Supercomputer Reveals Shocking 2025-26 Champions League Predictions That Will Stun Football Fans

The previous season's debut Champions League league phase proved to be a remarkable triumph, and fans are anxiously awaiting comparable excitement and prestigious encounters this campaign.

The revamped structure provided a refreshing change and delivered numerous surprises and unforgettable clashes, featuring 144 matches throughout the league phase in 2025–26.

The celebrated Opta analytical system has been processing data in preparation for the league phase kickoff on Sept. 16, forecasting the most probable final standings for each of the 36 competing teams.

Below are the supercomputer's projections for the forthcoming tournament.

How Do Clubs Advance to Champions League Knockout Stage?

The recently introduced Champions League structure is somewhat more complex than its predecessor.

36 clubs form one comprehensive league table, with each team facing eight matches against eight distinct opponents from throughout Europe. Teams finishing in positions first through eighth after the league phase will directly advance to the round of 16.

Meanwhile, those positioned ninth through 24th will participate in a two-leg playoff round. Teams ranked ninth to 16th will meet clubs finishing 17th through 24th, with each playoff's aggregate victor advancing to the round of 16.

Teams finishing 25th through 36th will be eliminated from the tournament and will not transfer to the Europa League.

Analytical System Forecasts Final League Phase Standings

Top Eight

Liverpool led the league phase in 2024–25 and are projected to repeat this achievement this season. Arne Slot's Premier League champions secured seven victories from eight encounters last campaign and have begun the new season successfully as they aim to conquer Europe alongside England. Nevertheless, their top position proved disadvantageous last season when they faced eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.

Although they are the defending champions, PSG are expected to finish fifth—presumably due to their exceptionally challenging Champions League fixture list. English clubs Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea are forecast to place above them—in that sequence—creating an all-Premier League top four during the league phase.

The Gunners placed third in the league phase last season and ultimately reached the semi-final stage, while Man City were eliminated in the playoff round and Chelsea competed in the Conference League. The Citizens have also lost two of their three Premier League fixtures this season, indicating another challenging campaign ahead.

Barcelona finished second to Liverpool last season but progressed further in the tournament than the Reds, eventually eliminated by Inter in the semifinals—the Italian club is predicted to finish eighth. A sixth-place finish is anticipated for Hansi Flick's squad—one position above record European champions Real Madrid. The La Liga powerhouse will be among the trophy favorites this year and should comfortably advance to the round of 16.

Nine to 24

Bayern Munich will anticipate a top-eight placement having been relegated to the playoff round last season, but Opta has forecast they will barely miss automatic round of 16 qualification. Ninth position is projected for the Bundesliga champions, with English pair Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur expected to finish 10th and 11th respectively upon their competition return.

Rather surprisingly, Serie A champions Napoli are only expected to finish 13th—one spot behind Benfica—while their Italian counterparts Juventus have been assigned a 15th-place projection, just below 2023–24 finalists Borussia Dortmund.

Atlético Madrid are predicted to encounter difficulties, and anxiety will mount in the capital if their 20th-place finish materializes. Atalanta, Club Brugge, Villarreal and Sporting CP are all expected to place higher.

Belgian team Union Saint-Gilloise will hope Opta is accurate in predicting a 24th-place finish, which would allow the newcomers to participate in the playoff round. Monaco, Bayer Leverkusen and Athletic Club are also forecast to secure knockout stage berths.

25 to 36

Predictably, the Champions League's additional debutants Kairat, Pafos and Bodø/Glimt are forecast challenging campaigns that will result in knockout stage elimination. The trio's league phase participation will provide substantial financial advantages, but they will aspire to advance further and defy expectations.

Teams like Copenhagen, Slavia Prague and Qarabağ have consistently appeared in the Champions League throughout recent years but rarely create significant impact. They are expected to be eliminated by the league phase conclusion.

PSV Eindhoven are not anticipated to reach the playoffs despite advancing to the round of 16 last season, though they are expected to finish above Dutch rivals Ajax.

Olympiacos are projected to narrowly miss knockout qualification with a 25th-place finish, while Eintracht Frankfurt, Galatasaray and Marseille are also expected to face early elimination.