Champions League Power Rankings: PSG Struggles While Rivals Close In

Matchweek four of the Champions League unfolded with familiar results as Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona continued their scoring spree, while Arsenal and Bayern Munich bounced back to winning form, maintaining their unbeaten status.

The standout performance of the round came from Como, who achieved a historic 9-1 away victory against Lens, matching the record for the most goals scored in a single Champions League game. Under the management of Cesc Fabregas, Como now ranks fourth in the league phase standings, just behind PSG, Real Madrid, and Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Liverpool faced disappointment with a loss to Fenerbahce, but Manchester United staged an impressive comeback to defeat Roma and possibly secure Michael Carrick’s position, with Matheus Cunha netting two goals on a thrilling night at Old Trafford.

We compiled our 36-team power rankings by assessing team’s past performances in the Champions League, their current results, and their potential for success this season.

Agree or disagree with our standings? Let us know and share your thoughts in the comments below.

↔️ 1. Paris Saint-Germain

• Results: 6-1 vs Slovan Bratislava, 4-2 vs Man City, 4-2 vs Barcelona, 6-0 vs Villarreal

• Fixtures: Roma (h), Aston Villa (a), Como (a), Galatasaray (h)

The reigning champions are dispelling myths about slow starts in the Champions League. Managed by Luis Enrique, PSG finds themselves well ahead in this campaign. They demonstrated dominance with a 4-0 lead against Villarreal in just 17 minutes, despite missing players like Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is likely out for the season due to a ruptured ACL.

↔️ 2. Barcelona

• Results: 5-1 vs Feyenoord, 4-1 vs Galatasaray, 2-4 vs PSG, 3-0 vs Aston Villa

• Fixtures: Sabah (a), Manchester City (h), Sporting (a), Como (h)

After experiencing defeats against PSG in the Champions League and Real Madrid in LaLiga, Barcelona faced scrutiny over their defensive capabilities as they approach the knockout stages. However, Lamine Yamal’s extraordinary form, along with Raphinha’s remarkable contributions—19 goals and three assists in just 13 matches—maintains hope for the team.

↔️ 3. Arsenal

• Results: 1-0 vs Napoli, 3-0 vs Lille, 2-2 vs Bayern Munich, 2-1 vs Slavia Prague

• Fixtures: Borussia Dortmund (h), Real Madrid (h), Real Betis (a), Sabah (h)

Despite a challenging second half, Mikel Arteta’s squad secured a vital win in Prague. Their previous thrilling draw against Bayern Munich showed that the Premier League champions can compete with top-tier teams in the Champions League.

↔️ 4. Bayern Munich

• Results: 5-0 vs Bodo/Glimt, 3-3 vs Viking, 2-2 vs Arsenal, 2-0 vs Atletico Madrid

• Fixtures: Lille (a), Slavia Prague (h), Manchester United (a), Real Betis (h)

Bayern Munich returned to their winning ways with a solid victory against Atletico Madrid, although Harry Kane’s impressive scoring streak came to an end. The Ballon d’Or winner failed to find the net but his team continues to thrive.

⬆️🟢 5. Real Madrid (+1 from 6)

• Results: 2-1 vs Inter Milan, 4-3 vs Roma, 4-1 vs RB Leipzig, 3-2 vs AEK Athens

• Fixtures: PSV (h), Arsenal (a), LASK (h), Shakhtar (a)

Real Madrid seems to thrive in chaos as they continue to secure maximum points despite trailing in matches. Kylian Mbappe’s late equalizer and Fede Valverde’s stunning stoppage-time winner highlight their tenacity as Jose Mourinho’s squad navigates their Champions League campaign.

