The group stage of the UEFA Champions League for the 2025-26 season has wrapped up, with 24 teams qualifying for the next round. The top eight teams from this phase will compete head-to-head in the Round of 16 beginning in March, while the remaining 16 teams will clash in the playoffs running from February 17 to February 25. Notably, 12 clubs, including prominent teams like Napoli, Olympique de Marseille, and Ajax, have been officially knocked out of the competition.
Check out this week’s power rankings.
1. Arsenal (–)
Mikel Arteta’s squad has achieved an impressive feat, winning all eight of their matches in the tournament thus far and leading the group stage standings. With 23 goals scored and only four conceded, the Gunners have exhibited exceptional performance in both attack and defense. Currently, they hold a six-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League, positioning them as favorites in both competitions.
Arsenal has made Champions League history with their perfect run in the group stage, but the question remains—how much does it truly matter?
james benge
2. Bayern Munich (–)
Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich has been equally outstanding, losing only one of their eight matches and sitting atop the Bundesliga. This strong performance enables them to shift their focus to the European tournament in March as the next round approaches.
3. PSG (–)
Despite needing to compete in the playoffs after their draw with Newcastle on matchday 8, PSG remains a top contender for the tournament this season. Injuries have complicated Luis Enrique’s rotations, but they have regained their footing in Ligue 1 and will face AS Monaco in the playoffs, reminiscent of last year’s matchup where they progressed after confronting Brest.
4. Barcelona (–)
Hansi Flick’s squad has substantial room for growth in the upcoming weeks. Spanish winger Lamine Yamal has faced challenges this season due to a groin injury, but his recent performances have shown marked improvement as he prepares for the crucial phase leading up to the 2026 World Cup.
5. Manchester City (–)
This season has been rocky for Manchester City’s manager, Josep Guardiola, yet they are still competing for both the Premier League and Champions League titles. A thrilling last-minute victory by Benfica over Real Madrid has allowed them to secure a spot in the top eight of the group stages, raising questions about Guardiola’s future at the club.
6. Inter Milan (+1)
Having triumphed in their last away match against Borussia Dortmund, Inter now turns its attention to facing Bodo/Glimt in the playoffs for a chance to advance to the next round. With a solid lead over AC Milan and Napoli, the Nerazzurri are currently at the top of Serie A.
7. Real Madrid (-1)
The Spanish giants have been unpredictable this season, especially after changing managers from Xabi Alonso to Alvaro Arbeloa. Although they continue to win, their overall performance has left much to be desired, especially after suffering a significant defeat to Jose Mourinho’s Benfica, resulting in their placement in the playoffs. However, Kylian Mbappé has been a standout performer this year, with an astonishing 37 goals to his name.
8. Chelsea (+1)
Under new head coach Liam Rosenior, Chelsea has seen immediate improvements, contributing to a positive atmosphere within the team. They finished in sixth place and are gearing up for the upcoming tournament in March, as they fight for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
9. Liverpool (+2)
Despite finishing third in the league stage behind Arsenal and Bayern Munich, Liverpool has exhibited inconsistency in manager Arne Slott’s first season. They are not performing at last season’s level, which may be a crucial factor as they prepare for the knockout stages in March.
10. Atletico Madrid (-2)
A tumultuous season has plagued Atlético Madrid, hindering their ability to compete for the top spot. The Diego Simeone era appears to be winding down, as drastic changes have marked the team’s fluctuating performance.
11. Atalanta (-1)
After Raffaele Palladino took charge, Atalanta has seen notable improvements following a shaky start under former coach Ivan Juric. Unfortunately, they fell short of reaching the top eight in the Champions League and will now face Borussia Dortmund in the playoffs.
12. Newcastle (–)
Newcastle finds itself right where it expected to be at this stage of the tournament. While they aren’t viewed as favorites, their playoff matchup against Qarabag could reveal much about their competitiveness going into the knockout rounds.
13. Juventus (+2)
Juventus has transformed significantly since Luciano Spalletti took over from Igor Tudor, playing more cohesively and with greater morale. USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie is thriving under Spalletti’s guidance, prompting a call for both him and the coach to receive new contracts swiftly.
14. Borussia Dortmund (–)
Expectations were high for a better outcome in their home match against Inter, but their 2-0 loss was disappointing.
15. Sporting CP (+2)
Sporting CP is enjoying a strong season, having reached the last eight of the Champions League, but faces fierce competition from Porto, who boast an incredible record of 18 wins and one draw in their last 19 games.
16. Tottenham (+5)
Tottenham’s journey remains perplexing, finishing fourth in the league despite struggles in the Premier League, reminiscent of last season’s successful run in the Europa League.
17. Galatasaray (-1)
Galatasaray’s performance against Juventus in the playoffs was underwhelming, and their chances of moving forward seem slim.
18. Bayer Leverkusen (–)
Leverkusen has had a mix of successes and setbacks this season, a predictable outcome following the departure of Xabi Alonso.
19. AS Monaco (+3)
Facing the reigning Champions League titleholders in the playoffs poses a significant challenge for Monaco, marking a less than stellar season for them.
20. Benfica (+4)
Jose Mourinho continues to impress as Benfica secures a sensational 4-2 win over Real Madrid, reshaping the Champions League landscape and allowing them another chance at facing Madrid, albeit under tougher circumstances this time.
21. Qarabag (+2)
The biggest underdog of the league, Qarabag has shocked many with their remarkable results, now set to face Newcastle.
22. Club Brugge (+4)
While Atlético Madrid isn’t the toughest opponent they could face in the playoffs, their recent form suggests that advancement would be unlikely.
23. Olympiakos (+4)
Having secured a crucial win against Ajax, Olympiakos is now set to face Bayer Leverkusen for a shot at the knockout stages.
24. Bodo/Glimt (+5)
While their journey to this stage has been impressive for those following them, a challenge against Inter might prove to be insurmountable.
The eliminated teams
- Olympique Marseille
- Paphos
- Union SG
- PSV
- Athletic Club
- Napoli
- FC Copenhagen
- Ajax
- Eintracht Frankfurt
- Slavia Prague
- Villarreal
- Kairat
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This development is crucial for soccer fans as it showcases which teams are truly performing at the highest level heading into the knockout stages of the Champions League. The outcomes not only affect club reputations but also set the stage for the intense rivalries and suspenseful moments that define the competition, making it a thrilling period for enthusiasts of the sport.
