Opta projections rank Liverpool higher than Real Madrid for Champions League title

The 2026/27 Champions League league phase commences tonight, with Liverpool preparing for an opening match against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. Statistical projections from Opta assign Andoni Iraola’s side a 6.11% probability of winning the trophy. This ranking places Liverpool sixth among all competitors, positioning the club ahead of 15-time champions Real Madrid, who hold a 4.4% chance, and Manchester United at 3.82%. Arsenal currently lead the statistical favorites with a 20.88% probability, followed by Bayern Munich and Manchester City. Despite narrowly securing qualification for this season’s tournament via a UEFA European Performance Spot, expectations for the squad center on achieving a top-eight finish in the league phase to bypass the February knockout play-offs. Following Wednesday's home game, Liverpool will face Fenerbahce and Inter on the road.

• 6:35 AMYahoo Sports — Liverpool given better chance of Champions League glory in 2026/27 than Real Madrid