Footy Power Rankings: Real Madrid plummets as Inter enters discussion

Taking into consideration recent domestic and continental results, along with underlying stats, we'll try to figure out which clubs are among Europe's elite.

1. Manchester City (1st in Premier League)

Previous rank: 1st

Still undefeated in all competitions, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City continued its dominant streak with a record-equaling 13th consecutive victory - a 2-1 win over West Ham. Consider that this feat saw City triumph over the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool along the way, and it's not hard to see why this seemingly-invincible side stays unchallenged at the top. - Armen Bedakian

2. Paris Saint-Germain (1st in Ligue 1)

Previous rank: 2nd

Paris Saint-Germain's bid to go unbeaten across the Ligue 1 season may have ended Saturday at Strasbourg, but it's still one of the best teams in Europe. Earlier in November, Unai Emery's side showed how easily it can walk over opponents. With a 7-1 trouncing of Celtic followed a 4-1 win over Nantes, a 5-0 hammering of Anderlecht, and a 3-0 evisceration of Nice, it's too early to sound the alarm. - Anthony Lopopolo

3. Bayern Munich (1st in Bundesliga)

Previous rank: 4th

Life is pretty good under Jupp Heynckes as Bayern Munich brushed off a 2-1 loss to Monchengladbach last week with a solid 3-1 victory over Hannover 96. Losing the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Arjen Robben, and Juan Bernat to injury won't be ideal, but offers players like Corentin Tolisso, Kingsley Coman, and Rafinha rare opportunities to figure into the Bavarian's starting lineup. - AB

4. Inter (1st in Serie A)

Previous rank: 7th

One of only four teams to remain undefeated across the top five European leagues, Inter has surged to the top of the Serie A standings. Samir Handanovic's big saves, Milan Skriniar's calmness in defence, and Mauro Icardi's ruthlessness in front of goal have all boosted the Nerazzurri's Scudetto credentials. But the main man behind Inter's renaissance is Luciano Spalletti, who's brought organisation to a club that was in disarray for years. - AL

5. Barcelona (1st in La Liga)

Previous rank: 3rd

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde will have kept a close eye on Philippe Coutinho's play over at Liverpool, as the January window nears closer to opening each day. Not that there's any rush at Camp Nou for his services, what with Lionel Messi's fine form, but draws against Celta Vigo, Valencia, and Juventus might be signs that Barcelona needs another difference-maker. - AB

6. Manchester United (2nd in Premier League)

Previous rank: 8th

Even if Manchester United lacked a certain flair in recent weeks, it's produced vital results. The counter-attack worked to great effect in Saturday's 3-1 win over Arsenal, and players once on the periphery have emerged at the forefront. Ashley Young surprised everyone - including Jose Mourinho - with a sumptuous free-kick versus Watford, and Jesse Lingard has run himself ragged for his manager. Paul Pogba's return, however, has been the biggest difference. His driving runs through midfield have propelled United's attack. It's a shame for neutrals that he'll miss the Manchester derby. - AL

7. Chelsea (3rd in Premier League)

Previous rank: 10th

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte may be complaining about a congested schedule, but the Blues have to wait until after the New Year before facing one of the English "Big 6." Still, Conte will hope to get his team to the winter break in good form, propelled by a shift to a three-man midfield. Those back-to-back losses to City and Crystal Palace in November are now long forgotten. - AB

8. Valencia (2nd in La Liga)

Previous rank: 5th

It's no coincidence Valencia lost for the first time this season without usual starters Goncalo Guedes, Jeison Murillo, and Ezequiel Garay on the pitch. Marcelino's side lost a lot of width once Guedes went down injured. The centre-back tandem of Murillo and Garay has been just as crucial to the club's unexpected success. Valencia's depth will now be tested. - AL

9. Juventus (3rd in Serie A)

Previous rank: 15th

Needing a positive result against table challenger Napoli, the Bianconeri pulled off a victory that might very well decide Serie A by season's end. A 1-0 win over Maurizio Sarri's side is a lifeline in this tight title campaign, and though the Partenopei sit above Juventus by a single point, you can bet Massimiliano Allegri will use this latest result to rally his players in preparation for a bout against Inter on Saturday. - AB

10. Napoli (2nd in Serie A)

Previous rank: 6th

Napoli hasn't quite looked the same since Manchester City scored a 4-2 win at the Stadio San Paolo. The loss of Faouzi Ghoulam has neutralised Napoli's influence on the left flank, and goals are suddenly harder to come by. Even the passing - the hallmark of Maurizio Sarri's high-octane system - has slowed down. Many have questioned whether Napoli has enough depth to sustain challenges on multiple fronts, and the answer so far is no. - AL

11. Atletico Madrid (3rd in La Liga)

Previous rank: N/R

Cool as you like, Antoine Griezmann scored a late goal to steal all three points out of Real Sociedad, but that's business as usual for Diego Simeone's side which remains unbeaten in La Liga this season. Los Che also took a point out of Valencia, Barcelona, and Real Madrid earlier in the season, which might just be the secret to their recent success: Don't be greedy against the big clubs. - AB

12. Liverpool (4th in Premier League)

Previous rank: N/R

Despite wasting away a 3-0 lead at Sevilla, Liverpool looked sharp throughout November. Liverpool has defended better as a unit - even with Dejan Lovren in the side - and its devastating counter-attack has forced opponents to play more conservative football. There are few other teams who pose as much danger going forward. Saturday's 5-1 shelling of Brighton & Hove Albion marked Liverpool's 12th match with three goals or more scored. - AL

13. Roma (4th in Serie A)

Previous rank: 9th

Does slow and steady really win the race? That's the question AS Roma boss Eusebio Di Francesco must answer as his team continues rolling along in the Italian first division. I Giallorossi are unbeaten in their last seven Serie A tilts, but an upcoming bout against Juventus will truly test their mettle. Both teams spend the majority of their time in the middle of the park, a battle Roma will feel confident it can win, considering Sami Khedira's recent form. - AB

14. PSV Eindhoven (1st in Eredivisie)

Previous rank: N/R

It's about time PSV Eindhoven gets some love. Thanks to Hirving Lozano's explosion of goals and Phillip Cocu's efficient management, PSV is currently riding a 10-match winning streak in the Eredivisie. Cocu is keeping the tradition of Dutch coaches alive, posting the highest winning percentage of any manager in Eredivisie history with at least 75 matches of experience. - AL

15. Real Madrid (4th in La Liga)

Previous rank: 12th

Real Madrid is all but certainly out of La Liga's title race, and as it stands, this mighty outfit remains in our rankings on past successes. It needs to do more than succumb to 0-0 draws against the likes of Athletic Bilbao and rival Atletico Madrid. The reason might be Cristiano Ronaldo's scoring form: He got a goal against Malaga, but is still enduring his worst start since joining the club. - AB

On the cusp: Sevilla, Lazio, Tottenham, Besiktas

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)