UEFA Champions League 2011-12: Ranking All 32 Teams

With the UEFA Champions League upon us, let us take a look at the 2011-12 installment of the pinnacle of European football. With 32 teams all with one dream, you cannot count anyone out.

However, some teams obviously go into the competition stronger than others, so the following slideshow will rank those teams from 1 all the way through to 32.

NOTE: These rankings do not consider that some teams may not theoretically be able to finish where I have ranked them due to clashes in the draw (e.g. Napoli, Villarreal, Manchester City and Bayern Munich cannot all finish within the top 15). The list is simply a ranking of the squads.

By no means am I intending to be disrespectful to Otelul Galati by ranking them 32nd, but on paper Galati do not look like the side who will be able to go all the way in this year's Champions League. Although in saying that, Galati do have a number of Romanian internationals who will surely have had experience against "big" players in respective international fixtures.

They will most likely try to push for a Europa league third spot by challenging Basel for the honour. Manchester United and Benfica look too strong for the Romanians.

Key player: Gabriel Paraschiv could best be described as the "Del Piero" of Otelul. Expect the veteran's creative mind to work tirelessly to try and help Otelul get past the top defences of Europe.

Group

Manchester United FC (ENG)
SL Benfica (POR)
FC Basel 1893 (SUI)
FC Oţelul Galaţi (ROU)

Plzen only just recently won the Czech Premier Division for the first time, meaning that their Champions League qualification this year is also a first for the club. In saying that though, Plzen have competed in the UEFA Europa league. In their time in Europe, they have failed to prevent their opponents from scoring against them at home (where their first match will take place).

However, Plzen won consecutive games to make it to the Champions League, meaning that they come into Europe's pinnacle competition in some good form.

Key player: Slovakian Marek Bakos will once again prove crucial to the Plzen cause. The added pace he brings to the Czech's attack will prove invaluable as Plzen's ventures forward will most likely be through counter attacks. Bakos also has a knack for getting important goals, and may just grab a few in the group stage.

Group

FC Barcelona (ESP)
AC Milan (ITA)
FC BATE Borisov (BLR)
FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE)

This season, APOEL are looking to defend their Cypriot crown after earning it and qualifying for the Champions League. Thus far, they have been undefeated in their opening two encounters, recording a win and a draw.

APOEL last qualified for the Champions League two years ago, getting knocked out in the group stage without a win. Despite this, they were able to get two draws against Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, which is no easy feat for any club—let alone one the size of APOEL.

Key player: Ailton Almedia proved to be a useful addition to the Plzen squad with his double against Wisla Krakow to see APOEL through. Last season, Almedia was MVP in Cyprus and will be the player to lead his side against the "giants" of European Football.

Group

FC Porto (POR)
FC Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
FC Zenit St Petersburg (RUS)
APOEL FC (CYP)

KRC Genk qualified for the Champions League through winning the league on the final game last season. It was a huge achievement for a club that has often been in the shadows of the larger teams in Belgium, namely Anderlecht, Club Brugge and Standard Liège.

However, since then Genk has lost a number of key players, the most notable being goalkeeper Hibaut Courtois to Chelsea. Realistically, Genk shape up as the weakest of the teams in their group.

Key player: Captain David Hubert will prove to be the most influential players of players on the pitch for Genk, who have somewhat lost their way since qualification. The central midfielder will prove a crucial link up for Genk.

Group

Chelsea FC (ENG)
Valencia CF (ESP)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen (GER)
KRC Genk (BEL)

Dinamo Zagreb will most likely challenge Ajax for that third Europa League qualifying spot. Zagreb's last five Champions League campaigns coming to an end in the third qualifying round, this year the Croatians have progressed past three preliminary rounds to get to the group stage and therefore may just seize the opportunity in their tough group.

In 2011, Zagreb have not lost in their stadium (Stadion Maksimir) and will look to defend that against the likes of Real Madrid and Lyon.

