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The 2021-22 season has kicked off on an explosive note, with many teams across Europe's top five leagues looking to make huge statements.
As always, all eyes have been on the top dogs to step up and prove why they're considered the favourites to win the major competitions. There are also a few teams who entered the season without much attention, but have impressed with their performances.
These teams have upset the odds by beating the so-called favourites, and have bagged key victories across domestic and continental competitions. In other words, these teams have exceeded expectations this season. On that note, here's a look at the top five such teams:
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#5 West Ham United
West Ham have caught the attention of many as they continue wrestling with England's elite teams this season. The Hammers knocked Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup with a 1-0 victory last week.
They also had a decent start to their Europa League campaign, beating Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 away from home. So far, they've recorded three victories, two draws and one defeat in their six Premier League games this season.
They currently rank seventh in the table with 11 points, just three points behind table-toppers Liverpool. David Moyes' men are playing some incredible football, and have risen up to the challenge, especially against the top teams.
Their only loss of the season so far came against Manchester United in the Premier League, where the latter scored an 89th-minute winner.
#4 Brighton & Hove Albion
Like West Ham, Brighton & Hove Albion have also caught many by surprise with their brilliant performances in the Premier League this season. The Seagulls will move to the top of the table if they claim victory against Crystal Palace this evening.
They are currently fifth in the table with 12 points from five games, just two points adrift of table leaders Liverpool.
Brighton have been the second-best defensive team in the English top flight so far this term. They have conceded just four goals since the league restarted. Only Manchester City have a better defensive record with just one goal conceded.
With four victories and one defeat from five games, it is impossible to deny that the Seagulls are doing pretty well this season. If they continue with the same level of performance, they might surprise many.
#3 RC Lens
It's been a dream start for French outfit RC Lens in Ligue 1 this season. No one would've predicted such an explosive start for the minnows. But they sit second in the league table with 15 points from eight matches.
Lens made headlines after beating a number of Ligue 1 giants. including Olympique Marseille, Lille, Bordeaux and Monaco. Their record this season stands at four victories, three draws and one defeat in eight league games.
They will take on Reims in their next league game on Friday before the international break. It remains to be seen if they can further solidify their place in the standings with a victory on home turf.
#2 Real Madrid
While their arch-rivals FC Barcelona have endured a difficult start to the season, Real Madrid have gone from strength to strength. Los Blancos kickstarted their campaign on a promising note with a 4-1 triumph over Alaves in their opening La Liga fixture.
After seven games in the Spanish top flight, Carlo Ancelotti's men are top of the league table. They've bagged 17 points so far, courtesy of five victories and two draws.
Real Madrid have been on a roll offensively, scoring 21 times in seven league games. Meanwhile, they've also started their Champions League campaign on the front foot, winning 1-0 at Inter Milan.
#1 Napoli
All eyes were on Juventus and Inter Milan to stage an intense fight for the Serie A title when the campaign resumed this season. But it's been another team, Napoli, that has displayed title-winning credentials so far.
The Parthenopeans sent a huge message across when they defeated Juventus 2-1 earlier this month. They have won all their six games this season, sitting two points ahead of second-placed AC Milan.
Napoli have been the best defensive team in the Italian top flight as well, conceding just two goals so far. They've also impressed going forward, scoring a whopping ten goals in their last three games against Sampdoria, Udinese and Cagliari.
If they maintain the same level of performance till the end of the ongoing season, there could be no stopping them.
