The Champions League dreams of several clubs have already come to an end, even though the league phase of the 2025–26 competition has yet to conclude.
While all 36 teams that began the campaign entered the new year with at least a mathematical chance of reaching the knockout rounds, the resumption of action after the winter break proved decisive for a few sides. Inability to pick up results in Gameweek 7 confirmed their early exit from Europe’s elite club competition.
With 24 teams set to progress beyond the league phase under the new format, the margin for error has been relatively forgiving. That reality has only heightened the disappointment for clubs eliminated with matches still left to play, knowing that a handful of positive results could have been enough to keep their European hopes alive.
So far, two teams have been officially eliminated from the 2025–26 Champions League.
Villarreal
Villarreal’s European campaign has been a stark contrast to their domestic form. Despite being among the leading sides in Spain this season, the Yellow Submarine failed to translate that success to the continental stage.
Their fate was sealed in Gameweek 7 following a 2–1 defeat to Ajax in a decisive encounter that effectively became a knockout match.
Marcelino García Toral’s side struggled throughout the league phase, managing just a single draw—a 2–2 result against Juventus—which ultimately proved insufficient.
The early elimination represents a major setback for a club that entered the competition with high expectations, particularly given their consistency at home this season.
Kairat Almaty
Champions League debutants Kairat Almaty were the first team eliminated from the tournament. The Kazakhstani side saw their campaign end after a heavy 4–1 loss to Club Brugge, leaving them with just one point from their matches.
Despite the results, Kairat’s participation marked a historic moment for the club, which competed in the Champions League for the first time. Their debut also included a record-setting journey, as they travelled across three time zones—covering roughly 4,300 miles—to face Sporting CP in their opening fixture.
Although their European adventure was short-lived, the experience represents a milestone in the club’s history and provides a foundation to build upon in future continental campaigns.
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