What is the current status of each team in the Champions League?
The seventh round of the Champions League group stage starts today. Let’s take a look at the situation of the big teams.
January 20, 2026: The main goal in the 36-team Champions League group stage is to finish in the top eight. It is not easy for all the teams that have dominated Europe, especially with the new format introduced last season. The competition is very close, and small differences can decide who qualifies.
For example, last season, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and the eventual champions PSG did not finish in the top eight during the group stage.
These teams had to play in the knockout stage play-offs from the top 24. Manchester City lost to Real Madrid and was eliminated. Like last season, some big teams are worried about not making it to the top eight this year.
The seventh round of the Champions League group stage starts today. Let’s take a look at the situation of the big teams.
Top Eight Race Heats Up in Champions League
All teams will play eight matches each in the Champions League group stage. After six matches, the top eight teams are Arsenal, Bayern Munich, PSG, Manchester City, Atalanta, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid. Arsenal is at the top with 18 points, having won all six matches.
Bayern Munich is second with 15 points, winning five of six matches. Apart from these two, PSG, Manchester City, and Atalanta have secured their places in the knockout stage play-offs. However, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid are still in danger and can confirm their positions only with their next two matches.
Champions League Top Eight Standings After Six Matches:
| Team | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 17/1 | 18 |
| Bayern Munich | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 18/7 | 15 |
| PSG | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 19/8 | 13 |
| Manchester City | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 12/6 | 13 |
| Atalanta | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 8/6 | 13 |
| Inter Milan | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 12/4 | 12 |
| Real Madrid | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 13/7 | 12 |
| Atletico Madrid | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 15/12 | 12 |
Superpowers in Danger
Last year’s runner-up, Inter Milan, is in trouble, sitting sixth on the points table. Tonight, Inter will face Arsenal. Playing against a team that has won all six matches will not be easy. Inter’s last match is against Borussia Dortmund, making their path to the top eight very challenging.
Real Madrid also has a tough road ahead. The team is in turmoil after Xabi Alonso’s dismissal. Tonight, they will play Monaco, and their final match is against Benfica. If they avoid unexpected losses, Real should win both matches. However, another loss like the one against Albacete could put them in danger.
Like Inter, Real, and Atletico, Liverpool is in ninth place with 12 points from six matches. They are behind on goal difference. The good news for Liverpool is that their next two matches are against relatively easier opponents: Marseille on Wednesday and Qarabag in the final match. If Liverpool wins both, they could secure a top-eight spot and advance directly to the last 16.
Chelsea faces a tougher fight. They have 10 points from six matches. Winning their final two games against Paphos and Napoli could improve their chances.
Barcelona is struggling the most among the title contenders. With 10 points from six matches, Barca sits 15th in the table. It will be very difficult for them to reach the top eight. However, their next two matches are against weaker teams: Slavia Prague on Wednesday and Copenhagen on January 28. Winning both matches would give them a big step forward.
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