2026
Bayern Munich Unveils Three-Tier Squad Structure: First Team, Cup Specialists and Rising Stars Ready for New Era
Munich – Bayern Munich appear set to enter a new season (S28) with a carefully balanced squad structure that combines world-class experience, squad depth, and an exciting generation of young prospects. Based on the latest squad layouts, the Bavarian giants have assembled three distinct groups: a powerful first team designed to challenge for major honors, a competitive cup team capable of rotating without sacrificing quality, and a highly talented youth side that could shape the club's future for years to come.
With proven internationals, emerging stars, and academy prospects all playing key roles, Bayern's depth may be one of the strongest foundations the club has possessed in recent seasons.
First Team Built to Compete for Every Trophy
The projected first-choice XI features a blend of elite experience and technical quality across every area of the pitch.
Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Oblak
Defenders: Ryerson, Rudiger, Van Hecke, Hancko
Midfield: Onana, Neves, De Ketelaere
Attack: Antony, Lewandowski, Doku
At the heart of the side stands veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, whose return to a leading role would instantly provide Bayern with one of the most feared goalscorers in world football. His movement, finishing, and leadership remain invaluable assets, particularly in decisive League fixtures.
Supporting him are two explosive wingers in Jérémy Doku and Antony. Doku's direct dribbling and pace give Bayern a dangerous weapon on the left flank, while Antony's creativity and technical ability offer balance on the right. Together they provide the width and attacking unpredictability modern football demands.
Behind the front three, Bayern's midfield combines intelligence and athleticism. João Neves acts as the technical conductor, controlling possession and dictating tempo. Charles De Ketelaere brings creativity between the lines and can contribute both goals and assists, while Amadou Onana—deployed in a midfield role according to the lineup—adds physicality, ball-winning ability, and a commanding presence in central areas.
Defensively, Bayern look particularly formidable. David Hancko and Jan Paul van Hecke provide composure and ball-playing quality, while Antonio Rudiger delivers experience, aggression, and leadership. Julian Ryerson offers versatility and work rate from the right side.
The final piece is Jan Oblak, one of Europe's most respected goalkeepers. His positioning, reflexes, and calmness under pressure provide the security every title-winning side requires.
A Team Built Around Balance
What stands out most is the balance throughout the lineup. Bayern possess:
- Pace in wide areas
- Creativity in midfield
- Physical strength in defensive zones
- Elite finishing up front
- World-class goalkeeping
The combination suggests a team capable of dominating possession while also thriving in transition against the world’s strongest opponents.
Cup Team Provides Exceptional Depth
Modern football demands more than a strong starting eleven. Successful clubs require quality rotation options capable of maintaining standards throughout domestic and world campaigns.
Bayern's cup team appears designed precisely for that purpose.
Cup XI
Goalkeeper: Oblak
Defenders: Williams, Mourinho, Araujo, Kouassi
Midfield: Jauregizar
Attacking Midfield: Mayulu, El Khannouss
Attack: Sarr, Mikautadze, Ngumoha
While often labeled a "second team," this lineup contains enough quality to challenge most opponents on its own.
Mikautadze Leads the Attack
At the center of the attack stands Georges Mikautadze, whose intelligent movement and finishing instincts make him a dangerous option whenever called upon. His presence ensures Bayern can rotate Lewandowski without significantly weakening their attacking threat.
On the wings, Ngumoha and Sarr bring energy, speed, and direct attacking play. Both players appear well suited to domestic cup competitions where Bayern frequently face opponents defending deep.
Creative Midfield Options
Perhaps the most intriguing figures in the cup side are El Khannouss and Mayulu. Both players possess the technical ability and creativity to unlock defenses while also representing Bayern's commitment to developing younger talent.
Behind them sits Jauregizar, tasked with controlling midfield battles and linking defense with attack.
Defensive Stability
The defensive line combines youth and potential.
Kouassi brings physical strength and recovery speed, while Araujo, Mourinho, and Williams provide additional depth and flexibility across multiple defensive positions.
The structure ensures Bayern can rotate heavily during congested periods without sacrificing competitiveness.
Importance Across a Long Season
The value of such a squad should not be underestimated.
With league, cup competitions, SMFA, and international commitments creating intense fixture congestion, Bayern's cup side may prove crucial in maintaining freshness among first-team regulars.
Rather than merely serving as backups, these players could become key contributors over the course of a demanding campaign.
