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Supercomputer Forecasts Final Standings for Champions League Group Stage

As the 2026/27 Champions League season approaches, a supercomputer has attempted to predict how the league phase will end. Paris Saint-Germain are once again favorites to win their third consecutive European title but face tough competition from Premier League champions Arsenal, alongside Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.

This new league format, now in its third year after UEFA's overhaul, makes every match critical as teams aim to secure their best path forward. Some clubs face tougher opponents than others, but Football Ranked's analysts have used statistics, fixture difficulty, and thousands of simulations to generate likely outcomes for the group stage.

Bottom Tier Teams: Struggling to Get Points

Azerbaijan’s Sabah FK, making their Champions League debut, are predicted to finish last with only 2.9 points due to facing the toughest opposition. Similarly, Slovan Bratislava are expected to earn just 3.7 points, while Shakhtar Donetsk, who will play home games at Chelsea’s stadium, are forecasted to collect 4.9 points.

Just above them are LASK (5.6 points) and Slavia Prague (5.7 points), both predicted to struggle. Norway's Viking FK aims to emulate last season’s surprise run by Bodo/Glimt but is projected to finish 31st with 5.9 points, just behind Feyenoord (6.9) and AEK Athens (7.9).

  • Rank 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: Close Calls and Playoff Battles

Teams like Villarreal (9 points), Club Brugge (9.3 points), and Real Betis (9.6 points) are expected to miss out on direct knockout qualification, instead likely entering an extra playoff round. Real Betis might narrowly miss out due to goal difference behind 24th-placed Lille, who share 9.6 points with RC Lens.

Bodo/Glimt, RB Leipzig, and Fenerbahce seem set for smoother paths toward the playoffs. Despite reaching last season’s semi-finals, Atletico Madrid are predicted to finish 19th with 10.9 points, suggesting challenges ahead under Diego Simeone.

  • 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

Mid-Table Teams: Rising Stories and Established Names

Como stands out with an inspiring rise under Cesc Fabregas, predicted to earn 11 points. Porto and PSV are close behind with 11 and 11.3 points respectively. Sporting CP expects 11.7 points, just below Serie A's Roma (12) and Napoli (12.5), boasting players like Kevin De Bruyne and Rasmus Hojlund.

Borussia Dortmund ranks 12th with 13.2 points but continues to rebuild after major changes following their 2024 final appearance. Just outside the top ten is VfB Stuttgart, despite having the easiest fixtures. Europa League winners Aston Villa come in 10th with 14 points, which would be a positive outcome considering their rough start in the Premier League.

  • 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: Battling for Direct Knockout Qualification

Manchester United, returning to Europe's elite, are predicted to finish ninth with 14.1 points, meaning they must contest an extra playoff. This could test manager Michael Carrick, who faces a heavier workload this season.

Barcelona and Liverpool rank eighth and seventh, with 14.8 and 15.4 points respectively. Inter Milan, placed sixth with 16.2 points, look poised to challenge for the trophy again after recent near-misses in finals.

Real Madrid sit fifth with 16.5 points, improving considerably from last season. Under Jose Mourinho, hopes are high for tangible success. Manchester City continue their strong form under Pep Guardiola, expected to accumulate 16.9 points.

Paris Saint-Germain follow closely in third with 17.1 points. Arsenal lead the predictions with 17.7 points, trying to build on last season’s run to the final. But topping the table is Bayern Munich, tipped to collect 18.9 points as they aim to convert their domestic dominance into European glory.

  • 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

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