Champions League Power Rankings: PSG Back on Top as European Giants Clash Early
After just two rounds, the shape of this year’s Champions League is already shifting. PSG showed frightening depth to reclaim top spot, while traditional heavyweights like Liverpool and Barcelona dropped vital points. From surprise packages like Qarabag to struggling giants like Ajax, here's how all 36 teams stack up after matchday two.
36. Kairat Almaty – Out of Their Depth
Kairat Almaty are simply not built for this level. A 5-0 home loss to Real Madrid means they’ve now shipped nine goals in just two matches.
35. Slavia Prague – Learning the Hard Way
A 3-0 loss at Inter wasn’t unexpected, but Slavia showed too much respect early on. Their blown 2-0 lead against Bodo/Glimt in round one already haunts them.
34. Pafos FC – Resilient but Overmatched
After holding Olympiacos with 10 men, Pafos were no match for Bayern, losing 5-1. Their clash with Kairat will determine if they can stay alive.
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33. Ajax – Sinking Fast
A 4-0 drubbing in Marseille has set alarm bells ringing. With Chelsea and Galatasaray up next, Ajax could crash out early.
32. Olympiacos – Pride Isn’t Enough
They battled bravely at Arsenal, but a draw with 10-man Pafos is proving costly. A visit to Barcelona doesn’t promise much relief.
31. Benfica – Mourinho’s Work Cut Out
Despite a decent showing against Chelsea, Benfica have no points after two rounds. Mourinho has inherited a mess and the schedule only gets tougher.
30. PSV Eindhoven – Tough Road Ahead
A 1-1 draw at Leverkusen was progress, but the Dutch champions still face a brutal group. Losing key players in summer may cost them dearly.
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29. FC Copenhagen – Missed Opportunities
Letting Leverkusen escape with a draw and losing meekly to Qarabag has left Copenhagen in trouble. Beating Dortmund is now a must.
28. Union Saint-Gilloise – Reality Check
USG were flying high after upsetting PSV, but Newcastle brought them back down to earth. Defensive errors must be fixed quickly.
27. Bayer Leverkusen – Running Out of Time
Two draws in games they should’ve won leaves Leverkusen on thin ice. With PSG looming, they must start converting chances.
26. Bodo/Glimt – Close, But Not Enough
From comeback heroes to late heartbreakers, Bodo/Glimt have lived both sides of football drama. The performance against Spurs proves they can compete.
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25. Sporting CP – Encouraging but Costly
A 2-1 loss to Napoli stung, especially after matching them for long stretches. Their next game against Marseille will shape their fate.
24. Eintracht Frankfurt – Night and Day
After thrashing Galatasaray, they were hammered 5-1 by Atletico. Four brutal games lie ahead — they’ll need consistency, and fast.
23. Athletic Bilbao – Running Out of Time
A late push against Dortmund wasn’t enough to avoid a 4-1 loss. Beating Qarabag next is now absolutely crucial.
22. Club Brugge – Let It Slip
They looked on course for a second win until a late collapse at Atalanta. The next fixtures are brutal — they need something in Lisbon.
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21. AS Monaco – Signs of Life
A 2-2 draw with Man City was a gutsy response after a USG upset. With Tottenham and Bodo/Glimt up next, they’re still in the hunt.
20. Qarabag – Stunning Start
Nobody saw this coming. Qarabag followed up their Benfica shocker with a solid win over Copenhagen — and they’re playing great football too.
19. Galatasaray – Roared Back
After a 5-1 loss in Germany, Gala responded with a spirited win over Liverpool. With Victor Osimhen back and fixtures easing, belief is back.
18. Villarreal – Still in the Fight
They snatched a late point against Juventus and have proven they can hang with the big boys. Getting anything off Man City would be huge.
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17. Atalanta – Momentum Shift
A comeback win over Brugge, including a clutch penalty and late header, got their campaign back on track. A win over Slavia next could launch them.
16. Marseille – Statement Made
After an unlucky loss to Real Madrid, Marseille hit back with a 4-0 demolition of Ajax. Their pressing game and firepower make them dangerous.
15. Newcastle United – Best Yet
Four goals against USG made this Newcastle’s finest Champions League performance to date. Confidence is growing in Eddie Howe’s camp.
14. Juventus – Inconsistent and Vulnerable
A 2-2 draw at Villarreal follows a wild 4-4 against Dortmund. They’re entertaining, but need to tighten up before facing Real Madrid.
13. Borussia Dortmund – Dangerous in Attack
With eight goals in two games, Dortmund are flying forward. If they can beat Copenhagen next, they’ll be in prime position.
12. Tottenham Hotspur – Unconvincing but Efficient
Four points from two games masks some shaky performances. Still, their comeback in Norway shows resilience.
11. Atletico Madrid – Reborn in a Week
From crisis to contenders in just seven days. After thrashing Eintracht, Simeone’s men are rolling again with goals from all angles.
10. Napoli – De Bruyne Makes the Difference
Kevin De Bruyne lit up the game against Sporting with two assists for Rasmus Hojlund. Napoli aren’t firing fully yet, but sit in a great spot.
9. Chelsea – Winning Ugly
A gritty 1-0 win over Benfica showed Chelsea can still win without Cole Palmer. But their attack remains unconvincing and discipline an issue.
8. Manchester City – Haaland Can’t Do It Alone
Erling Haaland scored twice but City still dropped points at Monaco. Defensive cracks and missed chances are cause for concern.
7. Inter Milan – Quietly Dominant
Two wins from two, and Lautaro Martinez is leading by example. With easier games coming up, Inter could book early qualification.
6. Liverpool – Cracks Starting to Show
The Galatasaray loss exposed flaws papered over by late winners earlier in the season. Arne Slot has work to do before the Frankfurt clash.
5. Real Madrid – Mbappé, Again
Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick sunk Kairat and kept Madrid perfect. But Juventus and Liverpool up next will show what this team is really made of.
4. Barcelona – Big Opportunity Missed
They had PSG on the ropes and still lost. Flick’s side lacks composure under pressure and are clearly still a step behind Europe’s best.
3. Bayern Munich – Kane and Company Flying
Harry Kane is in absurd form, and Bayern’s depth showed in their 5-1 win in Cyprus. The November fixtures against PSG and Arsenal will reveal their true level.
2. Arsenal – Efficient and Quietly Excellent
Two games, two clean sheets, and a steadily improving Ødegaard. Arsenal look like they’re cruising — and haven’t even hit top gear yet.
1. Paris Saint-Germain – Depth, Class, and Dominance
Even without key players, PSG beat Barcelona away with teenagers starring. Luis Enrique’s side are deeper, more confident, and more dangerous than ever — the kings of Europe are reminding everyone why.
