The UEFA Champions League 2025-26 top scorers is starting to take shape as we reach the knockout stages, and the race to crown ourselves European champions at the Puskás Arena in Budapest is taking shape in spectacular fashion. With the 36-team extended league stage now over, the contenders have been separated from the contenders and several teams have emerged as clear favorites to lift the trophy. Here’s a breakdown of the sides most likely to go all the way.
Arsenal: The team to beat
If you listen to the bookmakers and data analysts, Arsenal are the clear favorites to win their first Champions League title. Mikel Arteta’s squad have become the first team to achieve a 100% clean sheet in the Champions League stage, winning all eight games and allowing just four goals, a defensive feat that highlights how tough they have become, according to several. football betting sites.
The Gunners have really been a breath of fresh air this season. Their rock-solid defence, creative midfield and sharp attack have made them a force to be reckoned with across Europe. Arteta spoke with his usual passion for his team’s goals, saying before the game against Inter Milan: “In the Champions League, when you have the chance to get something, you have to take it.” He has also been refreshingly honest about what it takes to win European football’s biggest prize, telling ESPN: “When you get to this stage, you have to give it your all.” The real question is whether Arteta’s side can maintain their high standards when the pressure is on and the stakes are incredibly high.
Bayern Munich: clinical and dangerous
Just behind Arsenal in the rankings, Bayern Munich are a team that have really hit their stride under the leadership of Vincent Kompany. Harry Kane continues to be a scoring machine, and Kompany’s side have only dropped points from five games in all competitions in 2025-26, making just one mistake in the league, finishing as runners-up, an impressive display of consistency.
Kompany praised his team’s winning mentality, especially after a string of comeback wins, saying: “It’s a great quality of ours that we always manage to make the difference.” He also stressed that the philosophy guiding his team is refreshing: “If there’s space, you go for the goal, it’s that simple. Basically, everything we do with the ball has to put us in a better position to score.” With Jamal Musiala back on form and a well-organized squad that can dominate most opponents, the Bavarians look set to secure their 11th European title.
Manchester City: Dangerous but inconsistent
Pep Guardiola’s team has been a powerhouse in European football for some time. Although this season has had its ups and downs, they still pose a significant threat in the round of 16. City managed to break into the top eight during the league stage, but the talent in their squad means they should never be underestimated.
That said, his performance in European competitions has been a little underwhelming this year. Guardiola himself has acknowledged the challenges they have faced, especially during a difficult mid-season stretch, saying: “Everything turns a little against us for many, many things… at this level, the Champions League or United at the highest level, it is always more difficult to be consistent.” However, as City have found their rhythm again, a new determination has emerged: “I have no doubt in this competition,” he said, and indicated that the Spanish coach is confident his side can still make a serious push in Budapest.
Barcelona: The Dark Horse
Barcelona may not be the talk of the town this season, but don’t be fooled: they are a serious threat. Under the management of Hansi Flick, the Catalan club have skillfully blended youth talent with a growing sense of European experience, creating an exciting mix of emerging stars and the solid foundation of one of the world’s best clubs.
Flick has been open about his ambitions and the areas they need to work on, recently saying: “We’re working to be better every day. We have to improve the little things, even the very little things, to move forward. That’s what it’s all about, and of course we have a chance to win the Champions League as well. It’s a very big goal for us, and we work every day.” He has also been firm about his style of play, saying: “We are Barça and we want to play our football”. With Lamine Yamal shining, Barça have the offensive power to challenge anyone on their best days.
Liverpool: Faded Favorites
Liverpool started the season as favorites to take the trophy home, but a dip in their domestic performance has really put a dent in those hopes. Although they managed a decent third place in the league, Arne Slot’s side have struggled to find their rhythm of late, and their ups and downs in the Premier League have understandably raised concerns about their chances in Europe.
Slot has been refreshingly honest about the obstacles they face, calling it the toughest season of his managerial journey “by a mile”. When he talked about what it would take to turn things around, he emphasized, “We have to get closer to perfection.” He has not shied away from the reality of what it would mean to miss out on next season’s Champions League, saying: “If we don’t have Champions League football, it’s definitely not been an acceptable season.” On a brighter note, Liverpool’s performances in Europe have been much stronger, so they shouldn’t be counted out as playoff contenders.
Real Madrid: The sleeping giant
no Preview of the Champions League it feels complete without taking a look at Real Madrid, although this season has been a bit of a struggle for the Whites. They found themselves outside the top eight for the second year in a row, facing a tough climb ahead, although they managed to overcome Benfica at two legs to reach the last 16.
New coach Álvaro Arbeloa has made his ambitions clear since he took office, stating in his presentation: “This club is about winning, winning and winning again, it’s about having the will to get trophies and fill this cabinet with trophies. This is my obsession.” More recently, just before the Benfica game, he was just as direct: “Our goal is not just to eliminate Benfica, we’re here to win the Champions League, because that’s what this badge demands of us.” With Kylian Mbappé dealing with a knee problem, the road ahead looks complicated, but Real Madrid, as always, are never out of the running.
The verdict
This year’s Champions League is shaping up to be a spectacle. Arsenal’s impressive consistency makes them favourites, but Bayern Munich are certainly a strong contender. However, in the world of European football, things can take an unexpected turn once the round of 16 begins. With the style of Barcelona, the great talent of City and the great experience of Liverpool, the trip to Budapest is sure to be exciting and whoever comes out on top in Hungary this May will have truly earned their victory.
