Champions League Power Rankings: New Year Aspirations for Each Team Heading into 2026 with Arsenal Leading
Soccer/Sports

Champions League Power Rankings: New Year Aspirations for Each Team Heading into 2026 with Arsenal Leading

As the Champions League prepares to resume in 2026, key European teams set their sights on goals for the new year, with Arsenal currently at the forefront.

The 2025-26 Champions League season returns in 2026 after a thrilling league phase spanning from September to December. While the top European leagues continue without pause, clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City gear up to contend for the Premier League title, while Bayern Munich dominates the Bundesliga standings. Meanwhile, Juventus is aiming to reclaim its position at the top of Serie A and Real Madrid is recovering from prior struggles. This article features Power Rankings combined with New Year’s resolutions for each team:

1. Arsenal

New Year’s resolution: Secure a trophy, specifically the Premier League, after over 20 years without one.

Arsenal enters 2026 needing to win a trophy, having last lifted the Premier League in 2004. They currently lead the standings, but the competition is tightening.

Are Arsenal struggling? Why Premier League’s leaders seem vulnerable despite consistently winning games

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2. Bayern Munich

New Year’s resolution: Aim to score fewer than three goals in every game, if feasible.

Bayern has scored an astonishing 55 goals in just 15 Bundesliga matches, averaging 3.6 per game this season.

3. Manchester City

New Year’s resolution: Convince Pep Guardiola to remain with the club past the summer.

City faces uncertainty over Guardiola’s future as rumors swirl about a potential departure.

4. Barcelona

New Year’s resolution: Permanently sign Marcus Rashford.

Rashford has made a significant impact this season, and acquiring him is crucial for maintaining team strength, especially given the likelihood of Robert Lewandowski’s departure.

5. PSG

New Year’s resolution: Relive the magic of January 2025, a year when everything went right.

Last year was perfect for PSG under Luis Enrique, and they hope to replicate that success.

6. Atletico Madrid

New Year’s resolution: Reach the final four in the Champions League this time around.

Diego Simeone’s side is performing well and aims for a return to elite European competition.

7. Inter

New Year’s resolution: Ensure at least one trophy awaits them in 2026.

After a disappointing 2025, Inter is determined to change their fortunes under new management.

8. Chelsea

New Year’s resolution: Ensure a harmonious relationship with manager Enzo Maresca.

Recent tensions need to be resolved for Chelsea’s successful continuation this season.

9. Real Madrid

New Year’s resolution: Support their newly appointed coach, Xabi Alonso.

Alonso’s early results have not met expectations, but he is a critical asset for the club’s future.

10. Atalanta

New Year’s resolution: Move past the exit of Gian Piero Gasperini with Ivan Juric as their new coach.

They are on the right path under new management and need time to adjust.

Read more about the predictions for each Champions League team here. Stay tuned for more coverage as the Champions League unfolds in 2026!

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