The UEFA Champions League 2025-26 season has kicked off with a pulse-pounding promise of drama and upsets. While the usual heavyweights—Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Real Madrid—are the prime suspects for clinching the title, history and the latest format shake-up tell a different, more exhilarating tale. This revamped competition, ditching the predictable group stage for a league phase, wrings every drop of tension from each matchday. That means no room for complacency and ample opportunity for so-called “underdogs” to throw their weight around and spoil the party. From the fiery terraces of Marseille’s Velodrome to the chilly northern lights backdrop of Bodø Glimt’s home turf in Norway, a handful of sleepers look primed to upend expectations. Let’s dive headfirst into five surprise teams that could very well become the season’s biggest disruptors in the Champions League show.
Olympique Marseille: Harnessing Velodrome Fury and Tactical Ingenuity to Challenge Champions League Giants
Marseille, under the guidance of Roberto De Zerbi, have transformed into one of Europe’s most intriguing projects this season. The French side, who sealed second place in Ligue 1 last year, take on the Champions League with fierce home support and tactical discipline that bely their underdog label. Despite internal clashes like the high-profile dressing room spat between Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe, which led to their exclusion, the squad remains focused and confident.
Marseille’s challenge isn’t just about the players on the pitch but also the fortress atmosphere at the Velodrome. The undying passion of their fans makes it a cauldron that has historically unsettled the likes of Liverpool, Ajax, and Real Madrid, whom they face in this season’s league phase. This schedule pits them against teams of all calibers, with trips to iconic stadiums and crucial home fixtures offering opportunities to collect vital points.
- Upcoming fixtures include high-stakes encounters: Home clashes vs Liverpool, Ajax, and Newcastle
- Challenging trips to face Real Madrid, Atalanta, and Sporting CP
- De Zerbi’s Champions League managerial savvy, refined since his days at Shakhtar Donetsk, offers a tactical edge
- Velodrome’s intimidating atmosphere is pivotal to their home advantage
- Squad depth that can absorb injuries and disciplinary issues and still maintain competitive edge
The blend of proven Champions League experience and fiery home support means Marseille are more than capable of causing chaos. Their tactical setup emphasizes high-intensity pressing and quick transitions, capitalizing on the blistering pace of their wingers and the creativity of Rabiot’s midfield presence before his suspension. Overcoming teams like Liverpool and Real Madrid would require flawless execution, but the ambitions are sky-high. Marseille’s resurgence also revitalizes the fierce Ligue 1 rivalry, which you can explore in more detail, including Lyon’s cross-town battles, in this dedicated feature.
| Team | Home Fixture | Away Fixture | Key Player | Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympique Marseille | Liverpool, Ajax, Newcastle | Real Madrid, Atalanta, Sporting CP, Club Brugge, Union Saint-Gilloise | Mattéo Guendouzi | Roberto De Zerbi |
Galatasaray’s Ambitious European Push Fueled by World-Class Signings and Fiery Fanbase Energy
Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray have stormed their way back into the Champions League spotlight with audacious summer signings and fiery determination. The arrival of Victor Osimhen, securing a permanent move from Napoli after an impressive loan spell, marks a statement of intent. Partnering with former Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane, who joined on a free transfer, Galatasaray isn’t here to make up the numbers.
Their home games at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium are notoriously hostile for visitors. The passion and relentless chants from the stands create a daunting environment that rivals the atmospheres seen in the most famed European stadiums. This season, their schedule includes clashes against Champions League stalwarts and emerging contenders alike, spotlighting their ability to upset the balance.
- Host major clubs like Liverpool and Atletico Madrid in key group clashes
- Face away challenges against giants including Manchester City and Ajax
- Leverage the creative prowess of Leroy Sane alongside Osimhen’s goal-scoring instincts
- Drive tactical adaptability under coach Okan Buruk
- Utilize the fervent fan atmosphere as a competitive weapon
Galatasaray’s European campaign is about more than results; it’s a quest to rewrite the narrative about Turkish clubs dominating on the continental stage. Given that the Champions League’s new format rewards consistency over only a handful of matches, their fiery home form could collect crucial points. This Duke-of-the-Anatolia style clash parallels the excitement and rivalries found in the 2025 England Euro campaign, where home advantage and crowd energy frequently turned matches on their head.
| Team | Home Fixture | Away Fixture | Key Players | Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galatasaray | Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, Bodø/Glimt, Union Saint-Gilloise | Manchester City, Eintracht Frankfurt, Ajax, AS Monaco | Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sane | Okan Buruk |
Athletic Club’s Return to Europe’s Elite Stage with Retained Talent and Tactical Stability
After nearly a decade absent from the Champions League stage, Athletic Club’s 2025 return is a breath of fresh Basque air. Coached by Ernesto Valverde, they boast the patience and consistency to compete with Europe’s best. A vital arrow in their quiver is the emergence and contract extension of the electrifying Nico Williams, who flirted with a Barcelona move but stayed loyal, providing pace and unpredictability from the flanks.
