The 2025-26 Champions League season will resume in 2026 after the league phase’s initial six matchdays from September to December 2025, but the major European leagues are still energized. Arsenal and Manchester City are locked in a battle for the Premier League title, while Bayern Munich continues its stronghold over the Bundesliga. Juventus is making strides in Serie A, and Real Madrid is looking to build on a positive week following some earlier struggles. Let’s dive into our Power Rankings and share New Year’s resolutions for each team.
1. Arsenal (–)
New Year’s resolution: Secure a trophy, with hopes of claiming the Premier League title more than 20 years after last lifting it.
With a promising start to 2025-26, 2026 must mark Arsenal’s return to glory. Their last Premier League win was in 2004, and they currently top the standings, though the competition is fierce. The pressure is on: 2026 has to be the year Arsenal adds silverware to their collection.
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2. Bayern Munich (–)
New Year’s resolution: Aim to limit scoring to fewer than three goals per game whenever possible.
Can you recall a match this season where Bayern Munich scored fewer than three goals? Honestly, I can’t. It would be refreshing to see them secure a tight 1-0 win at some point, though that might be a stretch given their explosive offensive display. They’ve racked up 55 goals in just 15 Bundesliga matches—an average of 3.6 per game.
3. Manchester City (–)
New Year’s resolution: Persuade Pep Guardiola to extend his stay beyond summer.
The new year arrives with increasing uncertainty surrounding Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City. The Spanish coach has hinted that despite having a contract until 2027, that doesn’t mean he’ll stay. The club must strategize to keep him for at least another season; his presence is crucial.
4. Barcelona (–)
New Year’s resolution: Secure a permanent deal for Marcus Rashford, he’s worth every cent.
Marcus Rashford has made a significant impact during his time under Hansi Flick. Whatever other transfer dealings Barcelona pursue this summer, securing Rashford from Manchester United should be a priority. With the likely exit of Robert Lewandowski, confirming Rashford’s position is essential for the club’s future.
5. PSG (–)
New Year’s resolution: Relive the magic of January 2025.
Reflecting on 2025, it was a remarkable year for PSG and Luis Enrique. The team celebrated victory across competitions and especially had a memorable Champions League final against Inter. Recreating that level of success in this season may be challenging, but it shouldn’t be ruled out either.
6. Atletico Madrid (–)
New Year’s resolution: Aim for a spot in the Champions League’s final four.
Diego Simeone’s squad has shown consistent performance this season. Their ambition now is to excel in the Champions League, aiming to finish in the top four—an achievement they haven’t accomplished in quite some time.
7. Inter (–)
New Year’s resolution: Bounce back after a trophy-less 2025.
If 2025 was a glorious year for PSG, it proved disastrous for Inter until May. They lost out on the Serie A title in dramatic fashion and faced a heavy defeat in the Champions League final against PSG. The regime under Cristian Chivu appears promising, and winning a trophy in 2026 could dramatically shift their fortunes after last year’s disappointments.
8. Chelsea (–)
New Year’s resolution: Restore harmony with Enzo Maresca.
Recent weeks have been tumultuous for both Chelsea and Enzo Maresca. Signs of tension between the club and the manager are troubling. It’s crucial for Chelsea to align with Maresca and continue building on the solid progress made thus far. Can they mend the rift?
9. Real Madrid (–)
New Year’s resolution: Support Xabi Alonso.
Following their decision to part ways with Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid commenced a new chapter with Xabi Alonso, whose initial tenure has not proceeded as hoped. The club should rally behind their coach, as he has the potential to propel them forward.
10. Atalanta (–)
New Year’s resolution: Move on from the departure of Gian Piero Gasperini.
Atalanta is still adjusting to life after Gian Piero Gasperini, the exponent who elevated the club to European competition. His move to AS Roma was a shock, and after a brief managerial stint with Ivan Juric, Raffaele Palladino is now at the helm, hopeful of guiding Atalanta back to prominence.
11. Liverpool (–)
New Year’s resolution: Make summer signings deliver on expectations.
The 2025 summer acquisitions have yet to meet the anticipated impact, particularly Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen and Alexander Isak from Newcastle. If Arne Slot can unlock their potential in the second half of the season, Liverpool still holds hopes of trophy contention for 2026.
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12. Olympique Marseille (–)
New Year’s resolution: Contend for Ligue 1, aiming for the seemingly improbable.
Longtime underdogs, Olympique Marseille might just have the tools to challenge PSG this season. They’re behind Lens and PSG by a small margin and could create history with a Ligue 1 triumph.
13. Newcastle (–)
New Year’s resolution: Leave the frustrations of 2025 behind.
Newcastle has showcased some prowess through players like Nick Woltemade, yet the season hasn’t met expectations. The earlier months were below par, but the remaining fixtures offer a chance to turn the narrative around.
14. Borussia Dortmund (–)
New Year’s resolution: Aspire for another European final.
