Champions League power rankings: English clubs surge into contention

Halfway through the group stage, the four English clubs in the Champions League have all surged into contention. Here’s how the best teams are doing.

The Champions League’s group stage entered the midway point this month with a few teams dominating the field, while others were woefully underperforming.

First, let’s look at the underachievers. Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have not racked up the points everyone expected of them, although none of them are out of contention for a spot in the knockout round.

On the other hand, England’s four clubs — Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and their rivals United — have largely been doing well at this stage of the tournament. Although it’s still early, it’s a sign that the English Premier League remains a place where the world’s best clubs compete.

There have also been some surprises, including German club Borussia Monchengladbach, Lazio of Italy and Spanish side Sevilla, who gained access into the Champions League after capturing last season’s Europa League.

Here’s a look at the latest power rankings.

10. Borussia Dortmund (2-0-1)

The Germans are in command of Group F, but a surging Lazio in second place could give them a hard time. Nonetheless, having striker Erling Haaland has helped BVB become a strong candidate for the cup.

9. Lazio (1-2-0)

Instead of Juventus, Inter Milan or even Atalanta, the only Italian club to make this power rankings list is the Roman club. Thanks to striker Ciro Immobile and positive results on the road, Lazio remain in contention to win Group F.

8. Borussia Monchengladbach (1-2-0)

The Germans may have just five points from three games, but that’s enough to put them in the Group B lead. The group remains wide open, but their 6-0 win Tuesday against Shakhtar Donetsk sent a message.

7. Sevilla (2-1-0)

The defending Europa League winners are battling in Group E for a Round of 16 berth, but they have the quality to record a few more wins down the stretch and even win the group.

6. Manchester United (2-0-1)

Things were rolling in smoothly until Wednesday when Manchester City fell to Istanbul Basaksehir 2-1 in one of the biggest upsets of the competition. Nonetheless, Man City remains favored to win Group H in what will be a tough battle against RB Leipzig.

5. Chelsea (2-1-0)

The London club has momentum on their side after Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Rennes. Chelsea now top Group E with Sevilla but have the edge regarding goal differential.

4. Barcelona (3-0)

There was talk this summer that Barcelona would have some trouble this season. Instead, Barca is 3-0 and in first place, in Group G. They got the better of Juventus with Lionel Messi once again proving to be the difference alongside youngster Ansu Fati.

3. Liverpool (3-0)

The Group D leaders smashed Atalanta 5-0 on Tuesday to go 3-0. The English champions have also to concede a goal, showing that they could very well have the strongest backline in the competition.

2. Manchester City (3-0)

The English, currently 3-0 and first-place in Group C, are off to a strong start. Can Pep Guardiola’s side sustain this momentum? Time will tell.

1. Bayern Munich (3-0)

No surprise, but the defending champions remain the team to beat. The Bavarian giants have outscored their opponents 12-3 in three games. They remain unstoppable.