The UEFA Champions League, European football`s most prestigious club competition, has burst back onto our screens with all the drama and unpredictable brilliance we`ve come to expect. Just two matchdays into the league phase of the 2025-26 season, a handful of teams have already laid down serious markers, signaling their intent for European glory. While one surprising Azerbaijani side has certainly turned heads, the real discussion quickly gravitates back to the established powerhouses. Let`s dissect the early contenders and explore why they might just be lifting that coveted trophy in Istanbul.
The Early Frontrunners: Five Teams with Unblemished Records
Paris Saint-Germain: The Reigning Champions` Relentless Pursuit
Fresh off their 2024-25 Champions League triumph, Paris Saint-Germain are showing no signs of resting on their laurels. Under Luis Enrique, Les Parisiens have kicked off their campaign with conviction, delivering a dominant 4-0 home victory against Atalanta and a significant 2-1 statement win away at Barcelona—a reunion that surely added an extra layer of spice for their coach. Last season saw them navigate a trickier league phase, but this year`s start suggests a newfound maturity and self-belief. Even with the absence of their 2025 Ballon d`Or winner Ousmane Dembele due to injury, PSG appear stronger, more cohesive, and utterly focused on building a dynasty. Their European experience has visibly deepened, transforming them from ambitious challengers to confident, serial winners.
Arsenal: Arteta`s Gunners Aim for European Elite Status
For years, the Champions League has been a missing piece in Arsenal`s modern trophy cabinet, but Mikel Arteta`s squad seems determined to change that narrative. With two clean 2-0 victories against Athletic Club away and Olympiacos at the Emirates, the Gunners have started their European journey with a quiet but firm confidence. The summer 2025 transfer window, which brought in talents like Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, has significantly bolstered their squad depth and quality. This isn`t the Arsenal of old; this is a team with genuine rotational options and tactical flexibility, positioning them as serious contenders. Their upcoming fixture against Atletico Madrid in London will be a true litmus test, but the early signs suggest a squad finally ready to compete at Europe`s highest level.
Real Madrid: The Eternal Champions and Their Quest for La Decimosexta
Discussing the Champions League without mentioning Real Madrid is akin to discussing art without mentioning paint. It simply isn`t done. The Spanish giants possess an almost mystical connection with this competition, and under Xabi Alonso, they`ve begun their quest for an astonishing 16th title with characteristic authority. Their formidable domestic start, albeit marred by a recent derby loss to Atletico, has been mirrored in Europe. A comfortable home win against Roberto De Zerbi`s Olympique Marseille was followed by an impressive 5-0 thrashing of Kairat, even after a 4000-mile journey. Real Madrid`s blend of legendary international experience and a revitalized squad makes them an intimidating force. They don`t just participate; they expect to win, a self-fulfilling prophecy that often defines their European campaigns.
Bayern Munich: The Understated German Juggernaut
Perhaps the most underrated force in the opening phase of this Champions League season is Vincent Kompany`s Bayern Munich. While their domestic form has been flawless with five Bundesliga wins from five, their European performances have been equally compelling. An away victory against Pafos and a commanding 3-1 win over Chelsea at the Allianz Arena underscore their quiet dominance. Having narrowly missed out on playing last season`s final in their home stadium, the Bavarian giants are visibly eager to prove their mettle. With astute summer signings like Nico Jackson complementing established stars such as England captain Harry Kane, Bayern boasts a blend of power, precision, and relentless German efficiency. Underestimating them would be a grave error; they are a machine steadily building momentum.
Inter: The Nerazzurri on a Revenge Mission
Inter Milan`s journey in the Champions League has been fraught with near misses, having painfully lost two finals in the last three seasons—first to Manchester City and then, agonizingly, 5-0 to PSG last season. This history fuels their current campaign, a palpable sense of revenge driving the team. Under new coach Cristian Chivu, who took the reins from Simone Inzaghi, Inter has started positively with a 2-0 win against Ajax and a 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague. While these early opponents might have been “easier” tests, the determined performances suggest a squad that, despite changes, retains its core and a burning desire for redemption. Tougher challenges against Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, and Arsenal await, but if any team can harness past disappointments into future triumphs, it`s this resilient Inter side.
Giants in Transition: The Road Ahead for Barcelona, Manchester City, and Liverpool
While the top five have made strong starts, other European titans are navigating choppier waters, reflecting the intense competition at this level.
Barcelona: The Attacking Flair, Defensive Frailties
Hansi Flick`s Barcelona showcased their attacking prowess with an exciting away win against Newcastle but then succumbed to PSG at home. The enduring concern for the Catalan side remains their defensive vulnerability. Last season`s semi-final exit, where they conceded seven goals over two legs against Inter, highlighted a significant imbalance. Despite a roster brimming with attacking talent, the early fixtures suggest that this fundamental defensive issue has yet to be fully addressed. Opponents, it seems, are still finding ways to exploit their weaknesses, turning past conceded goals into current tactical blueprints.
Manchester City: The Echo of De Bruyne`s Absence
Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City, usually a benchmark of consistency, appears to be in a phase of recalibration. Significant roster changes over the summer mean the team is still integrating new pieces and refining tactical concepts. Two Premier League losses in six games and an away draw against AS Monaco in the Champions League indicate they haven`t quite hit their customary stride. The void left by a player of Kevin de Bruyne`s caliber is undeniably substantial and takes time to fill. City certainly possess the talent and potential to surge later in the tournament, but their early form suggests a team still very much a work in progress.
Liverpool: The “Basketball” Approach Under Scrutiny
After dominating the 2024-25 Premier League, expectations for Arne Slot`s Liverpool in Europe were understandably high. However, their Champions League campaign has delivered mixed results: a last-minute victory against Atletico Madrid followed by a surprising loss to Galatasaray. The team`s style has drawn sharp criticism, with CBS Sports` Jamie Carragher famously remarking, “I don`t feel like I`m watching a top team. Liverpool aren`t playing football at the moment, they`re playing basketball.” This “end-to-end” nature, while entertaining, might not be sustainable against Europe`s most tactically disciplined sides. Liverpool clearly possesses immense talent, but finding the right balance in their European approach will be crucial for deeper progression.
The 2025-26 Champions League season is still in its infancy, but the early narrative is already compelling. While the usual suspects are asserting their dominance, the struggles of other giants remind us that European football offers no easy path. As the league phase progresses and the knockout rounds draw nearer, the stakes will only intensify, promising more unforgettable moments on the grandest club stage.
Dominic Ashworth