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Champions League Power Rankings: PSG shine in matchweek 1

By James Dudko

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Kylian Mbappe of PSG during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic Glasgow and Paris Saint Germain (PSG) at Celtic Park on September 12, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Kylian Mbappe of PSG during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic Glasgow and Paris Saint Germain (PSG) at Celtic Park on September 12, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) /
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BARCELONA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 12: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League Group D match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at Camp Nou on September 12, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 12: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League Group D match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at Camp Nou on September 12, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images) /

2. Barcelona

It’s become popular to talk about Barcelona as a club in crisis, one falling behind Europe’s elite. Yet those who dismiss the Blaugrana as a spent force overlook the ample talent still present in the ranks.

Luis Suarez is as good a center-forward as anybody in the game. The midfield is still led by Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic, the latter of whom scored against Juve.

Then there’s Lionel Messi. The pocket-edition marvel turned the clock back to be at his vintage best in matchweek 1.

His two goals, slalom runs and terrific vision and flair simply destroyed Juventus. The goals also gave Messi a phenomenal record in the group stage, according to Sky Sports Statto:

If Messi stays in this kind of form, this Barca squad is more than capable of winning a sixth Champions League title.

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