Real Madrid continues to dominate despite injuries to key players.
British media outlet 90min released its power rankings for the ninth week of European soccer on social media on Jan. 1 (KST). Real Madrid took the top spot.
Real Madrid has been hit with an unusually high number of injuries this season. Starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois tore his ACL and went under the knife. His replacement, Kepa Arrizabala, is also currently sidelined with a right adductor muscle injury.
First-choice defender Éder Militant also twisted his knee while blocking an opposing striker in the first leg of the Spanish Primera Liga against Athletic Bilbao. At the time, he burst into tears as if he feared a major injury. Tests revealed a ruptured cruciate ligament. He is unlikely to play this year.
Midfielder Aurélien Chouameny suffered a fracture in his left foot, which will keep him out of action for six to eight weeks. Eduardo Camabinga, who can play anywhere from flanker to midfielder, is also out. He collided with a teammate in training with the French national team and subsequently damaged the lateral ligament in his right knee. He could be out for up to 10 weeks.
Vinicius Junior was also injured during an A-match in November. He went down in the 19th minute of the fifth match of the South American qualifier for the World Cup 2026 against Colombia after being tackled by an opposing defender. He got back up and continued to play, but eventually exited with a thigh injury.
It was a situation that could have shaken any other team, but not Real Madrid. On Sept. 27 (ET), the Spanish giants cruised to a 3-0 victory over Cadiz in the 14th round of La Liga thanks to a multi-goal performance from Rodrigo and a brace from Jude Bellingham.
They followed that up with a 4-2 win over Napoli in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) on Oct. 30. Hodriguez, Bellingham, Nico Paz, and Joselu scored the goals. It was especially encouraging to see Joselu and promising youngster Nico Paz find the back of the net.
With two consecutive wins, the team was named the best team in Europe by 90min. Real Madrid will play Granada in the 15th round of the Spanish La Liga at home on Nov. 2 (KST).
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