Youth Team Represents the Future of Bayern
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Bayern's squad planning is the emerging generation showcased in the youth lineup.
Youth XI
Goalkeeper: Seimen
Defenders: Banjaqui, Coulibaly, Alleyne, Cocchi
Midfield: Neves
Attacking Midfield: Mayulu, Arizala
Attack: Ndjantou, Carlos Espi, Ngumoha
This squad is filled with prospects who could eventually challenge for senior roles.
Carlos Espi Leads a Promising Generation
Leading the line is Carlos Espi, a striker viewed as one of the standout talents within the youth setup. His role at the top of the formation reflects Bayern's belief in his goalscoring potential.
Alongside him are Ngumoha and Ndjantou, two exciting wide players whose athleticism and attacking instincts make them players to watch.
Midfield Talent Pipeline
The midfield trio highlights Bayern's long-standing philosophy of developing technically gifted players.
Mayulu, Arizala, and Neves form a creative and energetic unit capable of controlling matches while continuing their development in a competitive environment.
Their ability to progress the ball and create opportunities could eventually earn them opportunities with the senior squad.
Defensive Prospects Emerging
At the back, Cocchi, Alleyne, Coulibaly, and Banjaqui represent the next generation of defenders aiming to follow the pathway established by previous Bayern academy graduates.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Seimen occupies perhaps the most demanding position on the field. His inclusion as the youth team's first-choice goalkeeper suggests the club views him as a player with significant long-term potential.
Rabbaj, Camarda, Jangéal, Ndiaye, Azizi, JJ Gabriel, Ndukwe, Ouazane, and many others are waiting behind for their chance.
Clear Development Pathway
One of the most encouraging aspects of Bayern's structure is the visible pathway between the three squads.
Several players appear positioned between youth and senior football, allowing the club to gradually introduce talent rather than forcing immediate promotion.
The progression is clear:
Youth Team → Cup Team → First Team
Players such as Mayulu, Ngumoha, El Khannouss, Jauregizar, and others could realistically move between levels depending on form, injuries, and tactical requirements.
This system not only strengthens Bayern's depth but also ensures promising youngsters receive meaningful opportunities without excessive pressure.
Bayern's Long-Term Vision Taking Shape
The three-team structure demonstrates a club thinking beyond immediate success.
The first team is built to compete for major trophies today. The cup team provides reliable depth and rotation options. The youth team ensures Bayern's future remains secure.
By combining established stars such as Lewandowski, Rudiger, Oblak, Doku and Antony with emerging talents like Neves, De Ketelaere, Mikautadze, Mayulu, Ngumoha, JJ Gabriel and Carlos Espi, Bayern appear to have created a squad capable of balancing present ambitions with future development.
If these groups develop as expected, Bayern Munich could possess one of the deepest and most sustainable squad structures in Top100—one capable of challenging for league titles, domestic cups, and SMFA glory while continuing to produce the next generation of stars from within.
"Mia san mia"
Season 27 Division 5 Stats and Facts review.
Bilboko Athletic Kluba estatistikaren txapelduna.
In honour of my wife and kids basque heritage, indeed Athletic club were the champions of the stats. +11 VA and +6 PVA leading to automatic promotion as part of a long term project. They are narrowly ahead of Kazan and PSV on +7 and +8 VA , the two playoff finalists (sounds familiar over achieving teams triumphing in the playoff while underachieving higher rank teams fail ).
Valencia were the hot favourites all year and can relax into D4 life knowing they are more than likely to go up again. Big positive scores go to Shaktar on +5 and Bordeaux on +6 VA showing that managerial skill plays an important part still.
No relegation of course so who stats wise did the worse. Brugge hold that record with -10 VA, they should have been playoff bound but narrowly avoided the sack race. Celta did little better with -7VA, Olympiacos and Spartak also did worse than expected.
3 of the lowest 4 landed where they should with 5th worse team Sassuolo joining them.
