BEST TEAMS IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (2014)

10. Borussia Dortmund – 83.311 ranking points
The 10th highest ranked team in the Champions League is Borussia Dortmund, who reached the final in 2013. The Germans have emerged as a real European force over the past couple of years and are once again considered contenders for club football’s biggest prize – a tournament they won in 1997. Their dismal showing just prior to the Klopp-inspired resurrection counts against them in their coefficient points however, explaining their seemingly low ranking.
9. FC Porto – 89.009 points –
The two-time winners of the European Cup, Porto have been one of the regular features in the competition. The Portuguese giants have seen mixed fortunes over the last four campaigns, but their pedigree ensures they are in the top 10.
8. Arsenal – 91.992 points
Drawn among the top seeds in this season’s iteration of the tournament, Arsenal are at real risk of slipping from the leading pack ahead of next year’s competition (should they qualify that is). Despite being a regular fixture in the Champions League, the Gunners failure to get beyond the last-16 in recent seasons is starting to hinder their coefficient ranking.
7. Schalke 04 – 96.311 points
While they were in pot two for this season’s draw, if everything was remain as it is right now, Schalke would be among the big guns of pot one. The German’s semi-final appearance in 2011 adds huge weight to their ranking and as such they are technically the seventh best team in the tournament right now.
6. Atletico Madrid – 99.599 points
Last season’s runners up, Atletico Madrid have been inconsistent in Europe to say the least. However, a huge 37.600 points for reaching the final last season, paired with their 34.171 points for winning the Europa League in 2012 means the La Liga giants are well within the top ranked teams in the competition.
5. Benfica – 113.009 points
Consistency has been the keyfor Benfica, with the Portuguese outfit having reached two Europa League finals and a Champions League quarter final in the last three years. That impressive return has benefitted them in terms of UEFA ranking.
4. Chelsea – 122.992 points
It is unsurprising to see Chelsea this far up the rankings, especially given their success in Europe in recent years. A Champions League final victory followed by glory in the Europa League 12 months later certainly boosted their coefficient points total.
3. Bayern Munich – 128.311 points
Unquestionably one of the giants of world football, Bayern Munich’s consistent positioning in the semis and finals has seen them close the gap on the continent’s leading sides. Expect to see their ranking increase further come next season.
2. Barcelona – 131.599 points
The four time winners of the European Cup, Barcelona’s place among the elite of the world football is never in doubt. Their continued success and strong finishes over the past four seasons means they are the second highest ranked team.
1. Real Madrid – 143.599 points
At number one with a huge 12 point advantage is Real Madrid. Los Blancos have crashed out at the semi final stage three times over the last four years, and crucially won the competition – the famed La Decima – last year to put them head and shoulders above everyone else. The only way they will not remain top of the rankings would be if they failed to escape the group stages this year.