Champions League Review: Team Grades and Top XI Highlights
The conclusion of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League league phase delivered intense drama and excitement across 36 teams. With a record-breaking 61 goals scored on the final matchday, the stage is set for the knockout rounds. Many teams displayed unexpected performances, while some fell short of expectations.
Champions League Best XI
Evaluating player performances, the following individuals stood out as the best XI of the league phase:
- Goalkeeper: David Raya, Arsenal – Achieved a remarkable 90% save percentage, stopping 18 of 20 shots.
- Right Back: Anan Khalaili, Union Saint-Gilloise – Contributed significantly with three goals and 133 defensive interventions.
- Center Backs:
- Josko Gvardiol, Manchester City – Allowed just four goals in five matches.
- Derrick Luckassen, Pafos – Made 140 defensive interventions, leading the competition.
- Left Back: Nuno Mendes, PSG – Led in ball recoveries and assisted in two goals.
- Defensive Midfield: Joshua Kimmich, Bayern Munich – Top performer with 107 progressive passes and consistent overall performance.
- Central Midfield: Vitinha, PSG – Dominated play with over 100 passes each match.
- Attacking Midfield: Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool – Led the competition in assists with four.
- Right Wing: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona – Recorded three goals and three assists despite limited appearances.
- Center Forward: Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid – Scored 13 goals, leading the league phase.
- Left Wing: Anthony Gordon, Newcastle – Achieved eight combined goals and assists.
Team Grades and Performance Overview
Teams entered the league phase with varying expectations based on prior performances. Here are the grades reflecting how teams fared relative to their forecasts:
Top Performers
- Bayern Munich: Grade A+ – Achieved 21 points against an expected 13, showcasing resilience.
- Arsenal: Grade A – Gathered 24 points beyond the projected 16.6.
- Tottenham Hotspur: Grade A – Exceeded expectations with 17 points, compared to an initial projection of 12.3.
Notable Achievements
- FK Qarabag: Grade A – Finished with 10 points, exceeding expectations of 5.6.
- Atletico Madrid and Atalanta: Both grades A – Each team gained 13 points against projected 11.
Underperformers
- Villarreal: Grade F – Despite being in good domestic form, they managed only 1 point.
- Eintracht Frankfurt: Grade F – Collapsed in the league phase with only 4 points from their matches.
As the Champions League heads into the knockout rounds, the blend of underdog stories and powerhouse performances promises a thrilling continuation of the tournament. Stay updated on all Champions League developments at Filmogaz.com.
