Supercomputer Predicts the 2025/26 Champions League League Phase Table – Ranked

The Champions League is set for a thrilling 2025/26 campaign, and a supercomputer from Opta Analyst has simulated the outcome of the league phase. The model predicts a mix of expected dominance from Europe’s elite and a few surprising eliminations. Here’s how the predicted table looks — starting from the bottom all the way to the top.

36. FC Kairat — 3.11 pts

FC Kairat are expected to finish at the very bottom of the league table. Their maiden Champions League appearance was always going to be a massive challenge, and the supercomputer doesn’t see them picking up enough points to stay competitive.

35. AFC Ajax — 5.90 pts

AFC Ajax have a proud European history, but this campaign looks set to end in disappointment. Opta’s prediction sees them falling short, unable to replicate their past glories on the continental stage.

34. Slavia Prague — 6.29 pts

SK Slavia Prague have earned respect with gritty performances in Europe before, but this time the numbers are against them. Despite their experience, progression beyond the league phase seems unlikely.

Read also: Newcastle’s squad wages revealed: from prospects to top earners

33. Athletic Club — 6.57 pts

Athletic Club are tipped to come close but ultimately miss the play-offs. Their energetic, high-intensity football may trouble some opponents, but it’s not enough to break into the top 24.

32. PSV Eindhoven — 6.86 pts

PSV Eindhoven were seen as potential dark horses, yet they are projected to fall just short. Despite their attacking potential, they’re expected to bow out early in the competition.

31. FC Copenhagen — 6.99 pts

F.C. Copenhagen are no strangers to Europe, but the supercomputer suggests a campaign of narrow defeats and missed opportunities. They’re expected to finish outside the play-off positions.

30. FK Bodø/Glimt — 7.24 pts

FK Bodø/Glimt have been one of the most exciting stories in recent years. However, Opta’s prediction indicates their dream run will end at the league stage of their first Champions League campaign.

Read also: The 50 greatest Premier League players of all time

v29. Pafos FC — 7.82 pts

Pafos FC are the surprise entrants this season. Their journey to the Champions League was historic, but their lack of experience is expected to catch up with them.

28. Benfica — 8.04 pts

S.L. Benfica, with Jose Mourinho back at the helm, were expected to make waves. Yet, the supercomputer sees them exiting early, a sign that pedigree alone may not be enough.

27. Olympiacos — 8.61 pts

Olympiacos F.C. have a rich European tradition but are projected to fall well short of the knockouts. Their campaign is predicted to be defined by inconsistency.

26. AS Monaco — 8.85 pts

AS Monaco FC showed flashes of quality early in the competition, but their overall performance may not be enough. Despite a late equalizer against Manchester City, the algorithm predicts elimination.

Read also: The 23 Highest-Paid Players in the French National Team - Ranked from Lowest to Highest

25. Bayer Leverkusen — 9.21 pts

Bayer 04 Leverkusen, last season’s domestic double winners, are the highest-profile casualty of this stage. Their predicted exit at 25th is a major surprise, signaling how unforgiving the league format can be.

24. Eintracht Frankfurt — 9.45 pts

Eintracht Frankfurt are tipped to secure the last play-off spot by the finest of margins. It’s not a dominant campaign, but enough to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

23. Villarreal — 9.56 pts

Villarreal CF often find a way to make it through European campaigns, and Opta expects no different. Their predicted 23rd-place finish ensures a seat at the play-off table.

22. Olympique de Marseille — 9.66 pts

Olympique de Marseille are projected to qualify for the knockouts despite an uneven campaign. Their passionate home support could prove crucial in tight matches.

Read also: The Top 10 Favorites for the 2025 NFL MVP Award

21. Union Saint-Gilloise — 10.30 pts

Royale Union Saint-Gilloise continue their remarkable rise with a predicted play-off berth. They may not be favorites, but their journey is one of the competition’s best stories.

20. Club Brugge — 10.51 pts

Club Brugge KV are tipped to join their Belgian counterparts in the next round. Consistency rather than brilliance may define their progress.

19. Sporting CP — 10.58 pts

Sporting CP are predicted to quietly make it into the play-offs. A disciplined side, they could be a tricky opponent in the knockout qualifiers.

18. Galatasaray — 10.76 pts

Galatasaray S.K. earned headlines with a big win over Liverpool. Opta sees them building on that momentum to secure another chance in the play-offs.

Read also: Ranking The 20 Biggest Payrolls in the Premier League 2025/26

17. Qarabağ FK — 11.01 pts

Qarabağ FK are set to become the first Azerbaijani club to reach this stage. Their 17th-place finish would be a historic achievement.

16. Juventus — 11.02 pts

Juventus F.C. are projected to grab the last seeded play-off spot. It may not be their most convincing campaign, but it’s enough to keep their hopes of a deep run alive.

15. Atlético de Madrid — 11.80 pts

Atlético de Madrid are predicted to do what they do best: battle their way into the knockouts. Diego Simeone’s men may not light up the competition, but they rarely go quietly.

14. Atalanta — 12.47 pts

Atalanta B.C. have become regulars in Europe’s top competition. They’re expected to remain competitive and cause problems for bigger sides in the play-offs.

13. Newcastle United — 12.93 pts

Newcastle United F.C. are projected to continue their European rise with a solid campaign. They may not top the charts, but their high-energy style will give opponents trouble.

12. Napoli — 13.13 pts

S.S.C. Napoli are predicted to secure a seeded play-off spot. With key summer signings, they could be a dangerous contender in the knockouts.

11. Tottenham Hotspur — 13.25 pts

Tottenham Hotspur F.C. are tipped to finish strongly in the league phase. Their attacking depth could make them a dark horse in the later rounds.

10. Borussia Dortmund — 13.34 pts

Borussia Dortmund are expected to just miss automatic qualification. Still, they remain a dangerous side capable of going deep through the play-offs.

9. Chelsea — 13.87 pts

Chelsea F.C. narrowly fall short of the top eight. Under Enzo Maresca, they’ll look to make a statement in the knockout qualifiers.

8. Barcelona — 15.07 pts

FC Barcelona are expected to automatically qualify for the Round of 16. Under Hansi Flick, they’ve shown signs of revival and could be a serious contender.

7. Inter Milan — 15.16 pts

Inter Milan have been so close to European glory in recent years. The supercomputer expects them to secure a strong top-eight finish and another deep run.

6. Liverpool — 15.39 pts

Liverpool F.C. are projected to finish comfortably in the automatic qualifying spots. As Premier League champions, expectations will be high for a serious title challenge.

5. Manchester City — 15.57 pts

Manchester City F.C. are expected to narrowly miss out on the top four. Pep Guardiola’s side will still be considered among the favorites once the knockout rounds begin.

4. Real Madrid — 15.59 pts

Real Madrid CF under Xabi Alonso are projected to take a strong fourth place. Their pedigree and knockout experience make them a major threat.

3. Bayern Munich — 16.07 pts

FC Bayern Munich are expected to finish in the top three, powered by a strong start and the form of Harry Kane. They’ll be among the favorites to lift the trophy.

2. Paris Saint-Germain — 17.39 pts

Paris Saint-Germain F.C., the defending champions, are projected to come very close to topping the table. Luis Enrique’s team remains one of the most dangerous in Europe.

1. Arsenal — 18.51 pts

Arsenal F.C. are predicted to finish top of the league phase with a comfortable gap. Mikel Arteta’s side are flying, and Opta’s model believes they’re the team to beat in this season’s Champions League.