⬇️🔴 6. Man City (-1 from 5)

• Results: 2-0 vs Porto, 2-4 vs PSG, 5-1 vs AEK Athens, 3-2 vs Leipzig

• Fixtures: Napoli (h), Barcelona (a), Lens (a), Sporting (a)

Back-to-back losses in the Premier League have dampened the spirit for Enzo Maresca’s side. Nevertheless, a resilient victory at RB Leipzig demonstrated their strength, although they are yet to secure a clean sheet in seven matches. They anticipate the return of Kevin De Bruyne against Napoli before facing Barcelona.

⬅️ 7. Liverpool

• Results: 2-1 vs Atletico Madrid, 6-3 vs LASK, 4-3 vs Villarreal, 2-3 vs Fenerbahce

• Fixtures: Club Brugge (a), Porto (h), Inter (a), Lens (h)

Liverpool has struggled defensively, conceding three goals in consecutive matches for the first time. Their “messy” defeat against Fenerbahce revealed challenges for manager Andoni Iraola as he navigates player rotation. Upcoming matches against Club Brugge will test their resolve further.

⬆️🟢 8. Aston Villa (+1 from 9)

• Results: 3-2 vs Club Brugge, 6-0 vs Fenerbahce, 3-1 vs Viking, 0-3 vs Barcelona

• Fixtures: Galatasaray (a), PSG (h), Borussia Dortmund (h), Slavia Prague (a)

Despite a loss to Barcelona, Aston Villa under Unai Emery demonstrated moments of threat and growth from their changing squad. Their efforts have retained the team’s identity even amid significant changes.

⬆️🟢 9. Inter Milan (+1 from 10)

• Results: 1-2 vs Real Madrid, 3-4 vs Club Brugge, 1-0 vs Shakhtar, 3-0 vs Feyenoord

• Fixtures: Stuttgart (h), Borussia Dortmund (a), Liverpool (h), Slovan Bratislava (a)

After a rocky start, Inter Milan found their footing with consecutive victories, highlighted by a comfortable win at Feyenoord. Pio Esposito’s emerging performance provided crucial support in Lautaro Martinez’s absence.

⬆️🟢10. Como (+5 from 15)

• Results: 4-1 vs RB Leipzig, 2-3 vs Feyenoord, 4-1 vs Manchester United, 9-1 vs Lens

• Fixtures: AEK Athens (h), Real Betis (a), Paris Saint Germain (h), Barcelona (a)

In an astonishing display, Como, the Champions League newcomers, made headlines this week by routing Lens with a historic nine-goal performance. Cesc Fabregas’s team became the first in Champions League history since 1971 to score nine goals away from home, marking a significant moment for the club. The upcoming matches against PSG and Barcelona look set to be exciting.

⬇️ 🔴 11. Atletico Madrid (-3)

⬆️ 🟢 12. Borussia Dortmund (+2)

⬇️ 🔴 13. Real Betis (-2)

⬆️ 🟢 14. Manchester United(+2)

⬇️ 🔴 15. Roma (-3)

⬆️ 🟢 16. Sporting (+2)

⬇️ 🔴 17. Stuttgart (-3)

⬆️ 🟢 18. Club Brugge (+3)

⬆️ 🟢 19. Galatasaray (+4)

⬇️ 🔴 20. Napoli (-3)

⬇️ 🔴 21. Villarreal (-2)

⬇️ 🔴 22. RB Leipzig (-2)

⬇️ 🔴 23. Bodo/Glimt (-1)

⬆️ 🟢 24. Fenerbahce (+3)

⬆️ 🟢 25. Porto (+3)

⬇️ 🔴 26. PSV Eindhoven (-2)

⬇️ 🔴 27. Shakhtar Donetsk (-2)

⬇️ 🔴 28. Feyenoord (-1)

⬆️ 🟢 29. LASK (+2)

⬆️ 🟢 30. Viking (+1)

⬆️ 🟢 31. Sabah (+2)

⬆️ 🟢 32. AEK Athens (+2)

⬇️ 🔴 33. Lille (-1)

⬇️ 🔴 34. Lens (-4)

↔️ 35. Slavia Prague

↔️ 36. Slovan Bratislava