Whenever Chelsea lose a football match it almost always feels like Armageddon, and yesterday was no different as the reigning Premier League champions slumped to their 7th league loss of the season, although earlier news indicated The Blues’ continental pedigree as England’s topdog remains unquestioned as the latest standings released by UEFA revealed Chelsea still remain in the top four of the European rankings despite their domestic struggles this season.
The club rankings are based on the results of clubs competing in the five previous seasons of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. The rankings determine the seeding of each club in all UEFA competition draws. Clubs pick up points for each round of the two competitions, which is also determined by how far they go in either the Champions League or Europa League – as sides will earn more points the further they advance.
Over the past five seasons we have earned the distinction of being the most consistent team in Europe, and have singlehandedly ensured that England kept its fourth Champions League qualification slot – something a certain Arsene Wenger should eternally be grateful for as it has kept him in a job for the best part of the last decade – although Atletico Madrid are hot on our heels in 5th.
The release indicated that we have earned a total of 142.078 points for last five years of European participation, during a period in which we won the Champions League and the Europa League thus making us the highest ranked Premier League side with Arsenal being our closest ‘challenger’ in 9th.
However, we have some way to go to catch the top three which is made up of La Liga side Real Madrid who currently top the standings with 171.999 points, followed by Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and, of course, Champions League holders Barcelona.
See? It’s not all doom and gloom about us.
We might be down now but certainly not out, as we’ve been there done that before! If ever in doubt, just ask Barcelona or Bayern.
Up The Chels!
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