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season?
The Canadian certainly appears capable of playing for almost any top club across Europe.
He has proven his worth by guiding Lille to impressive victories against Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League recently, netting three goals against the two clubs from Spain’s capital.
Terrible result / Catherine Ivill – AMA/GettyImages
Over the weekend, Arsenal’s disciplinary problems came back to haunt them at the Vitality Stadium.
For the third time this season, an Arsenal player was sent off in the Premier League—this time it was William Saliba—and, for the first time this season, this red card resulted in their first defeat of the 2024/25 season.
It looks like there won’t be any Invincibles this year; I should let AFTV know.
They just keep winning / Paolo Bruno/GettyImages
Inter may not be the most thrilling team to watch, but they are undeniably one of the most effective.
The reigning Serie A champions are defensively as solid as any team and boast two game-changing forwards in Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez.
Both players delivered this past week, netting decisive goals against AS Roma and Young Boys.
Cheps / Dan Mullan/GettyImages
Per the Champions League standings, Aston Villa currently stands as the top team in Europe.
The Villans achieved their third consecutive win in the tournament this past week, seamlessly defeating Serie A’s Bologna.
Next on the Champions League agenda is a visit to ‘the fairytale of a f**kin’ town’ Bruges to take on Club Brugge.
Of course he scored / Soccrates Images/GettyImages
So far in the 2024/25 Liga Portugal season, Sporting CP has recorded:
Played: 8
Won: 8
Drawn: 0
Lost: 0
Goals for: 27
Goals against: 2
Points: 24 out of 24
They have maintained this impressive form on the continent as well, defeating Sturm Graz midweek. Outstanding.
World class / Denis Doyle/GettyImages
In a typical display of Real Madrid resilience, Carlo Ancelotti’s team rallied from a 2-0 deficit to triumph over Borussia Dortmund with a score of 5-2.
the Champions League in front of a lively Santiago Bernabeu earlier this week.
True to his signature style, Vinicius Junior was the key player, delivering a remarkable hat-trick that secured the vital victory.
He must win the Ballon d’Or next week; there is currently no one superior to him in the world.
Leading Serie A / Gabriele Maltinti/GettyImages
No European competitions = Antonio Conte thriving.
This has typically been the case throughout Conte’s managerial career, and it certainly holds true at SSC Napoli right now.
The charismatic coach has revitalized Napoli, igniting their performance on the domestic stage, which has placed them at the top of Serie A.
Don’t be surprised if they remain in that position when May arrives.
Back among the goals / James Gill – Danehouse/GettyImages
The victory over Wolves was far from pretty, but boy, was it crucial.
John Stones’ last-minute goal propelled City past Arsenal in the Premier League standings, positioning them well ahead of the Gunners’ clash with the current league leaders, Liverpool, this weekend — a match where City fans will be eager to see both teams drop points.
In European competition, City enjoyed an easier outing on Wednesday night as Erling Haaland scored twice in a commanding 5-0 victory over Sparta Prague.
Leading the Premier League / Anadolu/GettyImages
You wouldn’t be faulted for assuming there would be a decline at Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp’s exit.
Surprisingly, what we have actually seen is a sort of resurgence.
The Reds now appear to be a stronger, more cohesive, and offensively potent team compared to the latter stages of Klopp’s time in charge. Consequently, they currently sit atop the Premier League table and are looking quite secure.
Three victories from three matches in the Champions League.
Under the leadership of Arne Slot, Liverpool has emerged as a formidable contender.
Hat-trick hero / Anadolu/GettyImages
Hansi Flick may have been the only person who recognized the world-class potential in former Leeds United forward Raphinha.
Despite Barcelona’s determination to acquire Nico Williams during the summer, it seems their executives did not believe Raphinha could reach this level of performance.
Yet here we are. Eight weeks into the 2024/25 season, Barcelona sits at the top of La Liga, coming off a resounding 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich, highlighted by exceptional performances from Raphinha.
