The UEFA Champions League is the elite of European football, where the world’s best clubs compete. Ahead of us are the final matches of matchdays 7 and 8 of the Champions League group stage this season.
We would like to remind you that last year a revolutionary format change was introduced — after the league phase with 8 matchdays, the top 8 teams qualify directly for the Round of 16, while teams placed 9–24 first compete in the Round of 32.
This is a crucial moment, as some teams have almost secured qualification, while others are still fighting for every goal and every point. Here you will find the Champions League table, team form, statistics, and favorites. Find out who has a chance to finish in the TOP 8 and who may end up in the playoffs.
After six matchdays of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league phase (as of January 2026, ahead of matchdays 7 and 8 scheduled for January 20–21 and 28), the table shows clear divisions.
Arsenal (18 points) remain unbeaten with a perfect record (6 wins out of 6), including a 4–0 victory over Atlético, a 3–0 win against Club Brugge, and a 3–1 triumph in the top clash with second-placed Bayern. They are the only team with a 100% success rate, which makes them the current leaders.
Second in the table, Bayern Munich have 15 points — the Bavarians recorded confident wins over Brugge (4–0) and PSG (2–1). Meanwhile, PSG, Manchester City, and Atalanta, who follow in the standings, are also showing excellent form.
On the other hand, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Chelsea have already suffered several draws and defeats. However, these clubs usually show their full potential only in the knockout stage. Therefore, for example, FC Barcelona, currently 15th in the table, still have a chance to win the title. As PSG head coach Luis Enrique (Barcelona coach from 2014–17) stated:“Apart from PSG, FC Barcelona are among the candidates to win the Champions League. They are playing brilliantly, at a very high level, and this is just the beginning. Very few teams have such a clear identity. Barça and we are candidates to fight for the title.”
Team form largely mirrors their performances in the Champions League:
Here are the teams dealing with squad shortages:
In the current season, a lot of goals are being scored - on average there are 3-3.5 goals per match. The teams that score the most are PSG (19), Borussia (19), and Bayern (18). In terms of goals conceded, the best defense belongs to Arsenal (1), Inter (4), and City and Newcastle (6). Here is the Champions League table presenting the best teams, taking into account the balance of goals scored vs. goals conceded.
The differences between playing at home and away are noticeable. Home advantage still provides an edge. Here are the statistics:
On the other hand, here is the Champions League table taking away form into account:
Arsenal has the biggest chance to finish 1st in the group stage — a perfect record of 6 wins, 18 points, and a +16 goal difference gives them a 3-point advantage over Bayern.
The Bavarians (15 points) remain the main threat, but they need miracles in the remaining matches. Current odds and team lineups can be checked on the portal 888starz-polska.com/, where the teams’ chances of winning are updated in real time.
PSG, City, and Atalanta (13 points) must complete the formalities by winning or drawing their matches to stay in the TOP 8. Why is it still worth following Champions League matches today? (broadcast) — because there will be plenty of excitement while watching the matches of matchdays 7 and 8.
At the end of the group stage, there will be no shortage of showdowns, as well as matches where surprises may happen.
Borussia Dortmund vs Inter: A rematch hit – the winner can overtake rivals and jump into the TOP 8.
Benfica vs Real Madrid: Benfica at home against a weakened Real – a loss for the Madrid side could push them into the playoffs. Meanwhile, Benfica is fighting to qualify for the Round of 16.
PSV Eindhoven vs Bayern Munich: Bayern (strong attack) away – PSV has great results against English teams, an upset is possible.
Arsenal vs Kairat Almaty: For Arsenal, it’s a formality, but every goal will improve their record defense (only 1 conceded in 6 matches).
UEFA Champions League enters the decisive phase, where individuals can decide the result and qualification for the Round of 16. Below are the key players, their form, and possible one-on-one matchups.
Teams fighting for a spot in the table guaranteeing direct qualification to the Round of 16:
Meanwhile, teams fighting to qualify for the TOP 8:
Teams from places 16–31 will fight for qualification to the Round of 32. Teams such as Marseille, Juventus, Galatasaray, Monaco, Bayer Leverkusen, PSV, Qarabağ, and Napoli must win their matches if they dream of staying in the 16–24 range.
Currently outside the qualification zone are Benfica, Pafos, Royale Union, and Athletic Bilbao, who urgently need points.
Conclusions for bettors and fans? The new format once again shows its unpredictability: Barcelona, Real, and Liverpool are in the middle of the table, while several mid-table teams have a chance for historic qualification. Fans can expect excitement in the February playoffs of the Round of 32, and experts agree: this Champions League season is one big lottery until the very end.
The new competition format has flattened the Champions League table, and even European giants still cannot be sure of direct qualification. Arsenal shows the greatest consistency, with a perfect record of wins. Bayern, PSG, Manchester City, and Atalanta are close to the TOP 8, but any slip-up could push them into the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, Tottenham, Borussia, Barcelona, and Liverpool still have some margin for error, but the pressure before the final matchdays is significant. They will fight for whether they qualify directly to the Round of 16 or into the playoffs in the Round of 32.
Key to the table standings will be direct clashes such as Inter vs Arsenal, Borussia vs Inter, and Real’s matches against Monaco and Benfica, which could completely reshuffle the stakes.
