Champions League League Phase: Biggest Winners and Losers

Champions League league phase drama reached new heights as the group stage concluded in thrilling fashion, showcasing football’s unpredictability and passion. From Arsenal’s flawless run to Bodo/Glimt’s heroic qualification, the campaign produced fairytales and heartbreaks in equal measure.

Arsenal Shine With Perfect Record

Champions League league phase leaders Arsenal made history by securing eight wins from eight matches, demonstrating the depth and quality of Mikel Arteta’s squad. The Gunners’ 100 percent record ensures they skip the play-offs—a strategic advantage for a team aiming for an unprecedented quadruple. With Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta, or Olympiacos as possible next opponents, Arsenal’s route to the final looks promising. A crucial rule change will also see top-seeded teams hosting second legs, giving Arsenal an edge in high-stakes knockout ties.

Bodo/Glimt’s Fairy-Tale Run

The Champions League league phase will long remember Bodo/Glimt’s remarkable journey. Hailing from a small Norwegian town, they defied the odds by advancing to the play-offs, toppling giants like Atletico Madrid with courageous performances. Manager Kjetil Knutsen’s belief and tactical brilliance turned his squad into one of the competition’s true Cinderella stories, reminding fans why European nights are so magical.

Sporting CP and Qarabag: Surprise Packages

Sporting CP stunned the football world by beating reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain and then claiming a dramatic late win over Athletic Club to book their place in the last 16. Coach Rui Borges hailed the accomplishment as a historic moment for both club and country.

Qarabag, initially seen as outsiders, made history by qualifying for the knockout stage, sealing progress amid wild celebrations. Their journey included a vital comeback win against Eintracht Frankfurt, underlining the unpredictable nature of the Champions League league phase.

Premier League’s Dominance

This edition of the Champions League league phase underlined English football’s supremacy. Five out of six Premier League teams finished in the top eight: Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester City, with Newcastle also advancing to the play-offs. As Spurs manager Thomas Frank noted, this era’s Premier League dominance is unparalleled, cementing its reputation as the world’s top league.

Champions League League Phase Disappointments

Not all narratives ended in triumph. Villarreal, despite strong La Liga form, exited prematurely after failing to convert their chances and struggling to adapt to European competition. Coach Marcelino admitted his side’s inability to be decisive on both ends was their undoing.

Paris Saint-Germain, last season’s champions, limped into the play-offs after a poor finish and now face mounting pressure to regain momentum. Real Madrid’s campaign also faltered, with new manager Alvaro Arbeloa’s inexperience exposed in a chaotic defeat to Benfica that pushed them out of the top 16.

Conte and De Zerbi Under Fire

Napoli’s Antonio Conte, known for quick turnarounds, couldn’t steer his injury-hit side past the group stage, once again raising questions about his methods in Europe. Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille missed out on progression after a heavy loss to Club Brugge, with the coach acknowledging deep-rooted inconsistency and psychological hurdles within his squad.

Redemption Stories and Big Performers

Benfica, under Jose Mourinho’s leadership, pulled off a dramatic last-second qualification, thanks to goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s unforgettable header. Mourinho’s resilience and European mastery were on full display.

Kylian Mbappe, now starring for Real Madrid, provided hope for the Spanish giants with his clinical finishing, breaking records and carrying Madrid’s Champions League ambitions almost singlehandedly.

EPL Coaches Find Relief in Europe

For Liverpool’s Arne Slot and Tottenham’s Thomas Frank, the Champions League league phase offered much-needed respite from domestic woes. Their European campaigns have bought them time and perhaps a renewed sense of belief heading into the latter stages.

Opinion: Champions League League Phase Captures Football’s Essence

This season’s Champions League league phase encapsulated everything that makes European football unique—emotional highs, astonishing comebacks, and humbling setbacks. Arsenal’s perfect run and Bodo/Glimt’s fairytale remind us that resilience and belief can trump pedigree, while the struggles of giants like PSG and Real Madrid prove that nothing is guaranteed. As the knockout rounds approach, expect more drama and new stories to be written on the grandest stage. Visit for more news and stay tuned for all the latest Champions League action.