Key player: Milan Badelj is undoubtedly talented, with exceptional vision and precision passing, but he will have his work cut out for him in midfield up against Xabi Alonso and Coentrao. The young Croatian is the vice-captain of the squad.

Group

Real Madrid CF (ESP)
Olympique Lyonnais (FRA)
AFC Ajax (NED)
GNK Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)

Originally, the Turkish side would not take part in the 2011-12 installment of the UEFA Champions League. Trabzonspor lost to Benfica in the third qualifying round of this season's Champions League but were handed a place in the group stages after the Turkish Football Federation axed Fenerbahce from the tournament due to match-fixing.

They will have former champions Inter and current French champions Lille amongst their group and will battle out for the third Europa spot.

Key player: Halil Altintop is indeed the twin brother of Real Madrid's Hamit. And their surname is not the only thing they share in common. Both are talented footballers, with Halil having the necessary creative spark to tear open defences.

Group

FC Internazionale Milano (ITA)
PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS)
LOSC Lille Métropole (FRA)
Trabzonspor AŞ (TUR)

Belarusian side BATE Borisov will probably be remembered for their performances against Everton in previous European encounters. This season, they face Barcelona and Milan, who will most likely finish ahead of them. BATE will look for Europa League qualification.

If that does occur, they could go all the way in Europe.

Key player: Renan Bressan is BATE's Brazilian playmaker. His creative spark will prove crucial to the goalscoring opportunities created by the club. Expect the Brazilian to try and prove himself against Barcelona.

Group

FC Barcelona (ESP)
AC Milan (ITA)
FC BATE Borisov (BLR)
FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE)

Basel are making their fourth appearance in the Champions League which serves as a record amongst Swiss sides. Basel have won six of their 24 games in the Champions League and lost five of their last Champions League home matches. With stats against them, Basel will have to produce something special to get out of this group.

Yet another Europa League hopeful.

Key player: The ever-reliable Australian Scott Chipperfield will provide composure in a Basel side which will look to come out running fast to take it to the bigger clubs in the group. Chipperfield is more than experienced enough to keep his team composed.

Group

Manchester United FC (ENG)
SL Benfica (POR)
FC Basel 1893 (SUI)
FC Oţelul Galaţi (ROU)

The last time Olympiacos were last in the group stages was in 2009-10. They reached the round of 16 by winning all of their home matches. The large Olympiacos support base will surely give them an extra edge at home. Whether they can carry that to the away legs will be what decides whether they are able to get out of a very tough group.

Key player: Kyriakos Papadopoulos will surely keep the defensive line in order. His vision at the back is excellent and will give attacking teams such as Arsenal something to worry about. 

Group

Arsenal FC (ENG)
Olympique de Marseille (FRA)
Olympiacos FC (GRE)
Borussia Dortmund (GER)

CSKA Moscow return to the Champions league after a one-year absence last season. Despite a quarterfinal appearance in the 2009-10 Champions League, CSKA missed out in 2010-11 and look to find their European form again.

The extremely effective use of wing play by CSKA will give defensive teams like Inter Milan headaches.

Key player: Keisuke Honda will prove to be one of the next best up-and-coming players. Honda's instinct for dribbling makes him one of the most feared in Russia. Honda's crossing ability is equally as good and the players in the box will have to be aware.

Group

FC Internazionale Milano (ITA)
PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS)
LOSC Lille Métropole (FRA)
Trabzonspor AŞ (TUR)

Zenit St Petersburg have proven that they can win European competitions winning the Euro Cup (now Europa league) in 2008/2009. The Russian squad have had to recruit to keep up with the likes of Anzhi, and although they do not have as well a known squad as their Russian counterparts, there is no doubt the reigning Russian champions will be able to match it with the likes of Porto and Donetsk in the group stage. For Zenit qualification to the round of 16 is most definitely an attainable objective.

Key player: Aleksandr Kerzhakov has scored 13 goals in 17 league games this season for the Russian side. He will be a real handful for any defender who comes across him.

