Champions League power rankings 2025–26: who’s still standing after matchweek 4?
From shock exits to title favourites, the Champions League has already delivered a whirlwind of drama. With 36 teams vying for European glory in this season’s revamped format, here’s how they all stack up — from early casualties to genuine contenders — after four weeks of action.
36. Kairat Almaty – fairytale run ends early
Kairat Almaty made history by reaching the group stage after knocking out Celtic, but the Kazakh champions were always massive underdogs. Their lack of experience has shown, and they’ve found the level a step too far.
35. Pafos – red cards and rude awakenings
Despite domestic dominance in Cyprus, Pafos have struggled to adapt to the Champions League. Two red cards in their first three matches and a thrashing by Bayern Munich highlight just how steep the climb is.
34. Copenhagen – overwhelmed and outplayed
Copenhagen's 4-0 loss to 10-man Tottenham summed up their European campaign. A lack of fight and quality leaves them rock bottom in their group with slim hopes of recovery.
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33. Bodo/Glimt – Arctic threat fails to ignite
Though capable of springing surprises, Bodo/Glimt’s Champions League debut has been underwhelming. Holding Spurs to a 2-2 draw in London was a bright moment, but it’s likely as good as it gets.
32. Slavia Prague – familiar faces, fading hopes
Slavia Prague returned to the group stage but haven’t made a lasting impression. Losing their star man to West Ham and lacking attacking spark has left them chasing shadows in Europe.
31. Olympiacos – past glories not enough
Despite upsetting Fiorentina in last year’s Conference League final, Olympiacos have looked short on quality. Previous wins over Arsenal in Europe show pedigree, but they need a miracle this time.
30. Qarabag – bright start fades quickly
Qarabag impressed early with a win at Benfica and a second victory over Copenhagen. But a loss to Athletic Bilbao cooled momentum and suggests their run may not last.
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29. Villarreal – inconsistency the killer
Villarreal are solid in La Liga but haven’t quite hit their stride in Europe. A mixed start means they're unlikely to break into the later stages unless they find form fast.
28. Club Brugge – Belgian pride takes a knock
Club Brugge demolished Rangers and shocked Monaco, but a heavy loss to Bayern reminded them of the gap to the elite. There’s potential here, but consistency remains elusive.
27. Ajax – giants in name only
Once among Europe’s most feared sides, Ajax are now a shadow of their former selves. Struggling in the Eredivisie and enduring heavy defeats in Europe, their golden era feels distant.
26. Benfica – Mourinho magic not enough
José Mourinho has returned to Portuguese football, but even his nous hasn’t lifted Benfica beyond mediocrity. A respectable loss at Chelsea was followed by a sobering defeat to Newcastle.
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25. Union Saint-Gilloise – Belgian newcomers learning fast
Union SG impressed with a strong domestic start and a shock 3-1 win over PSV. But as debutants, their lack of European experience could hold them back when it matters most.
24. Athletic Bilbao – tradition meets tough fixtures
Bilbao remain fan favourites thanks to their Basque identity, but a nightmare schedule has hurt their chances. Defeats to Arsenal and a trip to Newcastle have made progress difficult.
23. Eintracht Frankfurt – thrill or spill
A 5-1 win followed by a 5-1 defeat shows how unpredictable Frankfurt can be. Their ability to score and concede in equal measure makes them entertaining — but risky.
22. Atalanta – lost without Lookman
With Ademola Lookman sidelined and manager Ivan Juric under pressure, Atalanta look toothless. A heavy loss to PSG and a dull draw with Slavia Prague underline their struggles.
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21. PSV – domestic form not translating
PSV may have pipped Ajax to the Dutch title last season, but they’ve not yet found their rhythm in Europe. A lack of cutting edge has kept them mid-pack in the power rankings.
20. AS Monaco – talent, but little end product
Monaco have flair in Maghnes Akliouche and solid performances against City and Spurs. Yet, back-to-back draws suggest they lack the killer instinct to go deep in the tournament.
