The UEFA Champions League 2025-26 has delivered a thrilling league phase, with its expanded 36-team format intensifying the competition for knockout berths.
As we approach the final matchday on January 29, 2026 - where all games kick off simultaneously at 20:00 GMT to ensure fairness - the stakes couldn't be higher. Each team has played seven matches, with one remaining, and the outcomes will determine who advances directly to the round of 16, who enters the knockout play-offs, and who bows out entirely.
Teams Qualified for Champions League Round of 16
Only two teams have mathematically secured direct qualification to the round of 16, underscoring the league phase's competitiveness.
Arsenal (21 points, +18 GD)
The Gunners have been flawless, winning all seven matches to amass an unassailable lead. Even if they lose their final game against Kairat Almaty, their 21 points guarantee at least a top-two finish, as no other team can exceed 20 points (Bayern's maximum is 21, but Arsenal's superior goal difference would prevail in a tie).
Bayern MÜnchen (18 points, +13 GD)
The Bavarians have clinched a top-eight spot with six wins and one loss (to Arsenal). A draw or win in their finale against PSV Eindhoven would confirm a top-four position, but even a loss keeps them safe, as teams below can't catch up sufficiently.
Teams in Strong Position for UCL Top Eight
Several clubs are poised for top-eight finishes but must navigate their final fixture carefully. Here's a look at the current frontrunners and key scenarios, with emphasis on major teams:
Real Madrid (15 points, +11 GD, current 3rd)
The record 15-time champions control their destiny. A win or draw against Qarabağ at home would secure a top-eight spot, potentially even top four, given their strong goal difference. A loss could drop them as low as 12th if rivals like Barcelona and Manchester City win big, forcing them into play-offs.
Liverpool (15 points, +6 GD, current 4th)
The Reds need at least a draw against Leverkusen to likely clinch direct qualification. A win could push them to third, while a loss might see them slip to 10th if others capitalize. Liverpool's balanced attack and defense make them favorites, but they must convert chances to bypass play-offs and maintain momentum.
Other Key Contenders
- Tottenham Hotspur (14 points, +8 GD, current 5th): A victory over Marseille would almost certainly seal a top-eight berth. Their goal difference provides a buffer, but a draw or loss opens the door for chasers.
- Paris Saint-Germain (13 points, +10 GD, current 6th): PSG's superior goal difference is a trump card. Beating Club Brugge should propel them into the top eight; even a draw might suffice if results elsewhere favor them.
- Newcastle United (13 points, +10 GD, current 7th): Similar to PSG, a win against Frankfurt guarantees safety. Their attacking prowess has them well-placed.
- Chelsea (13 points, +6 GD, current 8th): The Blues face a tricky away trip to Athletic Club. A win secures direct qualification; a loss could relegate them to play-offs.
UCL Qualification Scenario: Teams heading to Playoffs
A host of clubs have all but secured at least a play-off spot, meaning they're guaranteed European action in February but must win a two-legged tie to reach the round of 16. This group includes:
- Barcelona (13 points, +5 GD, current 9th): The Catalans are safe from elimination but need a win against Benfica to jump into the top eight. A draw keeps them in play-offs, where as seeds (likely 9-16), they'll face unseeded teams (17-24).
- Manchester City (13 points, +4 GD, current 11th): City can climb to top eight with a strong win over Slavia Praha, but a slip-up means play-offs. Their experience makes them favorites in any tie.
- Atletico Madrid (13 points, +3 GD), Atalanta (13 points, +1 GD), Inter Milan (12 points, +6 GD), Juventus (12 points, +4 GD): These Italian and Spanish giants are virtually assured play-offs. Wins could elevate them, but play-offs offer a second chance - seeded status helps avoid early clashes with peers.
Lower in this bracket, teams like Borussia Dortmund (11 points), Galatasaray (10 points), and even Monaco (9 points) are in, provided they don't collapse. For big names like Barcelona and City, play-offs mean extra games but a manageable route: seeds play unseeded opponents, with no same-nation or prior league-phase matchups allowed.
UCL Elimination Battle
While the mid-table is congested, the bottom is clarifying.
Teams on the Bubble
Clubs like Napoli (8 points, current 25th), Copenhagen (8 points), and Club Brugge (7 points) need wins and favorable results elsewhere to climb into 24th. For instance, Napoli must beat Union SG and hope teams like Olympiacos (8 points, current 24th) lose heavily.
UEFA Champions League Eliminated Teams
Four sides are mathematically out, unable to reach the play-offs even with a final win. They are - Eintracht Frankfurt, Slavia Prague, Villarreal and Kairat Almaty.
