Champions League 2025-26: The Early Frontrunners and Underdogs Shaping Europe’s Elite Competition

As the UEFA Champions League 2025-26 season unfolds, the initial matchdays have already painted a vivid picture of ambition, tactical prowess, and, predictably, a few early stumbles. With the group stage in full swing, the perennial question arises: Who truly possesses the mettle to claim Europe`s most coveted club trophy?

While it’s still early days—the footballing equivalent of judging a marathon after the first mile—the performances from the opening fixtures offer intriguing insights. Six teams, remarkably, have maintained a flawless record, securing maximum points. Among them, a genuine underdog story has captured imaginations, while established titans reaffirm their pedigree. Let`s delve into the clubs that are currently signaling their intent, for better or worse, in the race for European glory.

The Early Pace-Setters: Unblemished Records and Lofty Ambitions

A select group has started the campaign with an enviable perfect streak. These teams have not only won their opening two encounters but have done so with a blend of tactical discipline and sheer firepower, hinting at deep runs in the competition.

Paris Saint-Germain: Defending Champions, Enhanced Resolve

Fresh off their 2024-25 Champions League triumph, Paris Saint-Germain appears to have learned invaluable lessons from previous campaigns. Their early form suggests a team that has not rested on its laurels but rather refined its approach. An emphatic 4-0 home victory against Atalanta was followed by a statement 2-1 win at Barcelona, a fixture laden with narrative given Luis Enrique’s return to his former stomping grounds. Unlike past seasons where they sometimes faltered in the group stages, PSG`s current display radiates a newfound confidence and European experience. Even with key players like the 2025 Ballon d`Or winner Ousmane Dembele facing an early injury, the Parisians have shown a resilience and depth that makes them look, if possible, even more formidable than last year.

Arsenal: Arteta`s Ascendant Gunners

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal has embarked on its European journey with a quiet yet determined efficiency. Consecutive 2-0 victories, first away at Athletic Club and then at home against Olympiacos, underscore a team that has matured significantly. The summer of 2025 saw strategic reinforcements, bringing in talents like Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, substantially boosting Arteta’s options for squad rotation and tactical flexibility. The Gunners are no longer just an exciting prospect; they are now a robust contender. Their upcoming fixture against Atletico Madrid will be a critical litmus test, but the early signs suggest Arsenal finally possesses the comprehensive squad necessary to challenge for the ultimate prize.

Real Madrid: The Perennial Contenders

To discuss the Champions League without acknowledging Real Madrid is akin to discussing art without mention of the Louvre. Under the stewardship of Xabi Alonso, the Blancos have started the season in dominant fashion across all competitions. Despite a recent local derby loss, their European performances have been flawless. A comfortable home win against Olympique Marseille was followed by a truly Herculean journey to Kazakhstan, where they dispatched Kairat 5-0. This expedition, covering 4000 miles, only highlighted their unwavering focus and professional execution. With a blend of seasoned international experience and a revitalized squad, Real Madrid is once again firmly set on course for what would be an astonishing 16th Champions League trophy.

Bayern Munich: The Underrated German Juggernaut

Perhaps the most understated force in the early phase of the tournament is Vincent Kompany`s Bayern Munich. With a perfect five wins from five in the Bundesliga, their domestic dominance is clear. In Europe, they made quick work of Pafos away before delivering a compelling 3-1 victory against Chelsea at the Allianz Arena. Having narrowly missed out on playing last season`s final in their home stadium, there`s a palpable hunger within the squad to right that wrong. New arrivals, such as Nico Jackson, alongside the established pedigree of a player like Harry Kane, make Bayern a profoundly dangerous and, dare we say, perhaps surprisingly underrated contender.

Inter Milan: The Quest for Redemption

Inter Milan’s journey to this point is steeped in a narrative of near misses and a burning desire for revenge. After a crushing 5-0 defeat to PSG in last season’s Champions League final, and another final loss two seasons prior, the Nerazzurri are back with renewed purpose. Under new coach Cristian Chivu, who took the reins from Simone Inzaghi, they’ve started strongly with wins against Ajax and Slavia Prague. While these opponents might not represent the toughest European gauntlet, Inter’s ability to secure comfortable victories points to a team re-finding its rhythm. Tougher tests against Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, and Arsenal loom, which will undoubtedly define their European credibility. With a largely intact squad and the bitter taste of recent final defeats, Inter’s pursuit of redemption could fuel an unlikely, yet powerful, charge for the trophy.

Qarabag: The Surprise Package

No early-season analysis would be complete without a nod to the undeniable surprise of the campaign: Qarabag. The Azerbaijani side has defied expectations, winning both their opening matches. An away victory against seasoned European campaigners Benfica, which humorously led to Jose Mourinho`s appointment as the Portuguese side`s new manager, was followed by a home debut win against Copenhagen. This is the kind of narrative twist that makes the Champions League so compelling, reminding everyone that in football, the script is rarely predictable.

Giants in Gestation: Teams Facing Early Challenges

While some teams are flying, others, despite their formidable reputations, have encountered early turbulence. For these giants, the path to the knockout stages appears to be less a stroll and more a demanding uphill climb.

Barcelona: Defensive Dilemmas Persist

Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona`s attacking talent is undeniable, as showcased in their thrilling away victory against Newcastle. However, their subsequent home loss to PSG highlighted a persistent issue: defensive vulnerability. Last season, their entertaining, high-scoring style often came at the cost of defensive solidity, famously conceding seven goals across two legs in their semi-final exit. The early evidence suggests that this “end-to-end, basketball-like” approach, while thrilling, remains an Achilles` heel that needs urgent rectification if they are to genuinely contend for European honors.

Manchester City: The Price of Evolution

Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City, usually a picture of relentless consistency, seems to be undergoing a period of recalibration. Significant squad adjustments over the summer have led to some tactical experimentation and, perhaps, a temporary dip in their customary suffocating dominance. Two Premier League losses in six games and an away draw against AS Monaco in Europe indicate a team still finding its optimal rhythm. The immense void left by key figures, especially the creative genius of Kevin de Bruyne, is proving no easy task to fill. City certainly possesses the talent and the tactical mastermind to improve, but this season`s early phase suggests they need more time to coalesce into their formidable best.

Liverpool: Searching for European Rhythm

After a stellar 2024-25 Premier League season, Arne Slot’s Liverpool was expected to seamlessly translate that form onto the European stage. However, their Champions League campaign has had a mixed start. A last-minute winner against Atletico Madrid provided some relief, but a subsequent loss to Galatasaray has raised questions. The team`s current play has been described as an overly open, “basketball” style—exciting for neutrals but concerning for those seeking tactical control and defensive solidity from a top-tier side. While they have the pedigree and individual brilliance, Liverpool needs to rediscover the balance that defines a true European contender.

The Road Ahead: Unpredictability Reigns

The beauty of the Champions League lies in its relentless unpredictability. While the early matchdays provide a tempting glimpse into potential narratives, the journey from group stage to the grand final is fraught with challenges, unexpected upsets, and moments of sheer brilliance. The teams dominating now will face tougher tests, and those currently grappling with form have ample opportunity to turn their seasons around. As the European nights continue to ignite, one thing remains certain: the drama has only just begun, and the ultimate victor will be the one who can navigate the labyrinthine path with unwavering composure and a touch of footballing magic.