Universidad de Chile ranked third best soccer club in the world

‘La U’ ranks third behind heavy hitters FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in world rankings.

Known as “La U,” the Chilean soccer club Universidad de Chile is now ranked third in the world, the highest position for any Chilean team in history, according to the latest rankings released by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS).

Only surpassed by FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, Universidad de Chile ranks third in latest rankings of best soccer clubs in the world. (Photo by metropolis_pcm/Flickr)

“This only serves to enhance the great performance that the Chilean team has had in recent years,” the club said in a statement. “Los Azules are among the best clubs since winning the Copa Sudamericana 2011.”

The club’s undefeated takeover of last year’s Copa Sudamericana tournament earned Los Azules the nickname of “South America’s FC Barcelona.” Now the Chilean club sits just two spots behind the Spanish giant in the IFFHS rankings.

Since the Copa Sudamericana tournament, the club has moved from seventh to third place in the soccer statistics organization's monthly rankings, reflecting La U’s recent string of excellent performances.

The triumphant 5-0 victory over Colo Colo in the Superclásico last Sunday marked the club’s biggest win over its crosstown rivals and the team’s tenth straight victory. The team has lost only three games since June 2011.

In the IFFHS rankings, the club currently sits in third place with 304.5 points, very close to second place Real Madrid’s 305.5 points, but well behind leader FC Barcelona’s 367 points. Other Chilean clubs in the ranking include Universidad Católica in 28th place with 186 points and Unión Española in 102nd place with 102 points.

Los Azules play Ecuadorian Deportivo Quito on Thursday. Results were not available at press time

By Kevin Kunitake (kunitake@santiagotimes.cl)
Copyright 2012 - The Santiago Times