Image Source: Sports Illustrated
Champions League standings will begin taking shape as the league phase returns on Wednesday, Sept. 9, with six matches featuring some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Barcelona, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal are all expected to make strong opening statements, although several fixtures could become early tests of their continental ambitions.
Sports Illustrated’s predictions point toward an entertaining night of European soccer, with five of the six games scheduled for the later 8 p.m. BST window. Barcelona and Stuttgart will play earlier, with both home teams projected to secure comfortable victories.
Champions League Standings Predictions for Matchday 1
The opening round does not yet provide a confirmed table, but the predicted results offer an early guide to which clubs could gain momentum in the new league-phase format. Here are the projected scores and the key storylines behind each fixture.
Barcelona Expected to Cruise Past Feyenoord
Prediction: Barcelona 3–0 Feyenoord
Barcelona enter the competition in excellent domestic form, having won all four of their La Liga matches while scoring 17 goals and conceding only twice. Hansi Flick’s team has looked ruthless despite operating without a traditional elite No. 9, and the attack has continued to benefit from the creativity of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Feyenoord are unbeaten through their opening five Eredivisie matches, but a trip to Spotify Camp Nou represents a far more difficult challenge. Barcelona are projected to control possession, create the clearer chances and begin their European campaign with three points.
Stuttgart Tipped to Overpower Viking
Prediction: Stuttgart 4–1 Viking
Viking are making their Champions League league-phase debut after a long absence from major European competition. Their lack of experience could become a major factor against Stuttgart, who have gained valuable continental exposure during the last two seasons.
Stuttgart responded to a heavy opening defeat against Bayern Munich by beating Köln 4–1. Their high-intensity approach and attacking depth make another high-scoring home victory a strong possibility.
Liverpool and Atlético Madrid Set for Explosive Anfield Clash
Prediction: Liverpool 3–2 Atlético Madrid
This fixture produced a 3–2 Liverpool victory last season, and another dramatic contest is expected at Anfield. Liverpool secured their first competitive win under Andoni Iraola last Friday, with Alexander Isak scoring twice against Ipswich Town.
The Reds have shown plenty of attacking promise, but defensive uncertainty remains. Atlético Madrid have also struggled to maintain their traditional resilience, conceding six goals across their last three matches. Those weaknesses could produce an open game, with Liverpool narrowly favored to win another thriller under the lights.
PSG Favored Despite Troubling Domestic Start
Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 3–0 Slovan Bratislava
Defending champions PSG have endured an unexpectedly difficult start to the 2026–27 campaign. Luis Enrique’s side has failed to win any of its four domestic matches since lifting the UEFA Super Cup and currently sits 13th in Ligue 1.
Slovan Bratislava, however, offers PSG an opportunity to restore confidence. The Slovakian club lost all eight of its Champions League matches in 2024–25, and a comfortable home win could provide the champions with a much-needed boost.
Sporting Hold the Edge Over Galatasaray
Prediction: Sporting 2–1 Galatasaray
Sporting have begun their domestic season with four emphatic victories and one draw. Their home record is particularly impressive, with only three defeats in all competitions over the past year.
Galatasaray reached the round of 16 last season but struggled badly away from home. The absence of injured striker Victor Osimhen could further reduce their attacking threat, while Sporting can turn to Luis Suárez, who has scored four times in his last three games.
Arsenal Backed to Pass Napoli Test
Prediction: Napoli 0–2 Arsenal
Arsenal’s trip to Naples looks difficult on paper, but the Premier League champions have made a perfect start to the season. Their 2–1 win over Chelsea highlighted both their creative quality and defensive organization, with Mikel Arteta’s team allowing only 0.9 expected goals per league match.
Napoli, meanwhile, are adjusting to Massimiliano Allegri’s management. After losing at home to Como, they surrendered a two-goal lead in a 3–2 defeat against Inter Milan. Arsenal are therefore projected to claim a clean-sheet victory and make an early statement in the Champions League standings race.
Projected Champions League Results
- Barcelona 3–0 Feyenoord
- Stuttgart 4–1 Viking
- Liverpool 3–2 Atlético Madrid
- Paris Saint-Germain 3–0 Slovan Bratislava
- Sporting 2–1 Galatasaray
- Napoli 0–2 Arsenal
These forecasts suggest a strong opening night for several European heavyweights. Barcelona, PSG and Stuttgart are expected to win comfortably, while Liverpool and Arsenal face more demanding tests. The actual results will determine the first version of the league-phase table and could shape the race for automatic qualification and playoff places.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Champions League standings begin?
The league-phase standings will begin taking shape after the opening fixtures on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Clubs earn points based on their results across the league phase.
Which teams are favored in the predictions?
Barcelona, Stuttgart, PSG and Arsenal are all predicted to win. Liverpool are also favored against Atlético Madrid, while Sporting are projected to narrowly beat Galatasaray.
What is the predicted score for Liverpool vs. Atlético Madrid?
Sports Illustrated predicts a 3–2 Liverpool victory at Anfield in what could be one of the night’s most entertaining matches.
Why could Arsenal beat Napoli?
Arsenal’s strong defensive record and perfect domestic start contrast with Napoli’s recent defensive problems and back-to-back defeats.