A middle level of variaion in D5 , I out did the A.I. again by around 4 pts total. Once again the A.I. slipped up more predicting under performing teams.
| GK | DEF | MID | ATT | Top18 | Ave | ETOT | Pre | Fin | VA | PVA | |
| Athletic Club | 85.0 | 86.5 | 88.2 | 87.0 | 83.0 | 85.9 | 216.47 | 13 | 2 | 11 | 6.00 |
| Rubin Kazan | 86.0 | 86.5 | 87.8 | 88.0 | 82.0 | 86.1 | 216.80 | 12 | 5 | 7 | 1.60 |
| PSV | 87.0 | 87.3 | 86.2 | 87.0 | 83.0 | 86.1 | 215.71 | 15 | 7 | 8 | 1.29 |
| Valencia CF | 89.0 | 88.5 | 89.8 | 88.0 | 87.0 | 88.5 | 220.96 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1.00 |
| Shakhtar Donetsk | 86.0 | 86.3 | 86.4 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 86.3 | 215.84 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 0.67 |
| Girondins Bordeaux | 86.0 | 85.0 | 87.0 | 87.0 | 84.0 | 85.8 | 214.55 | 19 | 13 | 6 | 0.54 |
| Villarreal CF | 87.0 | 86.8 | 87.6 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.1 | 217.44 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 0.38 |
| Atalanta BC | 87.0 | 86.0 | 87.0 | 87.0 | 86.0 | 86.6 | 215.71 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 0.06 |
| Stuttgart | 85.0 | 83.3 | 84.4 | 85.0 | 78.0 | 83.1 | 208.93 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0.05 |
| Olympique Marseille | 88.0 | 89.3 | 87.8 | 89.0 | 87.0 | 88.2 | 220.49 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 0.00 |
| AZ Alkmaar | 88.0 | 88.8 | 88.6 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.7 | 219.84 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 0.00 |
| Santos FC | 88.0 | 88.5 | 87.8 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 87.7 | 219.65 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 0.00 |
| SS Lazio | 87.0 | 86.8 | 87.2 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.0 | 217.16 | 11 | 12 | -1 | 0.00 |
| FC Twente | 85.0 | 86.0 | 86.8 | 88.0 | 80.0 | 85.2 | 215.24 | 18 | 19 | -1 | 0.00 |
| US Sassuolo | 88.0 | 86.5 | 86.8 | 87.0 | 83.0 | 86.3 | 215.71 | 16 | 18 | -2 | -0.06 |
| Torino | 88.0 | 87.8 | 87.8 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 87.5 | 219.05 | 7 | 10 | -3 | -0.20 |
| Spartak Moskva | 89.0 | 87.8 | 87.8 | 87.0 | 85.0 | 87.3 | 217.87 | 9 | 15 | -6 | -0.33 |
| Olympiacos | 88.0 | 87.0 | 88.4 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.3 | 218.28 | 8 | 14 | -6 | -0.36 |
| Celta Vigo | 87.0 | 88.3 | 88.2 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 87.7 | 219.77 | 4 | 11 | -7 | -0.55 |
| Club Brugge KV | 88.0 | 87.5 | 87.8 | 90.0 | 85.0 | 87.7 | 219.50 | 6 | 16 | -10 | -0.56 |
Season 27 Division 4 Stats and Facts review.
Ajax win the league and the stats.
+5VA pushed the Ajax team from playoff team to champions. A great performance from Moenchengladbach saw them come in 3rd with a +8VA, in the stats they just lead the other promoted team Liverpool who on +2 VA came 2nd in the league. Highest VA goes to Lyon on +10 , they just missed out on the playoff spots. Big shouts outs to Bremen on +8 VA who climbed well safe of relegation, +6 Chievo who came 20th.
In a similar way to D3 two of the most underperforming teams Napoli and Celtic on -4VA and -6VA got into the playoff but were dumped out by Lokomotiv and Liverpool in the Semi-finals. Palace on -11VA were rightly relegated , isn’t hard to look beyond the keeper with them as 87 rated keepers are freely available. Fenerbache will also be disappointed to be relegated on -6 VA where as Dynamo Moscow must count themselves lucky to avoid it.
