Champions League League Phase Ends in Chaos: Real Madrid Stunned by Benfica, Arsenal Top Table as Shocks Abound on Final Matchday
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January 29, 2026
The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league phase delivered one of its most dramatic conclusions ever on Wednesday night, with all 18 matches kicking off simultaneously at 21:00 CET. The results produced massive upsets, late goals, and a reshuffled top eight, leaving several giants scrambling for the playoff round while others secured direct passage to the round of 16.
Stunning Upsets Define the Night
The biggest shock came in Lisbon, where Benfica stunned Real Madrid 4-2 in a thrilling encounter. Jose Mourinho's side took full advantage of Madrid's defensive lapses, securing a playoff spot with a last-gasp winner that dropped the defending champions to ninth place — out of automatic qualification for the first time in recent memory.
In Italy, Chelsea edged Napoli 3-2, clinching a top-eight finish and eliminating Antonio Conte's team from Europe entirely. Chelsea's victory ensured they leapfrogged several rivals to secure direct entry to the round of 16.
Liverpool demolished Qarabağ 6-0 in a ruthless display at Anfield, cementing their place high in the standings with a dominant performance. Barcelona also impressed, defeating Copenhagen 4-1 to climb into the top positions.
Arsenal rounded off a perfect league phase with a 3-2 win over Kairat Almaty, finishing unbeaten and claiming top spot overall.
Other notable results included Bayern Munich edging PSV Eindhoven 2-1, Tottenham beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0, Sporting CP overcoming Athletic Club 3-2, and Bodø/Glimt causing an upset with a 2-1 victory over Atlético Madrid.
Final Top Eight: Direct Round of 16 Qualifiers
After the dust settled, the teams advancing straight to the round of 16 are:
- Arsenal
- Bayern Munich
- Liverpool
- Tottenham Hotspur
- Barcelona
- Chelsea
- Sporting CP
- Manchester City
Playoff Round Contenders (9th–24th)
The playoff round will feature high-profile battles, with Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United, Juventus, Atlético Madrid, Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, Olympiacos, Club Brugge, Galatasaray, Monaco, Qarabağ, Bodø/Glimt, and Benfica all entering the two-legged ties.
The knockout playoff draw takes place on January 30, setting the stage for an intense February as the competition heads into its decisive phases.
What It Means
The simultaneous kick-off format created unparalleled tension, with standings fluctuating wildly until the final whistles. Real Madrid's fall from grace, Arsenal's unbeaten run, and several underdog heroics have set up a knockout stage full of intrigue.
With the league phase now complete, Europe's elite clubs prepare for the next chapter, where every tie will be do-or-die. The 2025/26 Champions League is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable campaigns in recent history.
