The single-league phase of the new Champions League ends with a clear impression: the new format continues to deliver, as for the second year in a row, it has rewarded consistency while showcasing unpredictability.
Before diving into surprises and disappointments, though, a few special mentions are a must. Above all, Arsenal. Eight matches, eight wins, 23 goals scored, and just four conceded: the best attack and the best defence in the competition. A total, technical and mental dominance that confirms the maturity of Mikel Arteta’s project.
Then, the miracle workers. Qarabag, who managed to qualify for the play-offs despite a heavy 6-0 defeat at Anfield yesterday, and Benfica, who snatched their spot at the very last second thanks to a header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.
Also worth mentioning is the achievement of Club Brugge, who, with a 3-0 win over Olympique Marseille, knocked Roberto De Zerbi out of the top 24, with the coach increasingly under fire from both the media and fans.
And then there’s a stat that weighs heavily: not a single Italian team are among the top eight, while five out of six English sides made it, along with Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Sporting.
It’s a snapshot of Premier League dominance that’s now beyond dispute. It’s clear that the new Champions League format has rewarded those who gave everything on the pitch and punished those who thought their name alone would be enough. And perhaps, more than anything, that’s the biggest message of all.
Surprises
Tottenham – 4th
Looking at the standings, the first big surprise is undoubtedly Tottenham. They finished fourth with 17 points from eight games, earning a direct spot in the round of 16 with authority.
It’s a remarkable result compared to their disastrous league campaign, where Spurs are languishing in 14th. The contrast is stark: the same Thomas Frank who celebrated in Europe yesterday had, just days earlier, been forced to listen to nostalgic chants for a former manager after a 2-2 draw with Burnley. But in the Champions League, Tottenham have shown they can be a real team.
Sporting – 7th
The second pleasant surprise is Sporting Clube de Portugal. No one expected them among the top eight, yet the Portuguese side earned every single point. The decisive moment was Alisson Santos’s 94th-minute goal at San Mames, which sent his team through and knocked Real Madrid out of the elite.
And the truth is, Sporting’s path was anything but easy: PSG, Napoli, Juventus, and Bayern along the way. A brutal schedule, faced with personality and courage.
Bodo/Glimt – 23rd
And what about Bodo/Glimt! 23rd place and a play-off spot clinched in the last two rounds, just when the schedule looked like a death sentence: Manchester City at home and Atletico Madrid away.
Yet, they pulled off two wins, two feats, and turned a dream into reality. After six rounds, no one would have bet on them - not even the most optimistic Norwegian fan. But Bodo have written one of the tournament’s best stories, unlike Pafos, who missed out by a whisker.
Disappointments
Real Madrid – 9th
The most bitter disappointment belongs to Real Madrid fans. January ends even worse than it began: defeat in the Super Cup against Barca, Xabi Alonso sacked, humiliation in the Copa del Rey at Albacete, and now, elimination from the top eight of Europe’s premier competition - even though a draw would have been enough.
Recent wins under Arbeloa had raised hopes, but the problems run deeper and won’t be easy to fix. The real question in Madrid isn’t whether Arbeloa is up to the job, but whether the real issue was the previous coach or a squad planning that’s clearly lacking.
Paris Saint-Germain – 11th
Paris Saint-Germain follow closely behind. 11th place, missing out on the top eight despite being one of the favourites. Last year’s triumphant run from the play-offs was epic, but back then the project was still under construction.
This year, expectations were higher for the reigning European champions. Instead, they managed just two points from their last three games: a draw in Bilbao and another at home against Newcastle, after losing to Sporting. A win would have been enough. They didn’t get it. That’s why the verdict can only be negative.
Napoli – 30th
Finally, perhaps the most bitter and striking disappointment: Napoli. Knocked out, but never really in the competition. Two wins, two draws, and four defeats sum up the reigning Italian champions, who played the Champions League almost as an afterthought, focused elsewhere.
Yesterday’s defeat at the Maradona against Chelsea was a perfect metaphor: effort, yes, but only so much belief. Antonio Conte - who can point to a long injury list - said his team deserved the play-offs, but the numbers say otherwise: eight points, nine goals scored, fifteen conceded. Quite simply, they didn’t earn qualification.