The Brazilian scored a remarkable hat-trick in the match against Bayern, bringing his season total to 15 goal contributions in just 14 appearances. His performance has been outstanding.
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Champions League Showdown: Top Performers and All the Action from Europe’s Elite
Overview of the Champions League
The UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of European club football, showcasing the best teams and players from around the continent. Each season, clubs vie for glory in a tournament that captures the attention of millions, filled with thrilling matches, stunning goals, and unforgettable moments. With its rich history and competitive spirit, the Champions League remains a highlight of the football calendar.
Top Performers of the Season
As the tournament unfolds, certain players have emerged as key contributors to their teams’ successes. Here’s a look at the standout performers in this year’s Champions League:
1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Erling Haaland has been a revelation since his arrival at Manchester City. His exceptional goal-scoring ability has made him the player to watch in this season’s Champions League.
- Goals Scored: 8
- Assists: 2
- Key Matches: Hat-trick against RB Leipzig
2. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain)
Kylian Mbappé continues to dazzle audiences with his blistering pace and skill. His performances have been pivotal for PSG as they chase their first Champions League title.
- Goals Scored: 6
- Assists: 4
- Key Matches: Brace against Real Madrid
3. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah has been instrumental for Liverpool, bringing his trademark flair and finishing to the Champions League matches.
- Goals Scored: 5
- Assists: 3
- Key Matches: Key goal against FC Porto
Key Matches to Remember
This season has delivered some unforgettable matches that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. Here are a few highlights:
Matchday Highlights
| Match | Date | Result | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester City vs. RB Leipzig | September 6, 2023 | 6-0 | Erling Haaland (Hat-trick) |
| Paris Saint-Germain vs. Real Madrid | September 7, 2023 | 3-1 | Kylian Mbappé (2 goals) |
| Liverpool vs. FC Porto | September 8, 2023 | 4-1 | Mohamed Salah (1 goal, 2 assists) |
Benefits of Following the Champions League
Following the Champions League brings numerous benefits to fans and football enthusiasts alike:
- Excitement: Experience the thrill of elite competition.
- Talent Exposure: Discover emerging talents who may dominate the sport in the future.
- Community: Engage with fellow fans through social media and forums.
- Knowledge: Gain insights into tactics, formations, and player statistics.
Practical Tips for Enjoying the Champions League
To maximize your Champions League experience, consider these practical tips:
- Watch Live: Catch matches live to feel the excitement and atmosphere.
- Follow Team Updates: Stay updated with the latest news, injuries, and lineups.
- Engage on Social Media: Join discussions and share your thoughts with others.
- Create a Viewing Party: Invite friends over for a Champions League viewing party to share the experience.
Case Studies of Successful Clubs
Several clubs have seen significant success in the Champions League, showcasing different strategies and approaches:
Real Madrid: The Kings of Europe
Real Madrid has won the Champions League a record 14 times, demonstrating a winning mentality and tactical expertise. Their ability to perform on the big stage consistently sets them apart.
FC Barcelona: The Era of Tiki-Taka
Barcelona’s era under Pep Guardiola revolutionized football with their tiki-taka style, leading the club to multiple Champions League titles. Their emphasis on possession and movement changed how the game is played.
Bayern Munich: A Global Powerhouse
Bayern Munich has built a reputation for dominating both the Bundesliga and the Champions League, thanks to their strategic recruiting and strong team chemistry. Their recent successes are a testament to their comprehensive approach to football management.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
Attending a Champions League match is an exhilarating experience. The atmosphere in the stadium, the chants from passionate fans, and the sight of world-class football create memories that last a lifetime.
One fan shared their experience:
“Attending the Champions League final was a bucket-list moment. The energy in the stadium was electric, and seeing my team lift the trophy was surreal. It’s an experience every football fan should have!”
Conclusion
The Champions League continues to be a thrilling showcase of talent, drama, and world-class football. With each match, fans are treated to the incredible performances of top players, making it a must-follow tournament for anyone passionate about the sport.