Group

FC Porto (POR)
FC Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
FC Zenit St Petersburg (RUS)
APOEL FC (CYP)

Shakhtar won all of their group stage games last year played in the Donbass Arena as the Ukrainian side reached the Champions League quarterfinals. They are by no means a walkover and will push Porto and Zenit all the way for the top two spots.

Shakhtar have made it to the last eight of the Champions League. Whether it was simply by chance is still to tell, but they did something right. A strong performance this time around could cement their spot as one of the dark horses of the Champions League.

Key player: Brazilian playmaker Fernandinho will look to weave his magic yet again for the Ukrainian side which has propelled him onto the world stage. His ability to get a ball in behind a defence is phenomenal and should be the first priority of every defence when trying to prevent a Donetsk from scoring.

Group

FC Porto (POR)
FC Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
FC Zenit St Petersburg (RUS)
APOEL FC (CYP)

Marseille exited last year's competition at the hands of runners-up Manchester United. A 0-0 draw at the Stade Velodrome was followed by a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford and Marseille's fourth consecutive campaign was ended.

However, considering that Didier Deschamps' men have recorded the competition's biggest win in each of the last two seasons, 6-1 and 7-0, expect something in the goals department from Marseille.

Key player: French International Andre Gignac performed admirably in Marseille's weekend defeat to Rennes and will look for redemption in the Champions League opener. The 25-year-old is back in the side after injuries to Andre Ayew and Mathieu Valbuena and will be looking to add to his European goal tally. Gignac notched a hat trick in last season's Champions League encounter in Marseille's record-breaking 7-0 win over Zilina.

Group

Arsenal FC (ENG)
Olympique de Marseille (FRA)
Olympiacos FC (GRE)
Borussia Dortmund (GER)

Automatic qualification saved Ajax a lot of hassle preseason. However, now they need to back up their Eredivise title with a win against Lyon. Ajax are unbeaten in the 2011-12 Eredivisie season so far. Frank de Boer's side have won four encounters while drawing one. They beat Heracles 3-2 at the weekend.

They will look to continue their unbeaten record.

Key player: Kolbeinn Sigthorsson will be one striker to look forward to as he makes his debut on the European stage. Sigthorsson is a great young prospect and could do some real damage for Ajax.

Group

Real Madrid CF (ESP)
Olympique Lyonnais (FRA)
AFC Ajax (NED)
GNK Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)

Leverkusen have been bullied out of the top two positions in Germany by Dortmund and Munich. Nevertheless they still boast an extremely talented squad who are very unpredictable. Leverkusen are real jokers of the competition. Even with Match Day 1 upon us, I still have no idea what to expect from the German outfit.

Key player: Michael Ballack will be crucial in the centre of the park for Leverkusen. With the loss of Arturo Vidal to Juventus, Leverkusen will really need the veteran to step right up into his shoes. Ballack's experience should see him more than cover for the Chilean.

Group

Chelsea FC (ENG)
Valencia CF (ESP)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen (GER)
KRC Genk (BEL)

Benfica for a while now have been away from the top of Europe. They have failed to assert their dominance in Portugal and in UEFA competitions, and as a result have started to lose a number of stars. In recent years, the loss of Di Maria, David Luiz and Fabio Coentrao have removed the presence the Portuguese once had.

Key player: Aimar will make it difficult for the other teams in their group, most notably Manchester United. Benfica would be the favourites alongside United to qualify from the group.

Group

Manchester United FC (ENG)
SL Benfica (POR)
FC Basel 1893 (SUI)
FC Oţelul Galaţi (ROU)

The loss of key playmaker Juan Mata will have surely been a blow for Valencia, who had relied on his services in Europe a fair bit. Nevertheless, they will have to learn how to cope as they did without Villa and Silva. Valencia's free-flowing play will surely drive even the most composed of defences crazy.