Dortmund’s appearance in the 2024 Champions League final was a highlight, albeit a loss. The path to another final may seem narrow, but they defied expectations before, so who knows what can happen?
15. Galatasaray (–)
New Year’s resolution: Set the goal to become the first Turkish club to win the Champions League.
With heightened expectations following their summer activities, Galatasaray aims to leave their mark, especially with a figure like Victor Osimhen in their ranks for pivotal moments in the knockout stages.
16. Juventus (–)
New Year’s resolution: Offer support to Luciano Spalletti.
After sacking two coaches in 2025, Juventus appears to have found a fitting leader in Luciano Spalletti. His influence is already visible in both the domestic landscape and European contests. It’s essential to maintain stability and allow him to cultivate the team.
17. Napoli (–)
New Year’s resolution: Encourage Antonio Conte to extend his two-year spell.
The narrative surrounding Antonio Conte has become predictable: he hints at leaving after two years. Last season, Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis managed to convince him to stay. They need to replicate that insistence once more.
18. Bayer Leverkusen (–)
New Year’s resolution: Avoid selling additional players to Liverpool.
After parting ways with both Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool, Leverkusen should think twice before offloading more talent, especially considering their prior performances have reinforced doubts.
19. Sporting CP (–)
New Year’s resolution: Pursue at least one trophy and keep strikers away from Premier League clubs.
Sporting CP is currently vying with Porto for top position and aims for a Champions League playoff spot. With upcoming matches against PSG and Athletic Club, they have opportunities to validate their objectives.
20. Tottenham (–)
New Year’s resolution: Focus on securing wins.
What more can be said about Tottenham? They’ve had the glory of lifting the 2025 Europa League, but the hope for stability under Thomas Frank has yet to be fulfilled.
21. PSV (–)
New Year’s resolution: Ensure Ivan Perisic signs a new contract.
Ivan Perisic has reshaped his narrative from nearly fading from the game to being a critical player. Securing him on a new contract is essential—he’s earned it.
22. AS Monaco (–)
New Year’s resolution: Locate a coach capable of restoring their past glory.
AS Monaco encounters yet another challenging season. Reviving their stature may depend on identifying the right managerial talent.
23. Benfica (–)
New Year’s resolution: Target advancement to the Champions League playoffs.
Bringing José Mourinho on board was a significant event, yet next year promises more ambition. Qualifying for the Champions League playoffs would mark a meaningful stride in their developmental phase with the illustrious coach.
24. Club Brugge (–)
New Year’s resolution: Steer clear of selling players to AC Milan.
Could they possibly survive a year without transferring anyone to AC Milan? Recently, their striker Nicolò Tresoldi was spotted at San Siro attending a match.
25. Copenaghen (–)
New Year’s resolution: To reach the top 24 in the league phase.
After a surprising away victory against Villarreal, they now harbor playoff aspirations—something once deemed impossible.
26. Qarabag (–)
New Year’s resolution: Aim for another Champions League victory.
They shocked the league phase early on; however, keeping up that momentum has proven difficult. Achieving another win would significantly boost their spirits.
27. Eintracht Frankfurt (–)
New Year’s resolution: Reduce the goals conceded.
Let’s face it: 30 goals conceded in just 15 Bundesliga matches is far from ideal. A change is absolutely necessary to improve their prospects.
28. Union Saint-Gilloise (–)
New Year’s resolution: Secure another Champions League campaign.
Leading the Pro League by a narrow margin, their recent home defeat against Olympique Marseille in the Champions League diminished hope for qualification, but they could still find a way next year.
29. Athletic Club (–)
New Year’s resolution: Protect Nico Williams from transfer rumors.
They successfully held onto Nico Williams for two consecutive years. Can they do it again in 2026?
30. Villarreal (–)
New Year’s resolution: Improve performance in Europe.
Despite an amazing La Liga run, Villarreal dropped the ball in the Champions League, where they sit at zero wins. They should focus on achieving a better result in their upcoming matches.
31. Pafos (–)
New Year’s resolution: Continue to dream big.
Competing in the Champions League for the first time is a monumental achievement. Their aspirations should remain high as they continue this journey.
32. Slavia Prague (–)
New Year’s resolution: Aim for enhanced results in the closing games.
They deserve to do more in their last matches of the league phase. Let’s hope they can capitalize on that.
33. Olympiacos (–)
New Year’s resolution: Capture the Greek league title and come back stronger in Europe.
This year has been quiet for them in the Champions League. Their goal should be capturing the Greek title to return to European football even better.
34. Bodo/Glimt (–)
New Year’s resolution: Create a warmer atmosphere in their home stadium.
There were high hopes for their European prospects this season, given their home advantage. Maybe those fan experiences can improve next time.
35. Ajax (–)
New Year’s resolution: Move on from the disappointments of 2025.
Ajax’s year has been nothing short of disappointing. They need to reset moving forward.
36. Kairat (–)
New Year’s resolution: Make the most of their current journey.
Fans will always support them, and there’s hope for their return to the Champions League stage.
