Champions League kicks off for the 2025-26 season This week featured six matches spanning from September to December 2025. Arsenal is currently at the top of the Premier League, while Manchester City is encountering difficulties post their loss in the Manchester derby. Additionally, Real Madrid is inching closer to the top of La Liga following a defeat to Barcelona, despite some internal challenges that led to a managerial change. Meanwhile, the Serie A title competition remains intense, and Bayern Munich has once again dominated the Bundesliga. Let’s dive into the weekly power rankings.
1. Arsenal (–)
The Gunners continue to demonstrate their strength as the leading team in Europe. Despite a draw with Nottingham Forest over the weekend, they now hold a seven-point advantage over Manchester City in the Premier League, edging closer to their long-awaited Premier League trophy, which has eluded them for over two decades. Step by step.
Arsenal’s new midfielder is evolving in surprising ways, with Martin Zvimendi adding goals to his repertoire.
james benge
2. Bayern Munich (–)
This team has been showing exceptional performances week after week. They are currently 11 points ahead of Borussia Dortmund, having netted 71 goals in just 18 German league matches, effectively placing them on the brink of clinching another Bundesliga title. Yes, I confirmed these numbers before finalizing the rankings.
3. PSG (+2)
Under Luis Enrique, the team is gradually finding its form as it heads into critical months of the season. With Achraf Hakimi back from AFCON, this squad is poised to be Champions League contenders once again after securing their first title last season. Keep an eye on them.
4. Barcelona (-1)
The loss to Real Sociedad is particularly disappointing as it not only cost them valuable points in La Liga, but also puts them a single point ahead of Real Madrid. While it’s not catastrophic, it does highlight the emergence of their historical rivals as a threat.
5. Manchester City (-1)
Experiencing disappointment after losing to Manchester United, Josep Guardiola’s team has had a season filled with inconsistencies that threaten their Premier League aspirations. Although injuries haven’t severely hampered them, they opted to sign Premier League talents Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi during the winter transfer window to strengthen their lineup.
Marc Guehi’s transfer to Manchester City adds resilience to Pep Guardiola’s efforts to rebuild following injuries.
Pardeep Khatri
6. Inter (–)
Currently leading Serie A with a three-point cushion over AC Milan, the outcome of their upcoming matches against Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund will determine whether they secure a top-eight position or enter Champions League playoffs. Avoiding extra matches in February would be crucial for maintaining their lead against AC Milan.
7. Real Madrid (–)
It’s been a whirlwind week for them. After dismissing Xabi Alonso due to a poor start, they appointed Alvaro Arbeloa as their new head coach. Following a disappointing Copa del Rey debut against Albacete, they managed to secure a 2-0 home win against Levante, albeit amidst crowd discontent, as fans expressed frustration with players like Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham.
8. Atletico Madrid (–)
This season has been a letdown for both Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid. Fans had higher expectations following the summer transfer window, but inconsistency has hindered their challenges for La Liga supremacy.
9. Atalanta (–)
Since Raffaele Palladino took charge, Atalanta has witnessed significant improvements. After an underwhelming start under Ivan Djuric, Palladino has guided the team back into contention for a Europa League spot and they aim to push for a top-eight finish in the next two weeks. Although their title ambitions may be dashed, they still have a chance for a surprising Champions League appearance.
10. Chelsea (+1)
I must admit, I didn’t expect Liam Rosenior to have such a promising start in his first three matches with Chelsea, achieving a 2-1 record against Arsenal in the EFL semi-finals. It seems likely that Enzo Maresca’s time as manager at the club has come to an end, but Rosenior will face numerous challenges ahead.
11. Liverpool (-1)
Arne Slott made strides over the past week in the Premier League, positioning Liverpool well for a fight for fourth place. They await the return of Mo Salah from AFCON, especially following his comments regarding his ongoing relationship with the current manager.
