The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league phase kicks off this week, setting the stage for months of high-stakes football featuring 36 of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Among the contenders are heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Manchester City, and Juventus, all vying for spots in the knockout rounds of the continent’s most prestigious competition.
Under the revamped format, all 36 teams contest the league phase. The top eight finishers qualify directly for the Round of 16, while clubs placed 9th to 24th will battle through two-legged play-offs. Teams finishing 25th and below face outright elimination, with no drop into the Europa League.
PSG Begin Their Title Defence
Reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain open their campaign at home against Italian side Atalanta. Under manager Luis Enrique, the Parisians stunned Europe last season by clinching their first-ever Champions League trophy.
Their road to glory was remarkable: after finishing just 15th in the league phase, PSG battled through the play-offs before eliminating Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal, culminating in a 5–0 demolition of Inter Milan in the final at Munich’s Allianz Arena.
The victory silenced critics who doubted PSG’s mental strength and proved that even teams outside the top eight could still march to the title through resilience and grit.
Big Fixtures on the Horizon
This week’s action promises blockbuster clashes:
- Bayern Munich vs Chelsea
- Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal
- Real Madrid vs Marseille
- Manchester City vs Napoli
- Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid
With so many heavyweight battles early on, the race for the coveted top-eight spots—and an easier path in the knockouts—will be fierce from the outset.
Expert View: Focus and Resilience Key
Lagos-based sports journalist Femi Fabunmi believes determination will once again separate champions from challengers.
“Any team who finishes in the top eight has time to reset and strategize, but the play-off stage can also be a turning point,” he explained.
“For PSG last season, that stage gave them momentum, and they rode it all the way to the title. Focus and resilience made the difference.”
Who Can Challenge PSG?
Fabunmi highlighted several strong contenders this season, naming Liverpool, Barcelona, Napoli, Juventus, PSG, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich among the frontrunners.
As the tournament unfolds, fans worldwide will be watching to see if PSG can defend their historic crown—or if one of Europe’s traditional giants will reclaim the throne.