19. Juventus – still stuck in transition
With Luciani Spalletti now in charge, Juventus are hoping for a revival. But poor early results and a lack of cohesion continue to weigh down a once-dominant club.
18. Bayer Leverkusen – post-Alonso hangover hits hard
Xabi Alonso's exit triggered a player exodus, and the chaos hasn’t stopped. New manager Kasper Hjulmand is stabilizing things, but Leverkusen are still reeling from a turbulent off-season.
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17. Marseille – drama on and off the pitch
Roberto De Zerbi’s tenure has been as unpredictable as the team’s performances. Strong Ligue 1 form contrasts with off-field tension, but stars like Greenwood and Gomes offer hope.
16. Sporting CP – holding firm without their stars
Sporting lost key figures in Gyökeres and Amorim, yet remain Portugal’s top side. New striker Luis Suárez is showing promise, but European progression remains a challenge.
15. Galatasaray – this year’s dark horse?
Victor Osimhen’s arrival has transformed Galatasaray into a serious threat. Wins over Liverpool and Bodo/Glimt show they mean business, and their spending spree might just pay off.
14. Napoli – midfield brilliance, injury worries
With Kevin De Bruyne pulling strings, Napoli look potent — but his injury casts doubt over their prospects. Conte’s European track record also raises questions about how far they’ll go.
13. Borussia Dortmund – goals win games
Golden Boot co-winner Serhou Guirassy continues to shine for Dortmund. Last year’s runners-up were unbeaten in Europe but Manchester city ended that streak, if they maintain momentum they could go a long way.
12. Tottenham Hotspur – flying under the radar
Europa League winners Spurs are thriving under Thomas Frank, with a soft group helping their case. Xavi Simons brings flair, and they could sneak into the quarter-finals with ease.
11. Newcastle United – hungry and fearless
Eddie Howe’s side stunned PSG in 2023–24 and have brought that same intensity into this campaign. Despite losing Alexander Isak, Newcastle are proving they belong at this level.
10. Chelsea – young, fearless and ready
Back in the Champions League for the first time since 2023, Chelsea are eager to make up for lost time. Their Club World Cup triumph under Enzo Maresca has sparked belief.
9. Atletico Madrid – never count them out
Diego Simeone’s team thrive in knockout football and have already shown resilience this season. A thrashing of Frankfurt and near-comeback against Liverpool show they’re still a threat.
8. Inter – slow Serie A form, strong in Europe
Despite a managerial change and a sluggish domestic start, Inter have won all three Champions League games. Their tournament experience could keep them competitive deep into the campaign.
7. Barcelona – talent building, but drought lingers
Ten years without a Champions League trophy feels like forever for Barca. Under Hansi Flick, with Yamal, Lewandowski and new signing Rashford, they’re edging closer to ending that wait.
6. Real Madrid – Mbappé era begins
Kylian Mbappé’s red-hot form under Xabi Alonso has Real Madrid back in the conversation. Still, a shaky loss to Liverpool proves they're not untouchable just yet.
5. Manchester City – the champions that never fade
City’s league form may be patchy, but in Europe they’re still solid. Guardiola, Haaland, and Rodri give them a foundation to make another deep run.
4. Arsenal – rebuilding for revenge
A brutal exit at PSG's hands last year lit a fire under Mikel Arteta's team. With new recruits adding quality and depth, Arsenal are ready to go one better this season.
3. Liverpool – attack loaded, results uneven
Big-money signings show Liverpool’s intent, and they’ve already toppled Madrid. But defeats like the one in Turkey reveal they’re still working out the kinks under Arne Slot.
2. PSG – defending champs showing cracks
Last season's winners haven’t looked as sharp, with key injuries and stiffer competition slowing them down. Still, their proven track record keeps them high in the rankings.
1. Bayern Munich – Europe’s most complete side
Unbeaten and brimming with belief, Bayern Munich have hit top gear. A massive away win over PSG confirmed their status as favourites, and with Harry Kane in fine form, they’ll be hard to stop.