Overall a middling level of variation +/- 4 per team, I again did slightly better than the A.I. The A.I. correctly worked out Palace would finish much lower than I thought but did less well on the majority of the lower ranked teams, which does seem to be a theme.
| GK | DEF | MID | ATT | Top18 | Ave | ETOT | Pre | Fin | VA | PVA | |
| Ajax | 89.0 | 88.0 | 89.0 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 88.0 | 220.33 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 6.00 |
| Monchengladbach | 87.0 | 88.0 | 88.2 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.4 | 218.92 | 11 | 3 | 8 | 3.00 |
| Liverpool | 88.0 | 88.3 | 88.6 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 88.4 | 220.98 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1.50 |
| Olympique Lyonnais | 87.0 | 86.5 | 87.5 | 88.5 | 85.0 | 86.9 | 217.37 | 18 | 8 | 10 | 1.38 |
| Bremen | 86.0 | 86.3 | 87.6 | 88.0 | 80.0 | 85.6 | 216.20 | 19 | 11 | 8 | 0.82 |
| Chievo Verona | 88.0 | 87.5 | 87.4 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.4 | 218.00 | 16 | 10 | 6 | 0.70 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 85.0 | 88.3 | 88.2 | 90.0 | 85.0 | 87.3 | 220.06 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 0.43 |
| Besiktas JK | 87.0 | 87.8 | 87.4 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.2 | 218.08 | 15 | 14 | 1 | 0.14 |
| Feyenoord | 87.0 | 86.8 | 88.0 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.2 | 217.76 | 17 | 16 | 1 | 0.13 |
| Schalke | 87.0 | 85.8 | 86.8 | 88.5 | 85.0 | 86.6 | 216.17 | 20 | 19 | 1 | 0.11 |
| Dynamo Kyiv | 88.0 | 86.5 | 87.4 | 90.0 | 85.0 | 87.4 | 218.38 | 13 | 13 | 0 | 0.08 |
| AS Monaco | 89.0 | 88.5 | 89.0 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 88.3 | 220.85 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 0.00 |
| ACF Fiorentina | 88.0 | 88.0 | 88.8 | 87.0 | 86.0 | 87.6 | 218.87 | 12 | 17 | -5 | -0.24 |
| Lokomotiv Moskva | 88.0 | 88.8 | 89.6 | 90.0 | 86.0 | 88.5 | 222.06 | 2 | 4 | -2 | -0.25 |
| Independiente | 88.0 | 88.5 | 88.4 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 87.8 | 220.13 | 8 | 12 | -4 | -0.25 |
| Fenerbahçe SK | 87.0 | 87.8 | 87.6 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.3 | 218.24 | 14 | 20 | -6 | -0.25 |
| Dynamo Moskva | 87.0 | 88.5 | 88.0 | 88.0 | 87.0 | 87.7 | 219.28 | 10 | 15 | -5 | -0.27 |
| Celtic | 88.0 | 89.0 | 89.0 | 90.0 | 86.0 | 88.4 | 221.78 | 3 | 9 | -6 | -0.56 |
| Crystal Palace | 86.0 | 87.5 | 88.2 | 91.0 | 85.0 | 87.5 | 220.23 | 7 | 18 | -11 | -0.56 |
| SSC Napoli | 90.0 | 88.5 | 89.6 | 91.0 | 87.0 | 89.2 | 222.87 | 1 | 5 | -4 | -0.60 |
Season 27 Division 3 Stats and Facts review.
Two playoff finalists lead the stats.
Perhaps it is not a surprise that the two playoff finalists are the two most over performing teams. Galatasaray +11VA and relegation candidate lead the stats just beating +6 VA St Etienne in 2nd spot. My own Sevilla come 3rd in the stats, the only automatically promoted team to over perform. While tied on PVA with WBA the superior VA gives us the edge into 3rd. Having said that WBA and Genoa did what they must in 1st and 2nd and should do well in D2. Dnipro have to get a shout out on +3VA avoiding relegation just.
In reality no one did really badly. Hoffenheim failed to make the playoff when they should and hence are the lowest in the stats, just above Sampdoria who also will look to better next year. Montpellier’s -5VA dropped them into the relegation zone along with Partizan. 2 of the 4 predicted teams were relegated and no one outside the lowest 6 teams escaped which is food for thought.
The variation in D3 was very similar to D1, less than +/- 3 positions per team, I did slightly better on 56 pts out vs 58pts the A.I failed to spot the mild under-performing teams as well as I did.
