AI Predicts the 2025/26 Champions League League Phase Table – Ranked
The Champions League’s revolutionary league phase has arrived, with 36 clubs battling across eight games to reach the knockout rounds. AI simulations offer a bold forecast of the final standings — from early eliminations to dominant giants. Here's a full breakdown of all 36 teams, starting from the lowest-ranked side and building to the top.
36 – Pafos (1 point)
Despite the summer signing of David Luiz, Pafos are predicted to finish dead last. They’ll manage only one draw across their eight games, showing they’re not ready for Europe’s elite.
35 – Borussia Dortmund (2 points)
One of the most shocking outcomes in the prediction. Dortmund will pick up just two points from two draws, crashing out without a single win.
34 – Kairat Almaty (3 points)
The Kazakh side are unable to make a mark on the competition. With only three points, they’re overwhelmed by the quality around them.
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33 – Eintracht Frankfurt (3 points)
Life after Hugo Ekitike proves difficult. Frankfurt match Kairat’s total but show little threat in the league phase.
32 – Qarabag (4 points)
Qarabag will grab a win and a draw but fail to keep up with stronger sides. A respectable effort, but not enough to avoid elimination.
31 – Union Saint-Gilloise (4 points)
Another early exit for the Belgian side. They also finish on four points and never seriously threaten to advance.
30 – Galatasaray (5 points)
The Turkish giants fail to make an impact. Five points leave them well short of the playoff cut.
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29 – Monaco (5 points)
Monaco's inconsistency continues on the European stage. Despite flashes of quality, they match Galatasaray's total and go out early.
28 – Athletic Club (6 points)
Back in the Champions League, but not for long. Athletic’s six-point tally isn’t enough to survive the league phase.
27 – Newcastle United (6 points)
Despite beating Barcelona and Athletic Club, Newcastle fall short. AI predicts just six points in total — not enough to progress.
26 – Copenhagen (7 points)
A solid fight from the Danish side. Two wins and a draw keep them close, but they miss the playoffs on fine margins.
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25 – Marseille (7 points)
Marseille mirror Copenhagen’s record but are undone by their goal difference or key results. A narrow but decisive failure to advance.
24 – Bodo/Glimt (8 points)
The Norwegian underdogs scrape into the playoffs. With eight points, their resilience pays off as they earn a last-gasp spot in the next round.
23 – Slavia Prague (8 points)
Slavia match Bodo/Glimt’s total and sneak through. Their gritty performances across the group phase secure a deserved playoff berth.
22 – Olympiacos (9 points)
The Greek side put together a solid campaign. Nine points are enough to keep their Champions League dreams alive, though the margin is tight.
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21 – Sporting CP (9 points)
Sporting’s run is steady, if unspectacular. Their nine-point finish means they’ll need to raise their level in the playoffs to go further.
20 – Ajax (10 points)
Despite losing four games, Ajax’s three wins push them through. Their campaign is inconsistent but just good enough to survive the cut.
19 – Napoli (10 points)
A midfield duo of De Bruyne and McTominay isn’t enough to lift Napoli higher. They rack up four losses, finishing just inside the playoff zone.
18 – PSV Eindhoven (11 points)
PSV put in a respectable group phase showing. With 11 points, they comfortably enter the playoff picture and look capable of progressing further.
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17 – Tottenham Hotspur (11 points)
Fresh off a Europa League title, Spurs hold their own in the new format. An 11-point finish sets up another shot at knockout football.
16 – Club Brugge (12 points)
The Belgian side impress with a consistent showing. Twelve points reflect a balanced campaign that earns them a solid playoff seeding.
15 – Villarreal (12 points)
Villarreal’s European pedigree shows once again. With 12 points, they’re safely through to the playoff rounds and pose a real threat.
14 – Atalanta (13 points)
The Italian side combine flair with efficiency. Their 13 points put them in the upper tier of playoff qualifiers.
13 – Benfica (13 points)
A calm and professional group stage sees Benfica through. They match Atalanta's total and will be eyeing the Round of 16.
12 – Juventus (14 points)
The Old Lady return to form with a strong league phase. Fourteen points puts them in a comfortable position going into the playoffs.
11 – Atletico Madrid (14 points)
Simeone’s men grind out results in classic fashion. Four wins carry them to 14 points and a shot at another deep European run.
10 – Bayer Leverkusen (15 points)
Ten Hag’s team performs with consistency and intent. A 15-point finish puts them just outside the automatic spots.
9 – Arsenal (15 points)
Arsenal fall just short of direct progression. With four wins and three draws, they accumulate 15 points — but narrowly miss the top 8.
8 – Barcelona (16 points)
Barcelona just edge into the automatic qualification zone. With a strong showing powered by stars like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, they finish on 16 points — enough to stay ahead of Arsenal on tie-breakers.
7 – Inter Milan (16 points)
Last season’s finalists keep their momentum going. Inter pick up six wins from eight games and match Barcelona’s total, earning a top-eight place with authority.
6 – Chelsea (17 points)
The reigning Club World Cup champions deliver again. With five wins and just one loss, Chelsea reach 17 points and lock down sixth in the standings under Enzo Maresca.
5 – Liverpool (18 points)
Arne Slot’s side go unbeaten in the league phase. With five wins and three draws, Liverpool show their pedigree and secure a commanding position in the top five.
4 – Bayern Munich (18 points)
Bayern match Liverpool’s point total but finish just ahead thanks to goal difference or other factors. The German giants are once again among Europe’s most consistent performers.
3 – Real Madrid (19 points)
Los Blancos push through with dominant displays. Earning 19 points, they reaffirm their status as perennial Champions League contenders.
2 – Manchester City (20 points)
Pep Guardiola’s side continue to thrive on the European stage. With 20 points, City defeat Real Madrid in their direct encounter and finish just shy of top spot.
1 – Paris Saint-Germain (22 points)
The reigning champions dominate the group stage. PSG win seven of their eight matches, drawing only with Barcelona, and finish at the top with an impressive 22 points.
