Supercomputer Forecasts Final Champions League League Phase Standings

As the 2026/27 Champions League season approaches, a supercomputer has run simulations to forecast how the league phase might conclude. Paris Saint-Germain remain the top favourites, aiming for a third straight European title, but formidable challengers like Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Real Madrid loom large.

The revamped format, now in its third year since UEFA's overhaul before 2024/25, means every match carries weight. Football Ranked’s analysts combined statistical data, fixture difficulty, and thousands of simulations to produce these projections.

Bottom Tier Predictions (Ranks 36-28)

Azerbaijan’s Sabah FK faces a daunting debut in the competition, predicted to finish last due to an extremely tough lineup. Other struggling clubs include Slovan Bratislava, with an expected 3.7 points, and Shakhtar Donetsk, who will host matches at Chelsea’s stadium and are forecasted to gather only 4.9 points. Just ahead are LASK (5.6) and Slavia Prague (5.7).

Viking FK from Norway are placed 31st with 5.9 points, hoping to mirror Bodo/Glimt’s recent success. They trail Feyenoord (6.9 points) and AEK Athens (7.9 points). Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray is ranked 28th with 8.5 points, reflecting their unpredictable form.

• 36. Sabah: 2.9 points
• 35. Slovan Bratislava: 3.7 points
• 34. Shakhtar Donetsk: 4.9 points
• 33. LASK: 5.6 points
• 32. Slavia Prague: 5.7 points
• 31. Viking: 5.9 points
• 30. Feyenoord: 6.9 points
• 29. AEK Athens: 7.9 points
• 28. Galatasaray: 8.5 points

Mid-Lower Table (Ranks 27-19)

Villarreal (9 points), Club Brugge (9.3 points), and Real Betis (9.6 points) are projected to fall short of direct knockout qualification, possibly heading to the playoff round. Real Betis may just miss out due to an inferior goal difference compared to 24th-ranked Lille.

RC Lens, also on 9.6 points, could face a tense final league phase clash with Slavia Prague. Meanwhile, Bodo/Glimt (10 points), RB Leipzig (10.6 points), and Fenerbahce (10.8 points) seem set for a smoother playoff journey. Despite reaching last season’s semi-finals, Atletico Madrid is predicted to finish 19th with 10.9 points, signalling a tougher campaign.

• 27. Villarreal: 9.0 points
• 26. Club Brugge: 9.3 points
• 25. Real Betis: 9.6 points
• 24. Lille: 9.6 points
• 23. RC Lens: 9.6 points
• 22. Bodo/Glimt: 10.0 points
• 21. RB Leipzig: 10.6 points
• 20. Fenerbahce: 10.8 points
• 19. Atletico Madrid: 10.9 points

Middle Rankings (Ranks 18-10)

Como is capturing hearts with their fast rise under Cesc Fabregas, predicted to earn 11 points. Porto and PSV are close behind, with 11 and 11.3 points respectively.

Sporting CP are expected to reach 11.7 points, just below Serie A sides Roma (12 points) and Napoli (12.5 points), the latter featuring stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Rasmus Hojlund. Borussia Dortmund sit 12th with 13.2 points, still recovering from major roster changes following their 2024 final run.

VfB Stuttgart narrowly miss the top 10 despite facing the easiest opponents, with 13.3 points. Just above them, Europa League holders Aston Villa (14 points) would welcome this outcome after a rough Premier League start including a 4-0 loss to Brighton.

• 18. Como: 11.0 points
• 17. Porto: 11.0 points
• 16. PSV: 11.3 points
• 15. Sporting CP: 11.7 points
• 14. Roma: 12.0 points
• 13. Napoli: 12.5 points
• 12. Borussia Dortmund: 13.2 points
• 11. VfB Stuttgart: 13.3 points
• 10. Aston Villa: 14.0 points

Top Tier Predictions (Ranks 9-1)

Manchester United are set to return strongly but may just miss direct knockout qualification, predicted ninth with 14.1 points, meaning they would face an extra playoff. This will test manager Michael Carrick, who already has a heavy workload this season.

Barcelona and Liverpool surpass United in the standings, placed eighth and seventh with 14.8 and 15.4 points. Inter Milan in sixth look ready for another deep run after two recent finals, gathering 16.2 points.

Real Madrid improve markedly to fifth with 16.5 points under Jose Mourinho, while Manchester City continue their strong form with 16.9 points. In third, Paris Saint-Germain sit close behind the leaders, with 17.1 points.

Arsenal hold second place with 17.7 points, trailing only Bayern Munich, who lead the league phase with a remarkable 18.9 points, thanks to their strong domestic and continental form.

• 9. Manchester United: 14.1 points
• 8. Barcelona: 14.8 points
• 7. Liverpool: 15.4 points
• 6. Inter Milan: 16.2 points
• 5. Real Madrid: 16.5 points
• 4. Manchester City: 16.9 points
• 3. Paris Saint-Germain: 17.1 points
• 2. Arsenal: 17.7 points
• 1. Bayern Munich: 18.9 points