| GK | DEF | MID | ATT | Top18 | Ave | ETOT | Pre | Fin | VA | PVA | |
| Galatasaray SK | 88.0 | 87.3 | 87.6 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.4 | 217.96 | 18 | 7 | 11 | 1.71 |
| AS Saint-Etienne | 90.0 | 88.5 | 89.2 | 89.0 | 82.0 | 87.7 | 220.65 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 1.40 |
| SEVILLA FC | 89.0 | 88.3 | 88.6 | 91.0 | 87.0 | 88.8 | 221.75 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1.00 |
| West Bromwich Albion | 91.0 | 90.3 | 90.8 | 91.0 | 86.0 | 89.8 | 225.23 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1.00 |
| Genoa CFC | 88.0 | 89.3 | 89.6 | 92.0 | 88.0 | 89.4 | 224.00 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0.50 |
| Lille OSC | 87.0 | 88.8 | 89.0 | 90.0 | 86.0 | 88.2 | 221.46 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0.33 |
| Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk | 88.0 | 86.5 | 87.8 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.3 | 217.52 | 19 | 16 | 3 | 0.25 |
| AS Roma | 89.0 | 88.0 | 88.6 | 89.0 | 84.0 | 87.7 | 219.89 | 14 | 12 | 2 | 0.25 |
| River Plate | 87.0 | 87.0 | 86.4 | 87.0 | 85.0 | 86.5 | 215.91 | 20 | 17 | 3 | 0.24 |
| Zenit Saint Petersburg | 89.0 | 88.5 | 89.0 | 91.0 | 86.0 | 88.7 | 222.15 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 0.00 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 88.0 | 88.3 | 88.4 | 91.0 | 83.0 | 87.7 | 220.99 | 8 | 9 | -1 | 0.00 |
| Sunderland | 88.0 | 88.3 | 89.6 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 88.0 | 220.89 | 9 | 10 | -1 | 0.00 |
| Southampton | 87.0 | 88.5 | 88.8 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 87.9 | 220.45 | 12 | 13 | -1 | 0.00 |
| Newcastle United | 88.0 | 87.0 | 88.2 | 88.0 | 87.0 | 87.6 | 218.36 | 17 | 18 | -1 | 0.00 |
| FC Basel | 88.0 | 88.0 | 88.4 | 90.0 | 85.0 | 87.9 | 220.38 | 13 | 15 | -2 | -0.07 |
| FK Partizan | 88.0 | 88.0 | 88.2 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.4 | 218.92 | 16 | 19 | -3 | -0.11 |
| Montpellier HSC | 88.0 | 87.3 | 88.2 | 90.0 | 85.0 | 87.7 | 219.62 | 15 | 20 | -5 | -0.20 |
| Swansea City | 88.0 | 88.5 | 89.2 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 87.9 | 220.77 | 10 | 14 | -4 | -0.21 |
| Sampdoria | 87.0 | 88.5 | 88.6 | 91.0 | 85.0 | 88.0 | 221.47 | 6 | 11 | -5 | -0.36 |
| Hoffenheim | 89.0 | 88.8 | 90.0 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 88.6 | 221.85 | 4 | 8 | -4 | -0.38 |
Season 27 Division 2 Stats and Facts review.
Espanyol +14VA +5PVA the stats winners.
Some big winners and some big not winners in D2. Espanyol were a potential relegation team at the start of the season but true grit, good management and transfers pushed them to promotion. Playoff team Wolfsburg had +10 VA and could have gained promotion over Espanyol had they slipped up. Internacional came 2nd in the league and 3rd in the stats. Other great over preforming teams were Augsburg on +10 VA, Everton on +6 and Atletico Madrid on +5. Arsenal did all they could and won the league.
At the wrong end. Flamengo who should have been promoted slipped to 12th and -9VA and the worse PVA, Liege on -11 VA managed to get relegated with a great squad with Malaga on -8 VA suffering the same fate. Anderlecht can also count themselves lucky on -7 VA to stay up.
There was a much bigger variation in D2. My total was 102 and the AI 100. The A.I was generally more optimistic about the over performing teams but not pessimistic enough with the underperforming teams.
