Top 10 clubs with Best Defences in Europe (2025)

When it comes to assessing defensive dominance, views are meaningless; data tell the true story. Using Transfermarkt data, these rankings identify the Top 10 Best Defences in Europe (2025), based only on goals conceded and goals-per-game ratios.

While some teams excel at attacking, these teams have mastered the art of shutting down opponents by combining tactical organization, discipline, and resilience. From the Premier League to Serie A, here’s a look at the teams setting the benchmark for defensive performance this season.

10. Aston Villa: 9 goals conceded (0.9 per game).
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa maintain their cautious approach, conceding about 9 goals in ten Premier League and Champions League matches. Emiliano Martínez is a standout goalkeeper with World Cup-winning experience to lead the backline.

9. Manchester City: 9 goals conceded (0.9 per game).
Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, have conceded approximately 9 goals in 10 matches, making them significantly less dominant than in past seasons but still threatening.

Since adding Gianluigi Donnarumma, their defensive strategy has improved dramatically.

8. Bayern Munich: 8 goals conceded (0.8 per game).
Bayern Munich, under Vincent Kompany, has conceded about 8 goals in ten Bundesliga and Champions League matches.

7. Marseille – Seven goals. Conceded (0.78 per game).
Marseille, led by Roberto De Zerbi, has conceded about 7 goals in 9 Ligue 1 and European games. Gerónimo Rulli, a solid goalkeeper, is assisted by a backline that includes Leonardo Balerdi.

6. Como: 7 goals conceded (0.88 per game).
Como, Serie A’s surprise gift, has conceded around 7 goals in 8 games under Cesc Fàbregas.

Emil Audero, on loan from Inter, has been outstanding, and defenders like as Alberto Dossena and Marc-Oliver Kempf give stability.

5. Crystal Palace: 8 goals conceded (0.73 per game).
Crystal Palace, under Oliver Glasner, have conceded about 8 goals in 11 Premier League games. Dean Henderson’s shot-blocking and a backline that includes Marc Guéhi and Joachim Andersen have been critical.

4. Lyon: 6 goals conceded (0.67 per game).
Lyon has emerged as a defensive force in Ligue 1, surrendering approximately six goals in nine games.

Following Lucas Perri’s departure to Leeds United in July 2025, Dominik Greif has taken over as Lyon’s first-choice goalkeeper, giving controlled performances between the posts.

3. AS Roma: 5 goals conceded (0.63 per game).

Daniele De Rossi’s Roma have conceded about 5 goals in 8 Serie A and Europa League games. Mile Svilar has established as a dependable goalkeeper, while Gianluca Mancini and Evan Ndicka make a formidable centre-back pairing. Roma’s compact 4-3-3 formation and intense pressing have smothered opponents, giving it one of Italy’s most formidable defenses.

2. AC Milan: 4 goals conceded (0.5 per game).

AC Milan, under Massimiliano Allegri, has conceded only four goals in eight Serie A and European matches. Mike Maignan remains one of Europe’s best goalkeepers, aided by Fikayo Tomori in the back.

Milan’s high defensive line and proactive pressing have limited opportunities, while their midfield, led by Youssouf Fofana, has provided extra cover.

1. Arsenal: 3 goals conceded (0.3 per game).

Arsenal has the finest defence in Europe, conceding only three goals in ten Premier League and Champions League matches. David Raya, Brentford’s permanent signing, continues to make world-class saves.

The team’s center-backs, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, are under contract until 2030. Declan Rice’s midfield screening provides further protection. Mikel Arteta’s tactical discipline and high-intensity pressing render Arsenal practically impregnable.

Source: Transfer Market.