What's Happening?
British magazine FourFourTwo has released its rankings for the top contenders in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is ranked as the favorite to win, followed by Barcelona and Liverpool. Real Madrid, traditionally a strong contender, has fallen outside the top three. The rankings come as the Champions League undergoes a format change, replacing the group phase with a single league phase featuring 36 teams. Each team will play eight matches, and the top eight will advance directly to the round of 16.
Why It's Important?
The rankings highlight the shifting dynamics in European soccer, with PSG emerging as a dominant force. This shift could impact the financial and competitive landscape of the sport, as clubs vie for top talent and sponsorships. The new Champions League format aims to increase competition and viewership, potentially affecting broadcasting rights and revenue distribution. Real Madrid's lower ranking may prompt strategic changes within the club to regain its competitive edge.
What's Next?
As the Champions League progresses, clubs will need to adapt to the new format and strategize to secure a top-eight finish. The rankings may influence transfer market activity, as clubs seek to strengthen their squads. Fans and stakeholders will be closely watching the performance of top-ranked teams like PSG, Barcelona, and Liverpool, as well as the response from traditionally strong clubs like Real Madrid.
