We’re back with our weekly Power Rankings table, as an incredible Inter Milan performance sees the Italians on the rise.
Here are the 10 sides in our updated Power Rankings table.
📈 Power Rankings: Real Madrid return, Incredible Inter
10. Real Madrid (🆕)
Real Madrid re-enter our Power Rankings table after a prolonged absence.
Despite dropping points during a six-goal thriller at Rayo Vallecano at the weekend, the Spaniards did what they do so well after picking up another trophy this week. Pachuca were no match for the European champions in the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, as goals from Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior sealed silverware.
Don’t follow the crowd, let the crowd follow you. #FIFAIntercontinentalCup | @RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/z3OrN26lGF
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) December 19, 2024
9. Atletico Madrid (👍 Last week: 10)
Atletico Madrid’s winning run continues as the Spaniards stretched their streak to 11 victories on the bounce. Alexander Sorloth got the decisive goal against a stubborn Getafe side, his seventh of the La Liga campaign. The win hauled Atletico above Real Madrid and level on points with leaders Barcelona – with a game in hand.
A reminder that Julian Alvarez hasn’t lost a league campaign in Europe 😮
Atletico Madrid are currently tied on points with Barcelona at the top of the LALIGA table in his first season at the club 👀 pic.twitter.com/FdQsMtxrKn
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 17, 2024
8. Chelsea (No change)
Are Chelsea in the Premier League title race? The youngest side in the division continue to go from strength to strength under Enzo Maresca. Chelsea earned a 2-1 win over West London neighbours Brentford last weekend to cut the gap to leaders Liverpool.
Just two points separate the Blues from a Liverpool side who have been showered in plaudits so far this season. It might be time to reevaluate their season’s ambitions.
7. Atalanta (No change)
Atalanta are Italy’s form side right now and extended their domestic run to 11 straight wins this week.
Nicolò Zaniolo scored the only goal as Cagliari were beaten at the weekend to make it 10 wins in a row in Serie A. Just 11 times previously has Italy’s top flight seen a longer winning streak.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side then booked a place in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals after thrashing Cesena 6-1 in Bergamo. This is shaping as a memorable season for La Dea.
6. Bayern Munich (👎 Last week: 4)
Bayern Munich’s unbeaten record in the Bundesliga came to an end at the weekend, as Lee Jae-sung’s brace earned Mainz an upset win. The German giants continue to fluctuate in performance levels and their loss has re-opened up the title race.
Their clash with RB Leipzig on Friday night is now of added significance.
5. Bayer Leverkusen (No change)
Bayer Leverkusen capitalised on that slip from Bayern to move within four points of the league leaders. The champions have improved from a slow start and won 2-0 at Augsburg, courtesy of goals from Martin Terrier and Florian Wirtz.
Xabi Alonso’s men have reeled off seven straight wins in all competitions, including victories over Bayern and Inter Milan. The ominous form of last season’s unbeaten German double is beginning to resurface.
Club you support: Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
Highlight of 2024: 🏆🏆🏆 https://t.co/0DbOzLox4s pic.twitter.com/u0VyZkxSzP
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) December 19, 2024
4. Barcelona (👎 Last week: 3)
Barcelona’s title challenge is beginning to crumble in Spain. The Catalans raced out of the traps this season but have stumbled in recent weeks. At the weekend, an early Sergio González goal condemned them to a 1-0 home defeat to lowly Leganes and their run now stands at one win in six La Liga games.
Hansi Flick’s team continue to cling to the top spot, but both Madrid clubs can climb above them with wins in their respective games in hand.
3. Arsenal (👎 Last week: 2)
Arsenal drop down a place after another frustrating Premier League weekend. Mikel Arteta’s side were unable to break down Everton at the Emirates, and have now not scored from open play in the Premier League since November.
Will Arteta address their issues in the January window? Or stick with the options at his disposal? One of the names criticised this season, Gabriel Jesus, issued a response with a hat-trick against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup this week.
2. Inter Milan (👍 Last week: 6)
What a performance!
If there was any doubt that Inter remain the team to beat in Italy this season, it’s gone now. The Scudetto holders sent a statement with a stunning 6-0 win at title rivals Lazio, as six different scorers did the damage at the Stadio Olimpico.
Inter hand Lazio their worst Serie A loss in 63 (!) years 😳 pic.twitter.com/EHHERWEady
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) December 16, 2024
The teams started the evening level on points but Lazio had no answer for Inter’s attacking threat. Simeone Inzaghi’s team tormented his old side, inflicting the Rome club’s biggest-ever home defeat in Serie A.
1. Liverpool (No change)
Liverpool remain in pole position in our Power Rankings table despite vulnerabilities in recent performances.
Arne Slot’s side drew with Fulham at the weekend, though earn credit for twice coming from behind despite being reduced to 10 men after just 17 minutes. A midweek win at Southampton also booked a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals and extended Slot’s record to one defeat in 24 games in all competitions.
■ Top of the Premier League
■ Champions League knockout stages
■ Carabao Cup semi-final
■ Just one loss in 24 games across all competitions
Arne Slot’s Liverpool 👏 pic.twitter.com/9GQVkYGRPT
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 18, 2024
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