Key player: Soldado will have to step up for los che and lead from the front like he has done so many times before. The forward will look to challenge for the golden boot of the competition, with Valencia tipped to do extremely well this campaign.

Group

Chelsea FC (ENG)
Valencia CF (ESP)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen (GER)
KRC Genk (BEL)

The French League Champions are not my pick to be the best French team in the Champions League. However, they will prove a real threat to the opposition in their group. Rudi Garcia's Lille have been in solid form thus far in the French top flight, winning three and drawing once in five matches, though they are yet to keep a clean sheet in their Ligue 1 title defence.

Key player: Aurelien Chedjou is the key to Lille's defence and the centre-back is fit and ready to go for the Champions League campaign, despite carrying an injury.

Group

FC Internazionale Milano (ITA)
PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS)
LOSC Lille Métropole (FRA)
Trabzonspor AŞ (TUR)

For any team to go undefeated in their own league, a real feat has been achieved. For Porto, to do it in one of the most popular European leagues in the world, amazing would be an understatement. Where Porto's downfall occurred was the sale of Falcao to Atletico Madrid.

The move will prove to be a mistake as Falcao proved to be the school's top scorer.

Key player: Winger Hulk will prove to be a powerhouse for Porto as he always is. The Brazilian boasts phenomenal pace, speed, stength and skill.

Group

FC Porto (POR)
FC Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
FC Zenit St Petersburg (RUS)
APOEL FC (CYP)

Villarreal lost a bit of fire up front in the form of Carzola in the most recent transfer window. However, they still remain a tough opponent in the Champions League. Villarreal's quick attacking play will prove for entertaining games against City, Napoli and Munich.

For Villarreal, the Champions League will allow them to see where they really stand in European football rather than always having to settle for places below Rea Madrid and Barcelona.

Key player: Giuseppe Rossi was close to leaving for Juventus in the transfer window. However, the Italian international stayed put in Spain and will once again lead the Villarreal attack. Rossi's stunning left-foot shot will prove a test for all keepers he faces, and he isn't afraid to try it.

Group

FC Bayern München (GER)
Villarreal CF (ESP)
Manchester City FC (ENG)
SSC Napoli (ITA)

Nobody would have expected Napoli to qualify for the 2011-12 UEFA Champions League. However, their attacking football saw them finish third in the Serie A and directly qualify for Europe's pinnacle competition. Napoli are often underrated and, even though they face a tough group, they could very well go through to the round of 16. That is of course if they are able to reproduce that brilliant attacking football for last season.

Key player: Marek Hamsik has a determination to win the UEFA Champions League. The attacking midfielder has a stinging shot and will prove dangerous on the edge of the area. As he links up with Lavezzi and Cavani, Napoli look extremely dangerous. He will be crucial in their campaign.

Group

FC Bayern München (GER)
Villarreal CF (ESP)
Manchester City FC (ENG)
SSC Napoli (ITA)

After an eight-year absence from Europe's elite club competition, Borussia Dortmund return brimming with confidence and a core group of young talent that last season came out of nowhere to take the Bundesliga in fantastic style, nearly setting a new defensive record along the way.

Dortmund may struggle with their lack of experience but will have the element of suprise on their side and are somewhat an unknown entity, playing a brand of football that many teams may struggle to deal with. Jürgen Klopp has his side well prepared and the talent within the squad is there for Dortmund to progress to the next stage. Anything less than first or second will be a huge disapointment.

Key Players: Mario Götze has made his mark on world football with Germany in the recent round of International matches. Looking to capitalise on this newfound success, Gotze will have to prove himself on Europe's world stage.

Group

Arsenal FC (ENG)
Olympique de Marseille (FRA)
Olympiacos FC (GRE)
Borussia Dortmund (GER)

Lyon have this knack of finding Real Madrid in the Champions League. However, they also have they knack or doing better than expected in the Champions League and should never be discounted from a high finish. They look as though they will comfortably get out of their group but will look to the return from injury for a number of stars to remain competitive.

