Champions League power rankings as Premier League pair battle Europe's elite

794     0
Champions League power rankings as Premier League pair battle Europe
Champions League power rankings as Premier League pair battle Europe's elite

The Champions League is back this week as the tournament nears the business end, with just eight teams still in contention to win European football's most prestigious prize.

Just two Premier League sides remain, with Manchester City thumping RB Leipzig in their last-16 clash and Chelsea knocking out Borussia Dortmund, along with a host of other European giants.

But before we get into the power rankings, a reminder that they are NOT necessarily a rank of the best teams in Europe right now, but more where they all stand in relation to the draw and their probability of progression to the semi-finals.

So here's a reminder of the quarter-final ties:

Benfica vs Inter Milan

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash eiqekidqkiddzinvMarcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

Manchester City vs Bayern Munich

Real Madrid vs Chelsea

AC Milan vs Napoli

Let the ranking commence!

8. Inter Milan

The Serie A giants are hoping to win a fourth Champions League trophy this year, but face a tough test in the form of Roger Schimdt's Benfica.

Inter have not won any of their last six games in all competitions and currently sit fifth in Serie A, 23 points behind league leaders Napoli.

While they have the players and the pedigree to cause free-scoring Benfica problems, with the likes of Lautaro Martinez, Romelu Lukaku and Andre Onana in their ranks, they are not in great form at the moment and could struggle against Benfica.

Champions League power rankings as Premier League pair battle Europe's eliteOlivier Giroud will be key for AC Milan (AFP via Getty Images)

7. AC Milan

Despite breaking a decade-long drought last season by winning their first Serie A trophy since 2011, Milan have fallen off this year and sit just one point above local rivals Inter in fourth.

They do have plenty of firepower in their squad, including veteran forward Olivier Giroud, highly-rated Rafael Leao and Liverpool cult hero Divock Origi while Fikayo Tomori will have a key role to play at the back as Milan attempt to keep Napoli quiet.

On the strength of this season's form, Napoli are rightly strong favourites to beat Milan, but Stefano Pioli's did beat them 4-0 in the league earlier this month and will be hoping for a similar performance in Europe.

Man Utd finally listen to Ralf Rangnick after ignoring his six-man transfer planMan Utd finally listen to Ralf Rangnick after ignoring his six-man transfer plan
Champions League power rankings as Premier League pair battle Europe's eliteRoger Schmidt's Benfica are enjoying a brilliant season so far (AFP via Getty Images)

6. Benfica

Benfica are enjoying a brilliant season so far and go into their tie against Inter as firm favourites, with the Portuguese side currently seven points clear in their bid to win a 38th Primeira Liga title.

They finished above both PSG and Juventus in their group and have been scoring goals for fun this season, despite selling the likes of Darwin Nunez and Enzo Fernandez.

Goncalo Ramos has filled the void left by Nunez's departure and the forward will be key to their chances of progressing to the semi-finals.

Champions League power rankings as Premier League pair battle Europe's eliteChelsea interim boss Frank Lampard (Getty Images)

5. Chelsea

Frank Lampard's side will enter their quarter-final clash against Real Madrid knowing they need to win the Champions League if they are to have any chance of featuring in the competition next season.

However, they have not won any of their last four games and sacked manager Graham Potter earlier this month following a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa.

Despite losing 1-0 to Wolves in Lampard's first game as interim boss, Chelsea do still have plenty of quality in their squad to cause Real Madrid problems. But given their struggles this season it feels like too big of an ask.

Champions League power rankings as Premier League pair battle Europe's eliteVictor Osimhen is an injury doubt for Napoli (Marco Canoniero/REX/Shutterstock)

4. Napoli

Given they are 16 points clear at the top of Serie A, Napoli are clear favourites heading into their quarter-final clash with Milan.

Osimhen has been outstanding up front for manager Luciano Spalleti, but is an injury doubt for this fixture while the likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Kim Min-jae have all impressed since joining the club in the summer.

Despite Napoli's great success so far this season, they were beaten 4-0 by Milan in the league earlier this month and will be desperate to avoid a repeat.

Champions League power rankings as Premier League pair battle Europe's eliteNew Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel (S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images)

3. Bayern Munich

The German giants are set for a tough challenge in the quarter-finals, having been drawn against Manchester City, but did dispatch a star-studded PSG side in the last round.

New boss Thomas Tuchel will surely be relishing the chance to face City again, having memorably got one over on him when his Chelsea side won the 2021 edition of the Champions League by beating City 1-0 in the final.

Should they best City, Bayern will be heavily fancied to go on and lift the trophy for the seventh time.

Champions League power rankings as Premier League pair battle Europe's eliteReal Madrid have great Champions League pedigree (AFP via Getty Images)

2. Real Madrid

Despite being 12 points behind rivals Barcelona in the La Liga title race, Madrid's pedigree in the Champions League is virtually unmatched.

They are always strong favourites to win the tournament each year and will be looking to pile more misery on a misfiring Chelsea side in their quarter-final clash.

Champions League power rankings as Premier League pair battle Europe's eliteManchester City boss Pep Guardiola is desperate to win the Champions League (Getty Images)

1. Manchester City

Although Champions League glory has eluded them up until this point, City are the favourites with most bookmakers to win the tournament this year.

Despite being handed a tough quarter-final clash against Bayern, City will be hoping star man Kevin de Bruyne can get back to his best and that Erling Haaland can continue banging in the goals, with the forward currently the Champions League's top goalscorer.

If they are at their best, City could finally end their Champions League hoodoo.

Matthew Cooper

Napoli, AC Milan, Real Madrid CF, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Benfica, Chelsea FC, Manchester City FC, Champions League

Read more similar news:

01.02.2023, 05:45 • Sport
Man Utd lose seven players and sign three as January transfer window closes
01.02.2023, 06:47 • Sport
Marcel Sabitzer opens up on frantic deadline day dash to join Man Utd
01.02.2023, 07:30 • Sport
New Man Utd signing Marcel Sabitzer had trial so bad his agent "apologised"
01.02.2023, 10:44 • Sport
Man Utd initially wanted to sign Sabitzer's teammate but Bayern Munich refused
01.02.2023, 11:36 • Sport
Reasons why Man Utd signed Sabitzer over other midfielders in deadline day move
01.02.2023, 12:44 • Sport
Rio Ferdinand slams Paul Merson over Manchester United transfer assessment
01.02.2023, 13:06 • Sport
Man Utd's five January transfer deadline day signings as Sabitzer completes move
01.02.2023, 21:31 • Sport
Joao Cancelo took 18 minutes to show Man City what they've lost on Bayern debut
02.02.2023, 05:30 • Sport
Bayern Munich deadline day rejection which forced Man Utd's hand comes to light
02.02.2023, 09:59 • Sport
Ten Hag explains why Man Utd signed Marcel Sabitzer over four other midfielders