A Look at The 25′-26′ UEFA Champions League
Nicolas Margarit
Staff Writer
The 2025–26 UEFA Champions League has already had its fair share of shocks and surprises, and the competition is now well into the new format of the tournament. With teams from across Europe competing in the knockout stages in a bid to reach the final of Europe’s premier club competition, this season continues under UEFA’s expanded structure. Instead of traditional groups, the teams competed in a single league table, with the top eight teams in the Round of 16 seeded, and teams ranked 9th to 24th were put into pots for two-legged matches. The bottom twelve teams were eliminated entirely.
Since the tournament started, it’s clear that the English clubs have been the most impressive. Arsenal have been the most consistent in the competition, and they are also one of the teams that look very likely to win it. Outside of them, Manchester City and Liverpool have started off hot, and both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are far from being eliminated. In other parts of Europe, several familiar monsters have reminded the world why they remain a threat in this competition. Bayern Munich finished second and Barcelona fifth in the league phase, placing them in great positions heading into the Round of 16 and reinforcing their status as perennial contenders.. The biggest shock in the top eight was Sporting CP, who were the only club among them not considered a traditional powerhouse.
This playoff round has been extremely demanding for Europe’s clubs. A number of thrilling matches have been played across the continent as teams battle for the final spots in the knockout stages. In almost every case, it has been an intense fight for the last tickets to the next round. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain advanced, but not without pressure and scrutiny. Teams such as Atalanta, Newcastle United, Atletico Madrid made it through as well.
But when it comes to this season, I must say that my tip for the Champions League is actually the relatively unknown Bodø/Glimt from Norway. They are one of the most exciting teams we have seen in the last period. They play with an extremely attack-oriented style and, at the same time, look very calm and self-assured against any opponent. Thanks to their tight team cohesion, they have shown that they can surprise stronger sides from the bigger European leagues – and even defeat them.
There are still major storylines yet to unfold as the tournament continues. Arsenal is looking to maintain their impressive form and secure their first European title, while Manchester City and Bayern Munich will rely on their experience and pedigree in the competition to prove their strength in the latter stages. Real Madrid, meanwhile, are hoping to return to the winning ways that have traditionally defined them in this tournament, while also regaining the level of consistency that has long been a hallmark of their participation. As the competition draws closer to the quarterfinals and semifinals, the margin between teams is shrinking, the games are becoming closer, the leads are becoming smaller, and the pressure is beginning to show.
Contact Nicolas at margarn1@shu.edu