Key player: After Lisandro Lopez's injury, the spotlight is on the French international Bafetimbi Gomis to provide the team with goals. The 26-year-old, often overshadowed by the more prolific Argentine, has three goals this season and will be looking to add to that on Wednesday. Strong in attack with a keen eye for goal, Gomis should be expected to at least give a good account of himself.

Group

Real Madrid CF (ESP)
Olympique Lyonnais (FRA)
AFC Ajax (NED)
GNK Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)

Do not look into Arsenal's poor showings in the English Premier League so far. With a string of new signings on deadline day, Arsenal do have some real quality in their squadl The question is whether those players can come together to give Arsenal the edge over their opponents.

The Gunners do have a tricky group with German Champions Dortmund to face off against the English side.

Key player: Robin Van Persie upfront will prove to be the crucial link-up man for Arsenal. The Dutch striker will probably lead the Gunners out of their group. With the new signings, Van Persie could just find career-best form.

Group

Arsenal FC (ENG)
Olympique de Marseille (FRA)
Olympiacos FC (GRE)
Borussia Dortmund (GER)

Inter Milan still do have a very strong squad on paper. However, at the moment they lack confidence and need a big victory to springboard off. If Milan are able to find this confidence, they could very well go on to win in Europe. Perhaps this season, however, will be one where Gasperini tests out a few of his youngsters in the hope of sailing straight to the top next season.

Key player: Wesley Sneijder's presence at the San Siro will once again prove crucial for an Inter side who have never really regained that form that won them the Champions League back in 2009. The Dutch superstar has shown some promising form recently and if it is translated onto the pitch in Europe, Inter could go a long way.

Group

FC Internazionale Milano (ITA)
PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS)
LOSC Lille Métropole (FRA)
Trabzonspor AŞ (TUR)

Top of the Bundesliga and back in goal scoring form, the Munich giants will strike fear into any team they encounter this season in any competition, including the Champions League. Ribery, Robben, Gomez, strike power with goal scoring prowess second to none in Europe.

Starting their campaign against Villarreal on Wednesday, Bayern are in one of the toughest groups with tough games against Manchester City and Napoli to follow. Should they escape their group, they could go all the way.

Key player: Schweinsteiger controlling the midfield, the supply should be ample and defensive midfield pressure should support the defence. This is vital in European football where the variation in teams, styles and tactics are different from game to game.

Group

FC Bayern München (GER)
Villarreal CF (ESP)
Manchester City FC (ENG)
SSC Napoli (ITA)

AC Milan are indeed the most successful club in Europe. Although not as dominant in recent years, the Italian giants come into the Champions League this year with added confidence after securing the Italian Serie A last season.

Milan boast a strong squad, but it could be decimated by injury, the most recent being an injury to Ibrahimovic. Nevertheless, Milan will still be a force to be reckoned with. Barcelona will prove their first real test this campaign.

Key player: Alexandre Pato's influence will prove decisive. If the Brazilian fires, he is enough to deliver AC Milan a high finish in the competition. His pace and skill on the ball is often overlooked for the likes of Ibrahimovic and Antonio Cassano. Pato should get a great chance to show off for Milan in Europe.

Group

FC Barcelona (ESP)
AC Milan (ITA)
FC BATE Borisov (BLR)
FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE)

Chelsea have made some great buys this transfer window. However, the sales of a few midfielders would question the depth they have in their squad. If this is the case in the latter stages of the Champions League. With sides like Manchester City, United, Madrid and Barcelona all proving to have acquiring talent whilst not offloading much, they could in the long run prove better off. But do not discount the Blues at all.

Key player: Juan Mata's sudden influence at the Bridge will be a key factor in determining Chelsea's success. If the Spaniard is able to creatively link up the attack and midfield, Chelsea could go anywhere in this competition.

