German correspondent Raphael Honigstein says Bayern were considered the best in Europe last season as well but ultimately came up short.
The Power Rankings return after a well-earned week off, and the latest edition features a new leader.
1. Bayern Munich (+3)
After a week in which they scored 13 goals in two wins, how could Pep Guardiola’s men not top my list? Every superlative they got for winning in Rome on Tuesday was deserved. Quite simply, Bayern were magnificent.
2. Chelsea (-1)
It’s a bit harsh to drop the Blues out of first place after they won twice — scoring eight goals in the process — but Jose Mourinho’s men fall more because of what Bayern did right than anything they did wrong.
3. Barcelona (-1)
There’s a pattern developing here, which is that the teams dominating this countdown are in untouchable form at home and in Europe. Barca are no exception, having eased past Eibar and Ajax over the past seven days.
4. Real Madrid (-1)
Of course, next up for Barcelona is the small matter of the clasico, and their opponent at the Bernabeu isn’t looking too shabby. Madrid thrashed Levante before proving themselves a class above Liverpool at Anfield.
5. Sevilla (new)
Unai Emery’s men have responded well since being on the wrong end of a 4-0 hiding vs. Atletico Madrid and currently find themselves second in La Liga. They have also started the defence of their Europa League title well, currently topping their qualifying group.
6. Marseille (no change)
Marcelo Bielsa may be feeling the heat in one way, but the genial Argentine has made a spectacular impact in the south of France. Marseille remain top in Ligue 1, having beaten Toulouse 2-0 last weekend.
7. Manchester City (+2)
At half-time of their Champions League tie in Moscow, it looked like a very satisfying week for City. But then CSKA hit back to steal a point, which means the English champions are struggling — again — to qualify for the knockout rounds.
8. Benfica (new)
Four points clear in Portugal, Benfica have dropped just two points and boast a goal difference of plus-15 after seven games. They also picked up their first point in the Champions League with a draw at Monaco.
9. Atletico Madrid (new)
Recent results have suggested that Atleti’s early October loss at Valencia was merely a blip. Besides that 3-1 reverse, Diego Simeone’s men have won five of their last six in all competitions. The most recent victory was a 5-0 thrashing of Malmo.
10. Juventus (-5)
The Italian champions are somewhat fortunate to remain in the countdown after a week in which they could only draw at lowly Sassuolo and then lost at Olympiakos. Could they possibly fail to escape the Champions League group stage again?
Dropping out: Valencia, Roma, Hoffenheim