Champions League Update: Standings and Insights
The 2025-26 Champions League will pick up again in 2026 after six group stage matches spanning from September to December 2025. However, the top European leagues will continue their schedules during this time. Arsenal and Manchester City are vying for the Premier League title, while Bayern Munich leads in the Bundesliga. Juventus is climbing back up the Serie A standings, and Real Madrid recently experienced a much-needed positive turnaround.
Current Power Rankings:
1. Arsenal (–)
Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Everton last weekend. With Manchester City only two points behind them, pressure is mounting on Mikel Arteta’s team, bolstered by a goal from new signing Victor Goqueres. The club has already locked in a top-eight finish and a spot in the Champions League knockout rounds following a win against Club Brugge.
2. Bayern Munich (–)
The German powerhouse is dominating the Bundesliga, boasting 55 goals in 15 matches and still unbeaten, leading Borussia Dortmund by nine points. Key players include Luis Diaz and Harry Kane, while promising teenager Renato Karl is one to watch for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
3. Manchester City (+1)
After a slow start, City bounced back with a convincing 3-0 victory against West Ham. Erling Haaland was a standout, scoring twice and racking up 25 goals in 23 games this season.
4. Barcelona (-1)
Barcelona achieved a solid 2-0 away victory against Villarreal, a team that has surprised in La Liga but not in Europe. Despite their skill, they seem to be falling short of top-tier performance, with young star Lamine Yamal struggling due to an ongoing groin issue.
5. PSG (–)
Ligue 1 was on pause, but PSG participated in the French Cup over the weekend. Despite early season challenges from injuries, they are expected to regain form and could make an impact in both the league and Champions League as the season progresses.
6. Atlético Madrid (+1)
Under Diego Simeone, Atlético is on a roll, having won their last three games including a 3-0 win against Valencia. They are now nine points behind Barcelona in La Liga.
7. Inter Milan (-1)
Inconsistent in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-finals against Bologna, Inter is still working to find their rhythm. They remain at the top of Serie A, but will need significant adjustments as Denzel Dumfries faces ankle surgery.
8. Chelsea (–)
Chelsea managed a 2-2 draw with Newcastle, positioning themselves well for a top-four spot in the Premier League. Reports are swirling that Enzo Maresca could be a potential successor to Pep Guardiola should he depart at season’s end.
9. Real Madrid (–)
After two consecutive losses, Madrid secured three victories in a row in both La Liga and Copa del Rey. The situation is cautiously improving, giving manager Xabi Alonso a little breathing room.
10. Atalanta (+1)
Raffaele Palladino’s arrival has transformed Atalanta, although they recently suffered a league loss but struck back with a win over Genoa. They are back in the hunt for a European slot.
11. Liverpool (-1)
Similar to Real Madrid, Liverpool found their form after a shaky period and have since achieved consecutive wins, now sitting in a competitive position in the Premier League. However, concerns rise with Alexander Isak sidelined for several months.
12. Olympique Marseille (+1)
Although Ligue 1 was halted, Marseille has been performing well this season, close behind PSG and Lens. Keep an eye on them as they advance in the Champions League.
13. Newcastle (-1)
After losing a local derby to Sunderland, Newcastle managed a draw against Chelsea. Despite some new signings, their current form is underwhelming compared to expectations.
14. Borussia Dortmund (+1)
Dortmund secured a solid win against Borussia Mönchengladbach but faced disappointment with a home draw against Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League.
15. Galatasaray (-1)
Despite leading the Turkish league, Galatasaray’s recent defeats in the Champions League raise concerns about their performance in the latter stages of the tournament.
16. Juventus (+3)
Juventus celebrated a key 2-1 win against AS Roma, indicating improvements since the arrival of manager Igor Tudor.
17. Napoli (+3)
Napoli has been performing well domestically but struggles in Europe, trailing Inter by just two points but facing significant challenges due to injuries in the Champions League.
18. Bayer Leverkusen (–)
With a recent away win, Leverkusen has returned to the top three in the Bundesliga but faced setbacks in the Champions League.
19. Sporting CP (-1)
Sporting is competing to reclaim the top spot in Portugal while aiming for the Champions League playoffs.
20. Tottenham (-4)
Tottenham is enduring a tough season, having won just one of their last six Premier League games.
21. PSV (–)
They’ve had a stellar league run but need to maintain form to secure a playoff position in the Champions League.
22. AS Monaco (–)
Competing for European playoff spots but struggling in the league with a mixed record.
23. Benfica (+1)
Under Jose Mourinho, Benfica is moving up the Portuguese table and qualifying for the Champions League playoffs.
24. Club Brugge (-1)
After initial success, Brugge has stumbled both in league and Champions League performance.
25. Copenhagen (–)
An unexpected win against Villarreal has opened playoff possibilities for Copenhagen.
26. Kalabagh (–)
Expectations were high but recent losses reflect a more average performance.
27. Eintracht Frankfurt (–)
Competing in the league but struggling to make an impact in the Champions League.
28. Union Saint Giloise (–)
Despite leading in their domestic league, recent defeats highlight challenges in the Champions League.
29. Sports Club (–)
Season performances have not met expectations, showcasing a disappointing trajectory.
30. Villarreal (–)
Despite their position in La Liga, their Champions League campaign has been a disappointment.
31. Pathos (–)
Surprisingly, Pathos has outperformed expectations with a historic first Champions League win.
32. Slavia Prague (–)
They are still finding their footing in the tournament without significant successes.
33. Olympiakos (–)
Achieved their first away win in the tournament but it’s too late for meaningful impact.
34. Bodo/Glimt (–)
They are performing well in Norway but facing struggles in Europe.
35. Ajax (–)
Showing signs of improvement, Ajax has started winning domestically and is moving up the rankings.
36. Kairat (–)
Just making it to the Champions League is a significant achievement for this club.
Fan Take:
This update reflects the competitive nature of European football and showcases the shifting tides as clubs battle for dominance. As the Champions League resumes and top leagues continue, fans can expect intense battles that will shape the future landscape of soccer and its global following.