Group

Chelsea FC (ENG)
Valencia CF (ESP)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen (GER)
KRC Genk (BEL)

In all fairness, Manchester City have a brilliant squad which could easily rival Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona. Where City may fall is the area of tournament experience. If the dismal Europa display was anything to go by, Manchester City need a lot of work to become dominant each year.

Key player: Sergio Aguero's transfer from Atletico Madrid has already proven to be a masterstroke from Mancini, with the Argentine scoring five goals in three games. Aguero will need to keep fit ahead of the match though, seeing as though he has missed large proportions of previous seasons due to niggling injuries.

Group

FC Bayern München (GER)
Villarreal CF (ESP)
Manchester City FC (ENG)
SSC Napoli (ITA)

Manchester United enter the 2011-12 edition of Champions League as the reigning Engish Champions with a team where youthful exuberance and cavalier attacking are seemingly the theme for the season. Rooney's sensational return to form has been complemented by summer signings who have largely impressed in the opening stages of the Premier League, combining to form a devastating unit boasting a ruthless attacking verve and watertight security at the back.

Three finals in four years. History has shown that the group stages are generally not an issue for the Red Devils and provided they negotiate their way past a relatively weak group, they can expect to progress well into the knockout stages. But the question is, will Sir Alex have done enough to finally emerge from the imperious shadow of Barcelona?

Key player: Rooney's strike rate has been incredibly prolific of late, with 8 goals in 4 appearances, and he would hope to replicate that kind of form in Europe. His pinpoint crossfield passes, invention and accuracy are enough to strike fear into any team in his way. Bouncing back from what was a personal nadir last season, he has rallied to finally emerge as something truly special.

Group

Manchester United FC (ENG)
SL Benfica (POR)
FC Basel 1893 (SUI)
FC Oţelul Galaţi (ROU)

Following Real Madrid’s disappointing exit in the 2010-11 Champions League season to rivals Barcelona, Mourinho’s side will be looking to build on a strong start to the recent domestic campaign. The Spanish side are expected to excel in this season’s Champion League, with summer signings Nuri Sahin and Hamit Altintop adding to an already impressive squad.

However, these two players have still yet to make their Real Madrid debuts, and remain on the sidelines with a back injury and a knee injury respectively. Sami Khedira is also unable to play with a thigh muscle injury that was caused against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Copa. However, Mourinho himself is serving a touchline ban from UEFA’s disciplinary body and will not be on the sidelines in Real Madrid’s opening Champion League’s fixture with Dinamo Zagreb.

Nonetheless, these minor setbacks should not hinder Los Blancos’ ability to progress unscathed from the group stage, with the side never being eliminated at this point of the competition in their history. Madrid ended a run of six successive last-16 exits last season when they made it through to the semifinals, and all fans can be sure of similar or possibly improved success this season under the reign of Portuguese tactician Mourinho.

Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to perform and lead to Madrid to glory. However, Madrid’s ability to overthrow Barcelona could boil down to new signing Fabio Coentrao’s form. His versatility allows him to play a defensive or midfield role, and the formation that Mourinho uses against each opposing team in the competition could centre on Coentrao’s preferred position in the squad.

Group

Real Madrid CF (ESP)
Olympique Lyonnais (FRA)
AFC Ajax (NED)
GNK Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)

Barcelona are most definitely the team to beat in this year's installment of the Champions League. Once again, the Spanish giants will be looking to defend their title, and with Fabregas and Sanchez being added to an already perfect squad, Barcelona are seemingly unbeatable.

However, a draw on the weekend in La Liga proves that they do have lapses in concentration, and that could prove the end of them if they are not careful.

Barcelona will go in favourites in the 2011-12 Champions League.

Key player: Lionel Messi will obviously be the man to watch for Barcelona. If they want to truly dominate the Champions League, Messi will need to be more brutal with his finishing, rather than constantly going for the chip or superstar finish. Sometimes a tap-in will do.

Group

FC Barcelona (ESP)
AC Milan (ITA)
FC BATE Borisov (BLR)
FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE)