Champions League 2025/26: Supercomputer Predicts Final League Phase Table
The 2025/26 Champions League is about to deliver one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory, thanks to the introduction of the new league phase format. With 36 teams involved and eight matches each, the competition promises drama from the first kick to the last. The top eight teams will progress automatically to the Round of 16, while those between ninth and 24th will have to fight it out in tense two-legged play-offs. Those finishing 25th or lower will see their European journey end before Christmas. AI has now simulated the entire league phase and produced a predicted final table — with some surprising results, including Newcastle just scraping into the play-offs and Manchester City expected to dominate. Here’s the full ranking from 36th to 1st, complete with points and key storylines.
36. Kairat Almaty – 1 Point
Kairat Almaty are predicted to pick up just a single point from eight matches. The Kazakh side will bow out of the competition early, struggling to cope with the quality of opposition.
35. Pafos – 2 Points
Pafos, who recently signed veteran David Luiz, are only expected to earn two points. Despite their ambition, they remain heavy underdogs at this level.
34. Atalanta – 3 Points
Once dark horses under Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta look set for a tough campaign with just three points predicted. Ivan Juric’s men may find the new format unforgiving.
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33. Stade Brestois – 4 Points
The French side are expected to collect four points across their fixtures. Brestois’ return to Europe could be a short-lived experience.
32. Shakhtar Donetsk – 5 Points
Shakhtar, regulars in this competition, are tipped to end on five points. It would mark a disappointing campaign for the Ukrainian giants.
31. Bodo/Glimt – 5 Points
The Norwegian champions are also predicted to finish with five points but sit just above Shakhtar on goal difference. Their attacking style might not be enough to survive the new format.
30. Villarreal – 6 Points
Marcelino’s Villarreal are projected to collect six points but still crash out. Their fifth-place La Liga finish last season won’t be enough to carry them through.
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29. Qarabag – 6 Points
The Azerbaijani side are also predicted to finish on six points. Qarabag will fall just short of a place in the play-off zone.
28. Slavia Prague – 7 Points
Slavia Prague are tipped to finish with seven points. A respectable showing, but not enough for a play-off place.
27. Celtic – 7 Points
Celtic match Slavia Prague with seven points but remain behind on goal difference. The Scottish giants will be disappointed not to reach the knockout stages.
26. Marseille – 8 Points
Marseille are expected to pick up eight points but still finish just outside the play-off places. Their European campaign ends earlier than fans will hope.
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25. Olympiacos – 9 Points
Olympiacos are predicted to finish on nine points and agonisingly miss out on progression. The Greek side will fall just one place short of the play-offs.
24. Newcastle United – 9 Points
AI predicts Newcastle will just sneak into the play-off positions with nine points. Eddie Howe’s men will hope their European pedigree helps them advance further.
23. PSV Eindhoven – 10 Points
PSV are tipped to finish with 10 points, giving them a good chance in the play-offs. The Dutch giants will look to build on a strong domestic showing.
22. Galatasaray – 10 Points
Galatasaray match PSV’s 10 points but remain behind them on goal difference. The Turkish side’s fiery home atmosphere could be crucial in the play-offs.
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21. Ajax – 11 Points
Ajax are predicted to earn 11 points, enough for a mid-table finish in the play-off zone. They’ll rely on their famed youth to get them through.
20. Bayer Leverkusen – 11 Points
Despite a turbulent start and the sacking of Erik ten Hag, Leverkusen are projected to finish with 11 points. They’ll aim to regroup before the play-offs.
19. Porto – 12 Points
Porto are expected to take 12 points and will enter the play-offs with confidence. Their European experience could make them a tough opponent.
18. Napoli – 12 Points
Even with Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne in midfield, Napoli are tipped to finish on 12 points. The Italian side will have to fight their way through the play-offs.
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17. Club Brugge – 13 Points
Club Brugge are predicted to earn 13 points after an impressive start against AS Monaco. They will be among the play-off favourites.
16. Eintracht Frankfurt – 13 Points
Frankfurt also finish on 13 points but edge Brugge on goal difference. They will look to overcome the absence of Hugo Ekitike in their knockout push.
15. Juventus – 14 Points
Juventus are projected to collect 14 points, enough for a strong play-off seeding. The Bianconeri will be aiming to get back among Europe’s elite.
14. Benfica – 14 Points
Benfica match Juventus on 14 points but sit just behind on goal difference. The Portuguese side will look to make a deep run from the play-offs.
13. Tottenham Hotspur – 15 Points
Fresh off their Europa League triumph, Spurs are tipped to rack up 15 points. They will be confident of progressing to the Round of 16.
12. Sporting CP – 15 Points
Sporting CP also claim 15 points but edge Tottenham on goal difference. Their exciting young squad could be a handful in the knockout stages.
11. Chelsea – 16 Points
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are predicted to collect 16 points, a solid haul that shows their progress. The Blues will be dangerous opponents for anyone.
10. Borussia Dortmund – 16 Points
Dortmund also pick up 16 points but sit just ahead of Chelsea on goal difference. Their high-tempo football could make them a nightmare in the play-offs.
9. Atletico Madrid – 17 Points
Diego Simeone’s men secure 17 points, just missing automatic qualification. Atleti’s defensive steel will make them a tough side to beat in the play-offs.
8. Inter Milan – 17 Points
Inter Milan just squeeze into the automatic knockout spots with 17 points. Christian Chivu’s side will rely on the Lautaro Martínez–Marcus Thuram strike partnership.
7. Liverpool – 18 Points
Arne Slot’s Liverpool are predicted to finish with 18 points and a healthy goal difference. The Reds’ summer spending spree appears to be paying off.
6. Barcelona – 18 Points
Barcelona also finish with 18 points but pip Liverpool on goal difference. Hansi Flick’s side will look to make a statement with their young stars like Lamine Yamal.
5. Bayern Munich – 19 Points
Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich secure 19 points and look set for another deep Champions League run. The Bundesliga giants remain one of Europe’s most feared teams.
4. Arsenal – 19 Points
Arsenal match Bayern’s points tally but finish ahead on goal difference. Mikel Arteta’s men are desperate to finally claim the one trophy that has eluded them.
3. Real Madrid – 20 Points
Real Madrid continue their love affair with the Champions League, finishing with 20 points. The 15-time winners are once again among the favourites.
2. Paris Saint-Germain – 21 Points
The reigning champions collect 21 points, winning seven of their eight games. Luis Enrique’s men remain the benchmark for the rest of Europe.
1. Manchester City – 22 Points
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City lead the way with 22 points, dropping points in just one match. The holders of the Premier League title are determined to add another Champions League trophy to their growing collection.