Their solid start to the LaLiga campaign, with two wins from two matches, bodes well for a tightly contested European adventure. Athletic’s gritty, physical style will put immense pressure on technical teams like PSG and Arsenal. Their schedule encapsulates a mix of titans and outsiders, demanding tactical acumen and squad resilience.
- Open with a home battle against league champions PSG
- Host Arsenal and Sporting CP, challenging both tactical and technical skills
- Visit high-energy venues including Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park and Newcastle
- Rely on a core group of players with European experience and Basque spirit
- Valverde’s tactical flexibility adapting to diverse opponents
Despite the presence of global powerhouses such as PSG and Borussia Dortmund in their group, Athletic’s never-say-die attitude will be their hallmark. When last in the Champions League during the 2014-15 season, they left with memories that still inspire the squad today. Their fans are known for creating a fortress-like atmosphere at San Mamés, comparable to iconic rivalries like Arsenal vs. Tottenham which you can explore further in this feature on football’s fiercest derbies.
| Team | Home Fixture | Away Fixture | Key Player | Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Club | PSG, Arsenal, Sporting CP, Qarabag | Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, Slavia Praha, Newcastle | Nico Williams | Ernesto Valverde |
PSV Eindhoven: Dutch Dynamism, Reinforced Squad, and Strategic Champions League Ambitions
PSV Eindhoven have emerged as one of the strongest Dutch squads in recent memory and arguably the most dangerous underdog in this season’s Champions League pursuit. Their 2024-25 run was impressive, knocking out Juventus in the playoffs before succumbing to Arsenal, but the club’s ambitions for 2025-26 have risen sharply. Manager Peter Bosz has bolstered his ranks with exciting talents like Dennis Man from Parma and Paul Wanner, while experienced campaigners such as Ivan Perisic and the USMNT’s Ricardo Pepi fuel their attacking front.
Return from injury for Pepi injects much-needed firepower just at the right moment, making PSV a team to watch out for in matches against European heavyweights. Their schedule is packed with high-drama games, including confrontations with Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Atletico Madrid. Opportunism, tactical fluidity, and fearless play are their hallmarks.
- Clashes with Bayern Munich and Liverpool promise eye-catching duels
- Home advantage leveraged against Napoli and Union Saint-Gilloise
- Versatile attacking options with Perisic and Pepi backed by Bosz’s tactical nous
- A inspired squad seeking deeper progression than previous campaigns
- Strategic experience navigating through knockout stakes beyond the league phase
PSV’s rise echoes the Dutch tradition of total football, blended with modern power and pace. Their affinity to unlock defences with quick passing attacks draws parallels with Ajax’s historic styles—both clubs challenging Europe’s elite with flair and tactical creativity. For a broader look at other capable European squads outside the usual suspects, and how their exploits shape competitions, explore our analysis on top European conference league contenders for a wider perspective.
| Team | Home Fixture | Away Fixture | Key Players | Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSV Eindhoven | Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Napoli, Union Saint-Gilloise | Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen, Olympiacos, Newcastle | Ricardo Pepi, Ivan Perisic | Peter Bosz |
Bodø/Glimt: Norway’s Cold-Weather Contenders Bringing Brutal Efficiency to Champions League
Making their Champions League debut, Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt has gone from European minnows to a formidable presence in a matter of years. Their historic qualification marks the first time a Norwegian side graces Europe’s top competition since over 18 years ago. Bolstered by European runs deep into the UEFA Europa League last season, where they became the first Norwegian team to reach semifinals, Bodø/Glimt’s evolution has been rapid.
Their modest home stadium Aspmyra, seating just over 8,200, is set under the aurora borealis in a town of 55,000 residents—an unlikely yet imposing fortress. The cold Norwegian climate is a challenge few teams relish, creating an almost visceral advantage for Bodø/Glimt. This season pits them against European kings and emerging talents alike, ranging from Manchester City to Juventus and Tottenham.
- Home games likely to be battlefields against heavyweights like Manchester City and Tottenham
- Traveling tests at Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid, where tactical resilience is essential
- Opportunity to captain a historic Norwegian football renaissance
- Compact, efficient squad built for endurance and counter-attacking football
- Aspiring to rewrite Scandinavian club history in Europe, stepping beyond past limits
For the uninitiated, clubs like Bodø/Glimt are the beating heart of football’s global culture, proving that giants aren’t just the ones with mega budgets or legendary fans. Their rise resonates with stories across Europe of clubs from smaller leagues staging unforgettable moments. You may find parallels with other respected but underrated clubs such as RB Leipzig, Porto, and Benfica, who have mastered balancing budget constraints with European dreams. The very essence of this competition thrives in such narratives, where giants can be shaken and legends born.
| Team | Home Fixture | Away Fixture | Notable Opponents | Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bodø/Glimt | Manchester City, Juventus, Tottenham, AS Monaco | Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Slavia Praha, Galatasaray | Manchester City, Juventus, Tottenham | Kjetil Knutsen |
