Real Madrid Slip Behind Juventus In UEFA Rankings, Barcelona Stay Put Second

Defending LaLiga champions Real Madrid’s struggle in the Champions League was further accelerated with their most recent defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk, holding on to their progress in the next round. The recent slump in form has had a detrimental impact on the club’s UEFA rankings as they slip down to the fourth spot. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s perfect record in the campaign this season ensure they stay put at the second spot. The UEFA rankings are based on a point system compiled on a team’s performance in the previous five years, including the current season. Defending European champions Bayern Munich currently lead the UEFA points charts, having clinched the title last season, defeating Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Meanwhile, Barcelona continued to hold firm on the second spot with their splendid run of form in the Champions League. The Catalan giants have managed to rake up five victories in as many games, including against defending Italian champions Juventus, albeit in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. Interestingly, Barcelona icon Lionel Messi hasn’t played the previous two European fixtures, but manager Ronald Koeman has managed to chalk out victories in the two games.