12. Olympique Marseille (–)
Roberto De Zerbi’s side has emerged as one of Europe’s intriguing teams this season, yet they are not guaranteed to lift any trophies soon. Currently sitting third in Ligue 1, they still have a shot at a top-eight finish in the Champions League.
13. Newcastle (–)
They’ve turned a corner and are showcasing their potential. The question now is whether they can secure a spot in European competitions next season.
14. Borussia Dortmund (–)
With their Bundesliga duties nearly wrapped up, Dortmund is shifting focus to the Champions League in the coming league phase, aiming to circumvent the playoffs in February.
15. Napoli (–)
Antonio Conte’s squad continues to grapple with a significant injury crisis that may impact their Champions League ambitions. Recent injuries to Matteo Politano and Amir Rahmani, along with the potential departure of Lorenzo Lucca to Nottingham Forest, are poignant reminders of their struggles this season.
16. Juventus (+1)
Luciano Spalletti’s management has yielded notable results as Juventus is inching back toward the top of the Serie A table, even after losing their last game against Cagliari. The clash against Benfica and rival Jose Mourinho is set to be a critical moment for both squads.
17. Galatasaray (-1)
Viktor Osimhen is set to return after his AFCON semi-final absence, possibly boosting a team that stumbled against Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Cup.
18. Bayer Leverkusen (–)
With managerial changes behind them, they’re showing solid form under Kasper Urmand and don’t appear to be in need of re-hiring Xabi Alonso.
19. PSV (–)
A stellar season with 17 wins, 1 draw, and just 1 loss to Feyenoord, they hold a 16-point advantage. Finishing in the top 24 of the Champions League would further solidify their impressive performance.
20. Sporting CP (–)
They are performing commendably, but Porto’s achievements in Portugal steal the spotlight.
21. Benfica (+2)
Jose Mourinho has managed to impart a short-term lift to the team, but the next two league matches against Juventus and Real Madrid will be pivotal to their progress.
22. A.S. Monaco (–)
Another challenging season for AS Monaco; the glory days seem a distant memory. However, with the right management, they can aim for a resurgence next season.
23. Tottenham (-2)
The wave of managerial changes in 2026 has seen Chelsea and Real Madrid make headlines; will Tottenham be next in line?
24. Club Brugge (–)
They’re beginning to regain form, yet are four points behind Union SG in the league. There’s still a chance for them to capture the title and qualify for the Champions League playoffs, though expectations were different a few weeks back.
25. Copenhagen (–)
The victory against Villarreal in December sparked significant hope for qualification.
26. Kalabagh (–)
Their surprising start in the first few weeks has fizzled out.
27. Eintracht Frankfurt (–)
Weekly update: they have conceded 39 goals in 18 Bundesliga games. This level of performance is not expected from Champions League teams.
28. Union Saint-Gilloise (–)
While their league phase seems out of reach for playoffs, they are leading the standings and can still capture the Jupiler Pro League, securing qualification for next season.
29. Athletic Club (–)
Their season has been quite disappointing; I had high hopes for them, but it seems those expectations were misplaced.
30. Villarreal (–)
A strong Spanish team but surprisingly struggling in Europe. The reasons for this remain unclear.
31. Pathos (–)
Here’s hoping they can return to playing more Champions League football after their debut season.
32. Slavia Prague (–)
Champions League football may not be their standard, as many predicted before the season began.
33. Olympiakos (–)
I had hoped for a better outcome, but I’m questioning my expectations.
34. Bodo/Glimt (–)
I remember them as one of the stronger teams in the Europa League, which is likely where they belong.
35. Ajax (–)
The team has been a major letdown this season, but they are slowly finding their way back in the Dutch league.
36. Kairat (–)
I mention this consistently, but I hope they return to the Champions League stage next season. Their away matches are particularly entertaining.
Fan Take: The return of the Champions League brings renewed excitement as teams strive for glory, making every match crucial for fans and clubs alike. With prominent clubs facing both challenges and triumphs, this season could reshape the future of European football and intensify rivalries worldwide.
