The 2025-26 Champions League season is set to return in 2026 after a thrilling initial phase ran from September to December 2025. In the meantime, Europe’s top leagues are far from taking a breather. Arsenal and Manchester City continue their fierce battle for Premier League supremacy, while Bayern Munich effortlessly leads the Bundesliga. However, challenges arise for Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso’s management as they grapple with increasing scrutiny, contrasted by Barcelona’s resurgence under Hansi Flick. Here’s a breakdown of our current Power Rankings:
1. Arsenal (–)
Arsenal faced a rocky weekend, yet they emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, courtesy of two own goals from Wolverhampton, with a nail-biting finish in stoppage time. The Gunners sit at the top of the Premier League with a slender two-point lead over Manchester City. Impressively, after their commanding 3–0 triumph against Club Brugge last week, they are the first side to guarantee a place in the Champions League knockout stages.
2. Bayern Munich (–)
Bayern Munich remains Arsenal’s closest rival. The German powerhouse claimed a convincing 3-1 win over Sporting CP on the last Champions League matchday while showing dominance in their domestic league. The emergence of young talent Lennart Karl adds fresh energy to the squad, making him a player to watch for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
3. Barcelona (–)
Barcelona has significantly turned a corner over the last month, with two commendable victories against Eintracht Frankfurt and Osasuna solidifying their La Liga lead over Real Madrid. With key players returning from injury, Hansi Flick’s team is confident, gaining recognition as a formidable contender in both La Liga and the Champions League.
4. Manchester City (+1)
Despite a rocky start, Manchester City is back in the title race and only trails Arsenal by two points. Pep Guardiola’s squad has positioned themselves well for a strong finish in the Champions League standings. Erling Haaland continues to find the net, contributing to the team’s resurgence as they seek to reclaim their status.
5. PSG (-1)
Last season’s Champions League champions appear less robust than before. Despite struggles with injuries, they remain competitive, just a point off the pace in Ligue 1, trailing Lens. There’s optimism that their form will improve as the season unfolds, with potential to shake things up in both Ligue 1 and Europe.
6. Inter (–)
Inter has stumbled in their last two Champions League matches, losing to the likes of Atletico Madrid and Liverpool post an impressive start. With a renewed focus, they’ve reclaimed the top position in Serie A, but their struggle against top-tier clubs raises concerns ahead of the knockout phase.
7. Atletico Madrid (+1)
Atletico Madrid has found its footing again after a brief slump. Following back-to-back losses, Diego Simeone’s men bounced back with two consecutive wins against PSV and Valencia, pulling them closer to the top four in La Liga, while also eyeing a strong position in the Champions League.
8. Chelsea (-1)
Chelsea has faced challenges, winning only two of their last five Premier League matches. Coach Enzo Maresca expressed frustration post-match against Everton, hinting at possible rifts with management. This developing situation should be monitored as the season in both domestic and European competitions progresses.
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9. Real Madrid (–)
Real Madrid is in a precarious position. Although their victory over Alaves offers a glimmer of hope, pressure mounts on Xabi Alonso after a string of disappointing results, notably the 2-1 loss to Manchester City.
10. Liverpool (+1)
Mohamed Salah’s departure for the AFCON leaves Liverpool’s future uncertain, especially with a potential January exit on the horizon. However, with solid wins against Inter and Brighton, Arne Slot has regained the trust of both his players and supporters.
11. Atalanta (+7)
Atalanta is making waves, showcasing a notable turnaround since Raffaele Palladino took over. Their recent victory over Chelsea revealed their capability to compete with Europe’s elites, targeting a top-eight finish in the league phase while gradually regaining their Serie A form.
12. Newcastle (-2)
Newcastle’s season has taken a downward turn, highlighted by a 1-0 defeat in the Derby against Sunderland. They must find their footing quickly to secure advancement in the coming weeks.
13. Olympique Marseille (–)
Under Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille is thriving this season. Their last two Champions League victories have solidified their standing. They’re not just entertaining; they pose a real threat to their European competitors, sitting only five points off Lens in Ligue 1.
