Arsenal Perfect, Tight Race for Spots in Champions League League Phase
SYDNEY, 19 January 2026 – The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League league phase has reached a critical juncture, with Arsenal setting a blistering pace at the summit. The Gunners are the only side with a perfect record after six matches, leading a congested table where mere points separate the teams battling for direct qualification to the round of 16.
League Phase Standings Snapshot
The revamped 36-team league phase has delivered drama across the continent. Arsenal sit atop the pile with a maximum 18 points, boasting a formidable +16 goal difference. They are followed closely by the likes of Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester City, who are all within five points of the leaders. At the other end of the table, Kairat Almaty and Villarreal find themselves in a difficult position with just one point each.
Key Facts & Upcoming Fixtures
| Team & Position | Record (W-D-L) | Points |
|---|---|
| 1. Arsenal | 6-0-0 | 18 pts |
| 2. Manchester United | 5-0-1 | 15 pts |
| 3. Paris Saint-Germain | 4-1-1 | 13 pts |
| 8. Atlético Madrid (Cut-off) | 4-0-2 | 12 pts |
| 17. Juventus (Play-off seeded cut-off) | 2-3-1 | 9 pts |
| 36. Kairat Almaty | 0-1-5 | 1 pt |
Recent and upcoming fixtures highlight the intense competition, with matches such as Internazionale vs Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur vs Borussia Dortmund, and Real Madrid vs AS Monaco pivotal for the standings.
How to Watch in Australia
Australian football fans can follow every moment of the UEFA Champions League exclusively on Stan Sport. The streaming service holds the broadcast rights for the 2025-26 season, offering live coverage and on-demand replays of all matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the new Champions League format work?
The 2025-26 season features a single 36-team league phase, replacing the traditional group stage. Each team plays eight matches (four home, four away) against different opponents. The top eight teams qualify directly for the round of 16. Teams finishing 9th to 24th enter a two-legged knockout play-off for the remaining eight round of 16 spots.
Which teams are currently in the direct qualification spots?
As of 19 January 2026, the top eight teams are: Arsenal, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Atalanta, Internazionale, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid.
When does the knockout phase begin?
The knockout phase play-offs for teams finishing 9th to 24th are scheduled for February 2026. The round of 16 for the top eight finishers and play-off winners will commence later that same month.