UCL Power Rankings: Arsenal bottom after dreadful draw
Despite a disappointing draw, Arsenal finds themselves at the bottom of the Champions League 2023-24 Power Rankings. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and PSG all see upward movement in the rankings.
The last-16 draw of the 2023-24 Champions League didn't produce any major upsets, resulting in a relatively uneventful round. However, with the favorites advancing from nearly every tie, the quarter-finals promise exciting matchups with potential title contenders.
Spain's top clubs - Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid - all navigated tough challenges to reach the next stage. Paris Saint-Germain also upheld French hopes by dispatching Real Sociedad comfortably.
England will be represented by two teams in the quarter-finals, as Manchester City breezed past Copenhagen and Arsenal displayed resilience in a penalty shootout victory over Porto. Despite the turbulence surrounding Thomas Tuchel's tenure at the Allianz Arena, Bayern Munich remain in contention, joined by surprise package Borussia Dortmund from Germany.
8. Arsenal
Arsenal's performance against Porto was unexpectedly lackluster, narrowly progressing via a penalty shootout. Nonetheless, they found positives, showcasing resilience and breaking a streak of last-16 exits dating back to 2010.
While Arsenal may feel liberated, their prospects of winning the Champions League remain slim. Engaged in a fierce battle atop the Premier League, they face a daunting path to Wembley. Overcoming Bayern Munich in the quarters and potentially facing Manchester City or Real Madrid in the semis poses a significant challenge, especially given their limited European experience.
7. Bayern Munich
Thomas Tuchel's tenure at the Allianz Arena is coming to an end amid unraveling circumstances, but he could depart with a second Champions League title. With Harry Kane in exceptional form, Bayern Munich's chances are not to be underestimated.
Kane's remarkable performance in the last-16 second leg against Lazio was pivotal for Bayern, showcasing their offensive prowess. The upcoming quarter-final against Arsenal is finely balanced, though Bayern's home advantage in the second leg could tilt the scales in their favor.
However, the evident lack of cohesion within the club raises concerns about Tuchel's team.
6. Real Madrid
Real Madrid's survival in the Champions League is somewhat fortuitous, as they were outplayed by RB Leipzig in both legs of their last-16 clash. Despite Leipzig's missed opportunity, highlighted by Xavi Simons' emotional reaction at the final whistle, Real Madrid's history of European success and individual brilliance from players like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior keep them in contention.
Real Madrid has a knack for winning, even when not playing their best, which makes them a perennial threat in Europe. However, their current form suggests a daunting challenge ahead, particularly against Manchester City. Given their recent performances, another painful exit, akin to last season's defeat at the Etihad, appears likely.
5. Borussia Dortmund
As anticipated, Borussia Dortmund defeated PSV to advance to the quarter-finals, although they faced significant challenges along the way. Despite a strong start in the second leg at Signal Iduna Park, highlighted by Jadon Sancho's goal, Dortmund struggled in the latter stages, narrowly avoiding extra time thanks to a late miss from Luuk de Jong.
Nonetheless, Dortmund's progression to the last eight is a remarkable feat, especially considering their impressive performance in the group stage. Being underdogs against Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals may work in their favor, given their previous successes against tough opponents like Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Newcastle.
While Dortmund still face an uphill battle, they have reason to dream following a draw that could have posed greater challenges.
4. Barcelona
Barcelona's season has been plagued by unfortunate injuries to key players, but they were fortunate to face Napoli in the last 16, considering Napoli's struggles since winning the Serie A title last season. Despite this, Barcelona's performance wasn't particularly convincing, with favorable VAR decisions and a crucial miss from Jesper Lindstrom aiding their victory.
However, the latest crop of La Masia graduates, especially Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, shone brightly. Advancing to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2020 alleviates some pressure on Xavi's youthful team. With the return of key players on the horizon, Barcelona will be quietly confident of causing an upset against PSG in the quarters, especially with the advantage of playing the second leg at home.
3. Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain's performance has been a mixed bag, underwhelming in the group stage but impressive in eliminating Real Sociedad in the last 16. Despite this inconsistency, Luis Enrique's team lacks the solidity required to secure the club's first European Cup.
However, with Kylian Mbappe in exceptional form, PSG's prospects suddenly seem wide open. Despite the turmoil surrounding his anticipated departure in the summer, Mbappe remains one of the most feared forwards globally. The Champions League draw presents him with a prime opportunity to potentially deliver PSG the perfect parting gift.
2. Atletico Madrid
Atleti's recent struggles in domestic matches contrast sharply with their historic reputation under Diego Simeone. Despite this, their potential for a deep Champions League run remains high for two main reasons. Firstly, their victory over Inter in the last-16, especially the manner in which they triumphed on penalties, showcased their enduring strength in European competitions, particularly at home in the Metropolitano stadium. Secondly, with a favorable quarter-final draw against Borussia Dortmund and a potentially manageable path thereafter, Atleti are viewed as strong contenders for the Champions League final.
Simeone and his squad would likely relish the challenge of facing either PSG or Barcelona in the semi-finals, further fueling their aspirations for a third Champions League final under the Argentine's guidance.
1. Manchester City
Despite showing signs of vulnerability, Manchester City remains the frontrunner in the Champions League by default. While they haven't been as dominant as last season and have displayed defensive concerns, their attacking prowess, especially through the combination of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland, poses a significant threat to any opponent. Additionally, the stellar form of Phil Foden adds to their offensive capabilities.
Although they face tough competition in the later stages, including potentially challenging matchups against teams like Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich, City's overall quality makes them difficult to bet against.
