The league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League kicks off this week, with 36 clubs — including Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Juventus, Arsenal and Chelsea — vying for places in the knockout rounds.
Under the new format, the top eight teams in the standings will automatically progress to the Round of 16. Clubs finishing between ninth and 24th will contest two-legged play-offs, with the winners advancing to face seeded teams. Those ranked 25th or lower will exit the competition entirely, without the safety net of a Europa League drop-down.
PSG enter the campaign as defending champions after a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in last season’s final at the Allianz Arena. Luis Enrique’s side defeated Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal on their way to the club’s first-ever Champions League triumph.
Remarkably, the French champions only finished 15th in last year’s league phase, forcing them into a play-off before building momentum that ultimately carried them to the title.
Fixtures this week include PSG against Atalanta at Parc des Princes, Bayern Munich hosting Chelsea, Athletic Bilbao facing Arsenal, Real Madrid against Marseille, Manchester City versus Napoli, and Liverpool’s clash with Atletico Madrid at Anfield.
Lagos-based football journalist Femi Fabunmi highlighted the importance of determination and adaptability, citing PSG’s route to glory.
“Any team that secures a top-eight finish has the advantage of time to regroup and restructure,” Fabunmi explained. “For PSG, the play-off stage provided balance, and their focus carried them all the way. Determination was key.”
Looking ahead, Fabunmi tipped Liverpool, Barcelona, Napoli, Juventus, PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as the leading contenders for this year’s crown.
