APRIL 2008
Europe’s Top Eleven has 11 paragraphs, counting up the 11 best teams. 6 of the 8 participants in the Champions League quarter-finals are featured, including Manchester United, who are this month’s number 1 and Fenerbahce, who are number 10. League leaders from Spain, France, Germany and Portugal have also cracked this month’s top eleven. As the season winds down, it’s game on for many clubs who are searching for domestic and European glory (or both).
1. MANCHESTER UNITED
Manchester United is the best team in Europe. As April begins, it is hard to argue this fact. At the start of the month, United are 5 points clear at the top of the EPL table. Last month, United won 5 out of 5 league games outscoring opponents 10-0. On the season, United’s league goal difference of +53 is Europe’s best. Of course, Man United is featured in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and is poised to make its most earnest run to the winner’s circle in years. A mouth-watering encounter with Barcelona could be next and a possible final against English opposition could feature in May… but first… 2-90 minute games against AS Roma of Italy. The Red Devils’ only course of action is victory.
2. BARCELONA
Barcelona wears this month #2 with some obvious questions. They continue to spill away the La Liga crown and their shaky form finds them starting April in third behind Villarreal. Barcelona’s process of play remains, as always, a delight, but remembering how to win games has mysteriously eluded the Catalan side. Dreams of a Copa Del Rey trophy have also vanished after a semi-final loss to Valencia. Domestic troubles notwithstanding, Barcelona is this month’s #2, partly because they remain a joy to watch (even in losing) and mainly because they continue to have good chance in the Champions League. If Barcelona can survive this elite eight, they will earn the title, European champions.
3. CHELSEA FC
Chelsea moves up to #3 and with good reason. Chelsea has already played in a final (loss to Tottenham in the Carling Cup) and joins all the big English Cups on the sidelines of this season’s surprising FA Cup. In the other cup competition (the small matter of the European Cup), Chelsea are very much alive and have a tricky test with Fenerbahce starting this week. Zico’s side would be wise to take some goals with them to London’s second leg, where the fortress of Stamford Bridge awaits. By the way, Chelsea has climbed into 2nd place in the EPL, riding an undefeated run of 15 games.
4. INTER MILAN
Neutrals might drop Inter further down, but the Nerazzurri know being #4 is insult enough considering what was possible several short weeks ago. Another promising European campaign ended abruptly and sadly, 3-0 to Liverpool. The possibility of being one of Europe’s best teams faded into the future as this season’s reality set in… the reality of spending precious CL Matchdays at home watching. The Italian outfit has much to be thankful for however, with back to back league titles and two of the last three Italian Cups in the trophy case. And this season, Inter are still alive for the domestic double – 4 points clear in Serie A and awaiting a semi-final clash in the Coppa Italia.
5. BAYERN MUNICH
Who could ask for a more solid #5 than Bayern Munich? The German giants, conspicuous by its absence from the CL, have taken full control of the UEFA Cup beating Aberdeen 7-3 and Anderlecht 6-2 to advance to this month’s quarter-final against Getafe of Spain. An appearance in this season’s UEFA Cup Final in Manchester on May 14 is very likely. Next season, Bayern will be back in the Champions League equation as they have owned the Bundesliga this season. With 8 games remaining, Bayern has a 7 point lead and a 21st league flag is on the horizon. Bayern have also booked a place in the German Cup final and will be favorites to lift this trophy for the 14th time.
6. ARSENAL
Earlier this season, Arsenal flirted with the top of these rankings, but drops to #6 this month. Domestically, the league title is slithering away from the London side; points lost in 5 of the past 6 league games have tumbled the Gunners into 3rd. Champions League qualification is not in doubt, but Arsenal wanted more. Continentally, a famous and fantastic victory over AC Milan in the Round of 16 of the CL (including a 2-0 victory at the San Siro) is a certain highlight for Arsene Wenger’s boys. Full credit for this victory, Arsenal has every right to take the next step into the semi-finals. A familiar foe – Liverpool FC – stand in the way and a prediction is tough to make.
7. AS ROMA
AS Roma could have a case for being 6th, but make a fantastic #7. Roma play like a #7, buzzing around, running plenty, showing skill, getting forward, defending when needed, and generally being a positive and useful contributor. AS Roma is Italy’s sole survivor in the CL and face a giant in the form of Manchester United. Roma can play with them, that’s for sure, but can they beat them… we’ll know in 8 days. Domestically, the Romans are keeping Inter honest, running a constant 2nd in the Serie A. Please remember that Roma are staying ahead of some powerful teams lined up down the table. And don’t forget that AS Roma remain alive in the Coppa Italia, a trophy they won last year.
8. REAL MADRID
Real Madrid leads La Liga. It has not been pretty or convincing, but Madrid is finding a way to stay atop the Spanish table. It is always something to be top of La Liga and when you are doing it into April, life can never be too bad. Real Madrid is 6 points ahead of Villarreal and 7 points clear of Barcelona. If the Galacticos hold on and win the league title, it will be two in a row – a promising sign that this global giant is finally awakening from its five year slumber. Losing to AS Roma in the Round of 16 in the CL was a tough pill to swallow, but another appearance in the knock out round cannot go unnoticed.
9. OYMPIQUE LYON
Lyon of France is a regular in Europe’s Top Eleven (which started a few years ago) and with good reason. Lyon plays positive attractive football that usually results in 3 points. Entering April, Lyon are top of the Ligue 1 table (where else), 9 points clear of 2nd place Bordeaux. In Europe, Lyon had another solid year, finishing 2nd in Group E (behind Barcelona) and qualifying for the knock-out phase yet again. Losing out to this season’s Man United is nothing to be sad about and another CL run is in the plans for next season. In addition to closing in on its 6 league flag on the trot, Lyon is excited to be alive for the French Cup. They entertain Metz in the semi-final on April 15.
10. FENERBAHCE
Fenerbahce is this month’s #10, a conscious coincidence to its coach Zico, who was also a pretty fabulous #10 in his day. The Turkish champions won last year’s Turkish league by 6 points and entering April, sit 2 points clear this season. A monster game against bitter rivals Galatasary on April 27 will settle this issue. In the CL’s Round of 16, 210 pulsating minutes with a talented Sevilla club ended 5-5 on aggregate. Fans of the Istanbul side were thrilled to see their side survive the penalty shoot-out and advance to the quarter-finals. The Yellow Canaries have an intriguing encounter with Chelsea and the Londoners would be wise not to underestimate this tricky #10.
11. FC PORTO
The last team in this month’s top eleven could have been one of four clubs, including PSV Eindhoven of Holland (top of the Eredivisie, again), Fiorentina of Italy (4th place in Serie A in line for CL football next season) and Glasgow Rangers (a Scottish double is very possible). All three clubs are also participating in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup. These worthy clubs will have to remain on the bench however, as FC Porto claims the #11 spot. Porto, shoot-out losers in the CL Round of 16, has a 16 point lead in Portugal. A 22nd league title is a certainty. The domestic double is also possible as the Portuguese champions travel to Vitoria Setubal on April 16 for a semi-final encounter in the Taca de Portugal.
