Barcelona remain top of UEFA's official club rankings published this week following the first round of Champions League last 16 fixtures, despite their surprising defeat against AC Milan at the San Siro on Wednesday.

Milan triumphed 2-0 over Barcelona courtesy of goals from Sulley Muntari and Kevin Prince-Boateng to put the Italian giants in charge of the tie, but Barca's position at the summit of European football is unaffected by the result.
The top three positions in UEFA's club league table are occupied by the domestic leaders in Spain, Germany and England, with Barcelona followed by Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

UEFA calculate the coefficient for each club based on their performances in European competition over the past five seasons, which explains why Manchester United continue to maintain a high position despite their failings on the continent last term.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side were knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage before being defeated by Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League's round of 16, but reached two finals in the three seasons previous.

Chelsea, Champions League winners last term, also benefit from previous performance, having failed at the first hurdle to defend their European crown this campaign.

The Blues are placed fifth, with Real Madrid ahead of them in fourth, while Arsenal are the next Premier League entry in sixth position, having continually reached the knockout phase of the Champions League.

Porto and Inter Milan have the next highest coefficient ratings, while two sides La Liga are next - Valencia and Atletico Madrid - making Spain the most represented country in the top ten.

There is not another Premier League side in sight is Liverpool in 18th, who were defeated in the last 32 of the Europa League by Zenit St Petersburg, while Manchester City are one place behind the Reds after a disastrous Champions League campaign.

Tottenham, who remain in European competition with a Europa League last 16 meeting with Inter Milan on the horizon, are placed 28th, while the other English representative also still in action, Newcastle, are 85th.

UEFA club coefficients 2012/13 (Published 21/2/13)

1. Barcelona

2. Bayern Munich

3. Manchester United

4. Real Madrid

5. Chelsea

6. Arsenal

7. Porto

8. Inter Milan

9. Valencia

10. Atletico Madrid

Other Premier League entries…

18. Liverpool

19. Manchester City

28. Tottenham

85. Newcastle

Source: http://www.givemefootball.com/332590-barcelona-top-latest-uefa-club-rankings

Barcelona = UEFA

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