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Since August, every football club have been trying to improve upon their last season's showings. There have been management changes and big-money transfers, all to end the year of 2021 on a high and begin 2022 with renewed optimism.
Today, we’ll take a closer look at some footballing powerhouses that have impressed millions with their hard work and ingenuity over the last four months. Without further ado, let’s check out the five best teams in Europe right now.
Special mention - Paris Saint-Germain: Lionel Messi’s side still sit comfortably at the top of the Ligue 1 table, but have hit a bit of a rough patch lately. The Parisians have only won one of their last three fixtures and were bested by Manchester City in their last Champions League clash.
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#5 Real Madrid
Since taking charge of Real Madrid at the start of the season, Carlo Ancelotti has turned the club into a capable goalscoring unit. Madrid have banked on the genius of Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema to climb to the top of La Liga, opening up an eight-point advantage.
They have also been quite prolific in the Champions League, winning four of their five group stage fixtures. Los Blancos only need a draw in their final Group D fixture against Inter Milan to seal top spot.
Real Madrid emerged victorious in the season’s first El Clasico at the Camp Nou. David Alaba and Lucas Vazquez hit the back of the net to put Real Madrid 2-0 up against Barcelona. Sergio Aguero got one back for the hosts, but it only served as a consolation goal.
In late November, Real Madrid managed to beat Sevilla, Athletic Club and Real Sociedad in a stretch of six days, pulling further ahead of Barcelona in the La Liga standings.
#4 Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea endured a 3-2 defeat to West Ham United in their last Premier League outing. The defeat cost them their place at the top of the Premier League table, angering many Chelsea supporters.
The Blues were not necessarily poor on the day; it was simply an average day at the office.
Tuchel’s Chelsea are burdened with the responsibility of winning something big this season. So, even the tiniest of slip-ups are blown out of proportion. The Blues still play impressive football, have the chance to top their Champions League group and can finish the year as league leaders.
All they need is a bit of composure and they will be well on their way to another fruitful campaign.
#3 Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool may not be leading the Premier League right now, but they are arguably the most entertaining team in the division.
Mohamed Salah’s goalscoring, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s whipping crosses, and Virgil van Dijk’s steely nerves; it is hard to find a team with more promise at the moment. Most importantly, Klopp has managed to turn potential and promise into impressive performances and match-winning results.
Yes, Liverpool were bested by West Ham United in the Premier League, but they also produced excellent performances against Arsenal and Manchester United.
The 5-0 win over the Red Devils was particularly memorable, as it also marked a breathtaking hat-trick for Mohamed Salah against the Reds’ bitterest rivals.
The Merseyside club have also been practically unplayable in the Champions League. Pitted alongside Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and FC Porto in Group B, many expected Liverpool to have a hard time in the "Group of Death". But Liverpool have won all five of their Champions League group stage fixtures, scoring 15 goals and conceding only five.
#2 Manchester City
Defending Premier League champions and last season’s beaten Champions League finalists Manchester City are enjoying another fine campaign under Pep Guardiola.
Despite failing to sign Harry Kane in the summer, Manchester City have been scoring for fun in England and Europe. In the Premier League, City have netted 32 goals in 15 matches, while their Champions League campaign have fetched 17 in five fixtures.
So far, Manchester City have been subjected to two Premier League defeats. However, thanks to Chelsea’s slip-up against West Ham united on matchday 15, they have climbed to the top for the first time this season. Unsurprisingly, the Citizens have extended their impressive run to Europe as well.
Manchester City came out on top in their Champions League gameweek 5 clash with PSG, which saw them progress to round-of-16 as group winners. They will complete their Champions League group stage campaign with a trip to RB Leipzig on Tuesday night.
#1 Bayern Munich
Robert Lewandowski’s Bayern Munich are the team to beat in Europe at the moment. The Bundesliga holders have been playing exquisite football in all competitions this season, crushing pretty much every challenge that has come their way.
Domestically, Bayern have been as dominant as ever. After 14 matchdays, they sit at the top of the table with 34 points. The Bavarians currently have a four-point lead over second-placed Borussia Dortmund, courtesy of their 3-2 win over them on matchday 14.
Apart from Liverpool and Ajax, Bayern Munich are the only team to have won every single Champions League fixture this season. Robert Lewandowski has emerged as the club’s top scorer with 27 goals.
The Polish forward has 16 Bundesliga goals and nine Champions League strikes to his name this season.
