AI Supercomputer Reveals Shocking Champions League Winner Prediction Following League Phase

The Champions League group stage concluded with spectacular drama on Wednesday evening as the final matchday produced incredible excitement.

Anatoliy Trubin's dramatic 98th-minute goal in Benfica's 4–2 triumph against Real Madrid epitomized the madness, while the other 17 fixtures across Europe also provided thrills. With Friday's playoff draw complete, the knockout rounds are ready to commence.

Drama and surprises are essential elements during the crucial stages of Europe's top tournament, making predictions extremely difficult. However, Opta's renowned supercomputer embraces this challenge.

Below are its forecasts for the Champions League champion after the group stage conclusion.

Supercomputer Forecasts 2025–26 Champions League Victor

Supercomputer Forecasts 2025–26 Champions League Victor

The supercomputer's forecasts contain few shocks, though its confidence in Arsenal might be considered somewhat optimistic. The Gunners finished first in the group stage with eight consecutive victories and receive a 30.64% probability of securing their maiden Champions League trophy. Considering the elite competition and Arsenal's absence of title-winning experience under Mikel Arteta, such favorable odds appear quite generous.

Their chances are twice as high as their nearest rivals Bayern Munich (15.00%). The Bavarians suffered their sole European loss this campaign against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, remaining perfect otherwise. Vincent Kompany's polished team should benefit from a comfortable Bundesliga advantage during the tournament's final stages, enabling them to focus on European competition.

Despite some questionable European performances against teams like Bayer Leverkusen and Bodø/Glimt, Manchester City (10.99%) receive strong backing from the supercomputer. The Citizens typically excel in crucial moments and possess the roster depth for a complete campaign—plus the experience of their 2022–23 triumph.

Liverpool (8.77%) trail Pep Guardiola's squad narrowly as they pursue a seventh European title, but Arne Slot's team's inconsistencies will create challenges, particularly if defensive injuries continue accumulating.

Chelsea (7.25%) and Barcelona (7.24%) share nearly identical championship prospects, with both clubs showing mixed form during the group stage while still securing top-eight positions. The Blues defeated La Blaugrana 3–0 in November, but questions remain about whether Liam Rosenior's successful run can continue.

Surprisingly, defending European champions Paris Saint-Germain (4.94%) failed to secure direct qualification to the round of 16 following their stalemate with Newcastle United (3.16%) in their final match. The supercomputer expects both teams to advance through their playoff ties but doubts their championship potential.

Previous season's Champions League finalists Inter (2.63%) and Europa League champions Tottenham Hotspur (2.32%) appear unlikely winners, though surprises cannot be dismissed, while unexpected top-eight qualifiers Sporting CP (1.79%) face even longer odds.

Remarkably, record European titleholders Real Madrid (1.66%) rank below all previously mentioned clubs in the supercomputer's analysis, with their catastrophic group stage finale forcing them into the playoffs. They remain unconvincing under Álvaro Arbeloa, as they were under Xabi Alonso.

The sole bright spot for Los Blancos is receiving better odds than city rivals Atlético Madrid (0.86%), who represent the most likely champions with less than one percent success probability.