Champions League 2025–26: Who are the favourites to lift the trophy after matchday 3?

Three rounds into the 2025–26 Champions League, the race for Europe’s most prestigious trophy is beginning to take shape. Paris Saint-Germain reaffirmed their status as the team to beat with a 7–2 demolition of Bayer Leverkusen, while Arsenal maintained their perfect start with another commanding victory. Barcelona rediscovered their attacking flair, Bayern Munich breezed past Brugge in style, and Manchester City found their composure again. Liverpool erupted in Frankfurt, Real Madrid edged through thanks to Jude Bellingham’s return, and Chelsea delivered a long-overdue statement performance. This analysis breaks down how Europe’s true favourites are shaping up in the battle to lift the trophy.

12. Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham’s goalless draw with Monaco summed up a side that remains hard to beat but too limited to win big. Thomas Frank’s team are compact and disciplined, yet their lack of invention in the final third is holding them back. They defend well, but against top-tier opposition, the inability to create clear chances becomes fatal. Spurs are stable, but stability alone won’t carry them far in this competition.

11. Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid’s 4–0 defeat to Arsenal was a humbling experience. Alexander Sørloth worked tirelessly up front but was left isolated, as the visitors struggled to build anything of note in attack. Diego Simeone’s team looked out of ideas once Arsenal seized control, with defensive lapses and a lack of midfield bite proving costly. Atletico remain a threat in theory, but on current evidence, they’re a long way off the tournament’s top tier.

10. Napoli

Napoli’s 6–2 thrashing by PSV Eindhoven was a defensive disaster. Antonio Conte’s men were disorganised, error-prone, and repeatedly punished on the counter. Scott McTominay salvaged some pride with two well-taken goals from midfield, but they were consolation strikes in a chaotic performance. Conte must quickly restore discipline and belief, or Napoli’s campaign could unravel before the knockout phase even begins.

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9. Chelsea

Chelsea finally looked like a team with rhythm and identity under Enzo Maresca, dismantling Ajax 5–1 at Stamford Bridge. Marc Guiu, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, and Estevão all starred in attack, combining flair with ruthless finishing as Chelsea’s young front line came of age. Behind them, Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo controlled the midfield, allowing the team to play with confidence and composure. It was a glimpse of the project Maresca is building — one built on youth, tempo, and tactical clarity.

8. Manchester City

Manchester City looked far more like themselves with a composed 2–0 win away to Villarreal. Erling Haaland found the net again, while Rúben Dias marshalled a defence that finally looked secure. Pep Guardiola’s men moved the ball with intent and control, regaining the rhythm that had been missing in previous outings. If they can maintain this balance, City will once again be among the frontrunners.

7. Inter Milan

Inter Milan extended their unbeaten run with a commanding 4–0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise. In the absence of Marcus Thuram, 20-year-old Francesco Pio Esposito seized the spotlight, scoring once and assisting another in a breakout display full of confidence and quality. Lautaro Martínez continues to lead by example, while Cristian Chivu’s tactical setup looks sharper with each game. Inter are organised, clinical, and building real momentum.

6. Liverpool

Liverpool produced their best European display of the season, thrashing Eintracht Frankfurt 5–1 away from home. With Mohamed Salah on the bench, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai each contributed a goal and an assist in a blistering attacking performance. The pressing was sharp, transitions were fluid, and the finishing clinical — everything Arne Slot has been trying to implement. This was the Liverpool of old, reimagined under new leadership.

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5. Real Madrid

Real Madrid edged Juventus 1–0 at the Bernabéu, with Jude Bellingham marking his return from injury by scoring the decisive goal. Xabi Alonso’s side weren’t at their most expressive, but their control and maturity shone through. Bellingham’s presence restored balance in midfield and eased the creative burden on Kylian Mbappé. It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective — and that’s why Madrid remain among the most dangerous sides in Europe.

4. Barcelona

Barcelona finally exploded into life with a 6–1 thrashing of Olympiacos at Montjuïc. Fermin López was the star of the night, scoring a sensational hat-trick from midfield, while Marcus Rashford added two goals of his own in a devastating attacking display. It was a complete performance that silenced doubts about Hansi Flick’s methods, full of speed, intensity, and precision. If Barça can sustain this level, they’ll be right back in the mix for the title.

3. Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich swept aside Club Brugge 4–0 with ruthless precision. Harry Kane continued his phenomenal scoring run with two more goals, while Luis Díaz and Lennart Karl were also on target in a display that underlined Bayern’s depth and adaptability. Vincent Kompany’s side were in complete control from start to finish — aggressive when pressing, patient when building, and deadly in transition. Bayern look balanced, confident, and fully capable of going all the way to lift the trophy.

2. Arsenal

Arsenal’s 4–0 demolition of Atletico Madrid was another statement of their maturity and control. With Martin Ødegaard still sidelined through injury, Gabriel Magalhães stepped up as the team’s standout performer — solid defensively, commanding in the air, and decisive in attack with a goal and an assist. Mikel Arteta’s side remain flawless in Europe, combining defensive discipline with ruthless finishing. The Gunners are playing like a team that fully believes they belong among Europe’s elite.

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1. Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain produced a masterclass in Leverkusen, thrashing the Bundesliga side 7–2 in one of the most complete performances of Luis Enrique’s tenure. Desire Doue dazzled with two goals and relentless energy in midfield, Nuno Mendes contributed a goal and an assist from left-back, and Ousmane Dembélé marked his return from injury with a sharp finish. PSG’s tempo, movement, and depth were exceptional — this was a champion’s display in every sense. On this evidence, they remain the team to beat in Europe.

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