Champions League Power Rankings: Juventus in crisis after terrible week; Arsenal and Barcelona at the top
CBS Sports
by
Francesco Porzio
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2025-26 Champions League playoffs are heating up as 16 teams compete for the final eight spots in next month's knockout stage. The tournament is shaping up with some of Europe’s biggest names leading the charge, while others face challenges that could define their seasons. Arsenal and Barcelona have emerged as key players, with Arsenal topping the Premier League and Barcelona back at the top of LaLiga despite Real Madrid’s recent stumble. Meanwhile, Juventus finds itself in a crisis after a tough week, potentially jeopardizing its Champions League hopes.
Arsenal continues to shine under manager Mikel Arteta, sitting atop the Premier League following a dominant 4-1 victory over Tottenham in the North London Derby. The team is on track for its first league title in over two decades and remains a strong contender in Europe. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich leads the Bundesliga with an 8-point gap over Borussia Dortmund, making it nearly impossible for the latter to catch up. The upcoming Der Klassiker between these German giants will be a pivotal match to watch.
Barcelona has reasserted its position at the top of LaLiga after Real Madrid’s loss to Osasuna, despite its recent inconsistency under manager Hansi Flick. The Spanish club remains a contender in multiple competitions, with a chance to secure major trophies this season. PSG, last season’s Champions League winners, is also making noise despite setbacks, including key injuries. Their playoff clash against AS Monaco has shown they are still formidable.
Real Madrid and Manchester City remain strong contenders despite recent struggles. Real Madrid faces a crucial second leg of its playoff against Benfica, while Manchester City, despite a challenging season under Pep Guardiola, remains in contention for both the Premier League and Champions League. Inter Milan’s recent 3-1 loss to Bodo/Glimt highlights the challenges faced by teams competing on multiple fronts
Verticals
sports
Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/23/2026