Champions League power rankings: Every team ranked ahead of matchday two
The Champions League returns with another hectic itinerary of midweek action ahead - but who is looking strongest after the first round? The opening week of fixtures saw big wins for holders Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, while Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa earned away victories to start with three points.
Liverpool defeated Atletico Madrid at home while Manchester United marked their return to the Champions League with a triumphant 4-0 win over the debutants Sabah. Plenty could change, though, with PSG and Manchester City meeting in anencounter with significance beyond footballin the pick of the matchday two fixtures.
We compiled our 36-team power rankings by combining team's previous performance in the Champions League, their results in the competition so far, and the likelihood of them going all the way this season. Agree or disagree with our standings?
Let us know and have your say in the comments below. Paris Saint-Germain Results: 6-1 vs Slovan Bratislava Fixtures: Manchester City (a), Barcelona (h), Villarreal (a), Roma (h), Aston Villa (a), Como (a), Galatasaray (h) The back-to-back defending champions are still the team to beat, despite their indifferent start domestically.
But Luis Enrique's team have proved over the last couple of seasons that they know how to peak at the right time. They could finish outside the top eight of this season's group phase, as they have done over the past two years, and would still be considered favourites due to the midfield brilliance of Vitinha and Joao Neves and the attacking quality of Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Their next two fixtures away to Manchester City and at home to Barcelona are intriguing on paper, but the French champions know the real work begins in February. Arsenal Results: 1-0 vs Napoli Fixtures: Lille (h), Bayern Munich (a), Slavia Prague (a), Borussia Dortmund (h), Real Madrid (h), Real Betis (a), Sabah (h) Last season's runner-up are determined to go one better after their heartbreaking defeat on penalties to PSG last season.
It remains to be seen if Mikel Arteta's side can take the next step against a heavyweight side in the business end of the Champions League, but their unrivalled squad depth means the Gunners have a very good chance of finishing one of the top two spots in this season's group phase. The early season form of Martin Odegaard,who can be like a new signing, could give Arsenal more of an edge in their attack.
Barcelona Results: 5-1 v Feyenoord Fixtures: Galatasaray (a), PSG (a), Aston Villa (h), Sabah (a), Manchester City (h), Sporting (a), Como (h) Arguably Europe's in-form side after a devastating start to the season where Hansi Flick's team have scored 22 goals in their first five games, hitting five goals in four of those matches. Despite not replacing Robert Lewandowski, aside from the free signing of Gabriel Jesus, their attack has sparked into life: Raphinha is off to a flyer while Lamine Yamal is set to return stronger after missing the end of last season with a hamstring injury.
The addition of Rodri, too, gives Barcelona experience and muscle in midfield. Tougher tests await but should Barcelona continue their run through tricky tests away from home against Galatasaray and holders PSG then the LaLiga champions could find themselves at the top of this list, while inspiring confidence that they could compete for a first Champions League crown since 2015.