What a season! It will be remembered for dramatic finishes, so it was only fitting the Champions League ended on the final kick. First off thanks to the fans who’ve followed our rankings each week. We’re planning on covering the Euros and transfer market, so check back often during the summer. We normally ranked the 10 best clubs teams in the world at the moment, paying closer attention to recent form. Since it’s the final rankings, we’re weighing the entire body of work over the course of the season. It was probably the most difficult year to rank clubs, as you have domestic champions not playing in Europe, domestic champions crashing out of Europe, and a European Champion that finished 6th domestically. So there are plenty of cases to be made, but without further ado, we present the final rankings of the 2011-2012 football season.
Just Missed: Ajax, PSG, Arsenal, Porto, Napoli
10. Montpellier (Ligue 1 Champions)
Congratulations to Montepellier who held off PSG down the stretch, and won their first ever Ligue 1 Championship. Unfortunately we did not get to see what this team could’ve done in Europe. (9-2)
9. Manchester United
It was a season that United fans will remember for the wrong reason. It will be interesting to see how they bounce back next season after the dramatic final day finish in the Premeir League. 89 points in England is great, but failing to qualify for the UCL knockout rounds, and crashing out the Europa League, showed a lack of consistency from this giant club. (8-36)
8. AC Milan
The overall body of work wasn’t bad, as Milan reached the UCL Quarters, finished second in Serie A, and the semis of the Coppa. It was a season of injuries for Milan, maybe that is why something always seemed like it was missing. (nr)
7. Dortmund (Bundesliga Champions, German Cup Winners)
Dortmund had a great season, and added another Bundesliga Trophy to their collection. We know they have Bayern’s number, and would be ranked higher if it wasn’t for the 1-1-4 performance in the Champions League. Since the change of the calendar they’ve been unbeatable, and we’ll see if they can keep that form up next season while competing in Europe. (7-13)
6. Bayern Munich (UCL Final, German Cup Final)
Bayern were so close to hoisting the Champions League Trophy in their home city, but in the end they finish the season trophy less. They were one of only 4 teams to be ranked every week of the season. (1-37)
5. Barcelona (Coppa Dey Rey Champion)
This was the season that was supposed to establish Barcelona as the greatest squad in European history. However it became proof the biggest matches take place in April and May not October and November. Barcelona just didn’t make it happen late in the season, and saw their chance at another European Trophy slip through their fingers. With a new coach on board it figures to be an interesting off-season for the Catalonians.(6-37)
4. Manchester City (Premier League Champion)
With tons of talent a Premier League Title was coming for this club, and this was the year they finally broke through. Two wins over United in the Premeir League earned them the trophy. (5-37)
3. Juventus (Serie A Champion, Coppa Italia Final)
Juventus we’re the most difficult team to judge, but finishing the Serie A season undefeated with the Scudetto was a phenomenal feat. It was a let down not to win the Coppa, but Alex Del Piero capped off the most famous Juve career ever. It will be very interesting to see how this team performs next season in Europe. (3-26)
2. Chelsea (UCL Champion, FA Cup Champion)
Chelsea fans will never see another season like this one. During the final two months Chelsea were probably the best team in world when they wanted and needed to be. Their route through Europe; Napoli, Benfica, Barcelona, and finally Munich was an incredible run. (4-9)
1. Real Madrid (La Liga Champion, UCL Semifinals)
Real was just the most consistent team we’ve seen over the course of the season. Madrid were ranked at or near the top for most of the campaign. They won the Spanish League with a 32-4-2 record, accumulating 100 points. They just missed the UCL Final in penalty kicks, however Jose Mourinho’s squad can enjoy finishing the season ranked #1 as the world’s best football club. (2-37)
The (numbers) are the previous week’s rank, followed by consecutive weeks ranked.
Thanks again for following us this season. Make sure to let us know your thoughts by commenting, and feel free to help promote the rankings, by sharing or liking us and the posts. If you know of any blogs or soccer tweeters who should be listed on our site, please let us know. Remember we’ll be covering the EUROS and Transfer Market so check back often!
