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#3 AC Milan
Former champions AC Milan have struggled on their return to the Champions League after almost a decade.
The Rossoneri opened their campaign with a 2-3 defeat at Liverpool. Milan then succumbed 1-2 at home to Atletico Madrid to fall off the face. Stefano Pioli's men continued to struggle, slumping to a solitary-goal reverse at Porto.
Milan were on course for an early exit from the Champions League when they trailed against their Portuguese visitors at home on Matchday 4.
To their credit, the Rossoneri snatched a share of the spoils, but a winner was not to be. Rock bottom of their group, Milan need a win at Atletico Madrid on Matchday 5 to keep their slim hopes of a knockout place alive. The Rossoneri will conclude their group-stage campaign against group winners Liverpool on Matchday 6.
#2 Manchester United
Manchester United are leading their Champions League group after four games. But The Red Devils' recent form hasn't inspired much confidence, and that could cost them a place in the knockouts of the competition.
Cristiano Ronaldo and co. are level on points with Villarreal (7) after four matchdays. However, a tough game awaits United on Matchday 5. The struggling Premier League giants have been overly dependent on Ronaldo, who has scored on all four Matchdays. Two of his last strikes have been game-winners, the other being an equalizer.
With manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer facing the sack, United will have Michael Carrick at the helm for the game. United look good to go through to the next round, but a defeat to Villarreal could complicate matters.
Nevertheless, even if they falter in Spain on Matchday 5, Young Boys are not expected to do the double over United at Old Trafford on the last day. In other words, United, at the moment, do not need to depend on results elsewhere to book their place in this season's Champions League Round of 16.
#1 Barcelona
Barcelona made a torrid start to their Champions League campaign, slumping to defeats against Bayern Munich (home) and Benfica (away). That marked their worst-ever start to a Champions League campaign.
To their credit, the Blaugrana regrouped and eked out a 1-0 win at home against Dynamo Kyiv to get off the mark. Barcelona won by the same scoreline when the two teams renewed acquaintances two weeks later, this time in Ukraine.
Xavi's men, who are now second in their group, welcome Benfica to Camp Nou on Matchday 5. Any slip-up could prove costly as Barcelona travel to group winners Bayern Munich on Matchday 6.
On current form, the stuttering Blaugrana are not expected to win at the Allianz Arena, even against what could be a weakened Bayern team.
It remains to be seen if Barcelona will be able to keep alive their proud record of not enduring a group-stage exit in the Champions League.