14. Galatasaray (-2)
Recent back-to-back defeats against Union SG and AS Monaco have put Galatasaray on the back foot. Though talented, their current form raises questions about their viability as dark horses in the playoffs.
15. Borussia Dortmund (–)
Dortmund’s disappointing draw against Bodo/Glimt leaves them mid-table, but they remain in contention for the top 16, a target within reach.
16. Tottenham (-1)
While Tottenham shows promise in Europe, their struggle in the Premier League continues, tallying only one win in the last five matches. Thomas Frank must demonstrate he can turn things around or risk facing scrutiny.
17. Sporting CP (–)
Currently challenging Porto in the league, Sporting aims to secure a playoff spot in the Champions League. Upcoming fixtures against Bayern Munich and Athletic Club will be crucial in their journey.
18. Bayer Leverkusen (+1)
Leverkusen’s recent draw against Newcastle put a damper on their hopes for a top-16 finish, but the fight is not over yet. They must rally in the coming matches.
19. Juventus (+1)
Luciano Spalletti may be finding the right formula as Juventus displays signs of improvement. After positive results against Pafos in Europe and Bologna in Serie A, they might just find their stride.
20. Napoli (-4)
Antonio Conte faces significant challenges again as injuries impact Napoli’s performance. Their loss to Benfica exacerbates the risk of elimination from the Champions League, raising urgent concerns.
21. PSV (+1)
PSV is flying high in the domestic league with 14 wins from 16 matches. Their standout performances in Europe, including a stunning 4-1 victory at Liverpool and a dominant 6-2 success against Napoli at home, highlight their potential.
22. AS Monaco (-1)
This season hasn’t been easy for Monaco in both European and domestic competitions. With a solitary defeat in the Champions League, they stay in the hunt for a playoff spot.
23. Club Brugge (–)
Club Brugge has shown glimpses of talent, but inconsistency has proven costly this season. After a promising start, their recent losses, including a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, hinder their progress.
24. Benfica (+5)
Jose Mourinho’s squad is rallying after an exhilarating 2-0 triumph over Napoli. They remain in contention, and under Mourinho’s guidance, their chances look increasingly promising.
25. Copenhaghen (–)
Copenhagen has found new life following a shocking away win against Villarreal, shifting their narrative as they continue to vie for a spot in the next round.
26. Qarabag (-1)
After a promising start, expectations dipped as Qarabag experienced an unexpected loss against Ajax at home, highlighting the volatility of this competition.
27. Eintracht Frankfurt (-1)
Last week’s match against Barcelona was likely their last chance to progress. Following a loss, their hopes may now be dashed.
28. Union Saint-Gilloise (+1)
A recent loss against Olympique Marseille diminishes their qualification hopes dramatically, complicating their path forward.
29. Athletic Club (-2)
There were high expectations for Athletic this season after their strong performance in the Champions League preview. Their current standing underscores the unpredictable nature of football.
30. Villarreal (-1)
Villarreal’s surprising success in La Liga juxtaposes their struggles in the Champions League, remaining a puzzling narrative. Their performance raises questions that need answers.
31. Pafos (–)
Pafos is making history with their inaugural Champions League win over Villarreal, although a subsequent loss to Juventus has tempered their triumph.
32. Slavia Prague (–)
Slavia Prague’s performances are falling short against the tougher competition, leading to predictable results. Their struggles are not entirely unexpected given their circumstances.
33. Olympiacos (–)
Olympiacos secured their first Champions League victory, albeit too late for a meaningful impact this season.
34. Bodo/Glimt (–)
Bodo/Glimt may trail in European competitions, but their domestic league performance positions them well, bolstering their reputation amid struggles abroad.
35. Ajax (+1)
Ajax has climbed out of the last spot in the rankings, showcasing their first victory against Qarabag. Their resurgence is a welcome sign for fans.
36. Kairat (-1)
Simply qualifying for the Champions League is a historic achievement for Kairat, and their participation is celebrated despite the challenges.