| GK | DEF | MID | ATT | Top18 | Ave | ETOT | Pre | Fin | VA | PVA | |
| RCD Espanyol | 90.0 | 89.5 | 89.0 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 88.5 | 221.12 | 17 | 3 | 14 | 5.00 |
| Wolfsburg | 88.0 | 89.3 | 89.2 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 88.3 | 221.49 | 14 | 4 | 10 | 2.75 |
| SC Internacional | 91.0 | 89.0 | 90.0 | 91.0 | 85.0 | 89.2 | 223.47 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1.50 |
| Atlético Madrid | 90.0 | 89.3 | 89.0 | 90.0 | 83.0 | 88.3 | 221.86 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 1.20 |
| Augsburg | 89.0 | 87.3 | 88.0 | 90.0 | 85.0 | 87.9 | 219.58 | 20 | 10 | 10 | 1.10 |
| Arsenal | 91.0 | 90.5 | 91.2 | 91.0 | 85.0 | 89.7 | 225.63 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1.00 |
| Everton | 88.0 | 89.0 | 89.2 | 89.0 | 87.0 | 88.4 | 221.41 | 15 | 9 | 6 | 0.78 |
| West Ham United | 89.0 | 89.3 | 89.8 | 88.0 | 87.0 | 88.6 | 221.56 | 13 | 11 | 2 | 0.27 |
| Manchester United | 88.0 | 89.3 | 89.0 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 88.3 | 221.33 | 16 | 15 | 1 | 0.13 |
| Boca Juniors | 89.0 | 86.5 | 87.0 | 95.0 | 82.0 | 87.9 | 221.07 | 19 | 18 | 1 | 0.11 |
| Cologne | 90.0 | 89.3 | 88.6 | 92.0 | 84.0 | 88.8 | 222.96 | 6 | 7 | -1 | 0.00 |
| Dinamo Zagreb | 90.0 | 88.5 | 89.0 | 89.0 | 87.0 | 88.7 | 221.09 | 18 | 20 | -2 | -0.05 |
| Real Madrid | 89.0 | 89.0 | 88.6 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 88.7 | 221.70 | 11 | 13 | -2 | -0.08 |
| Udinese Calcio | 89.0 | 89.5 | 88.8 | 89.0 | 87.0 | 88.7 | 221.61 | 12 | 16 | -4 | -0.19 |
| SL Benfica | 90.0 | 89.0 | 89.8 | 91.0 | 85.0 | 89.0 | 223.19 | 5 | 8 | -3 | -0.25 |
| Málaga CF | 88.0 | 89.0 | 89.2 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 88.6 | 222.06 | 9 | 17 | -8 | -0.41 |
| RSC Anderlecht | 89.0 | 88.8 | 89.0 | 92.0 | 85.0 | 88.8 | 222.88 | 7 | 14 | -7 | -0.43 |
| Stoke City | 90.0 | 90.5 | 90.4 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 89.6 | 224.46 | 2 | 6 | -4 | -0.50 |
| Standard Liège | 93.0 | 88.8 | 89.4 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 89.6 | 222.62 | 8 | 19 | -11 | -0.53 |
| CR Flamengo | 88.0 | 89.3 | 89.4 | 92.0 | 86.0 | 88.9 | 223.60 | 3 | 12 | -9 | -0.67 |
Season 27 Division 1 Stats and Facts review
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Chelsea well deserved champions and leaders in the stats.
Usual reminder. At the start of the year, I calculated the ratings in the 4 main positions, Top18 and Average. This is plugged in a magic formula and finishing position calculated. This is used to work out the Positional value added, which is based on the value added and finishing position.
Chelsea finished a position higher than expected and overcame their closest opposition. Barcelona in 2nd spot in the league and the stats, also showed distinct improvement this season, with Leicester in 3rd place also showing that a new boss can continue the good form.
Highest value added goes to Hertha predicted 11th they came 6th and get a slightly higher value added than Sporting who came 5th. CSKA had the only other largish VA on +4 avoiding relegation.
Biggest underperformance, probably this goes down to Dortmund who slumped to 7th spot, but could also be with Juventus on -7 VA or Inter on -5 VA and relegation.
3 of the predicted relegation teams went down.
How did the A.I. do. From 20 teams my total variation for 58 and the A.I. 60, so I did slightly better. The A.I. did get 2 teams spot on but I got more than half the teams within +/- 2 positions.
| GK | DEF | MID | ATT | Top18 | Ave | ETOT | Pre | Fin | VA | PVA | |
| Chelsea | 94.0 | 93.5 | 93.4 | 94.0 | 82.0 | 91.4 | 231.74 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2.00 |
| Barcelona | 92.0 | 91.8 | 93.2 | 96.0 | 85.0 | 91.6 | 231.60 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1.50 |
| Leicester City | 91.0 | 92.5 | 93.4 | 94.0 | 87.0 | 91.6 | 231.18 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 1.33 |
| H. Berlin | 92.0 | 89.5 | 90.8 | 94.0 | 88.0 | 90.9 | 226.94 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 1.00 |
| Sporting CP | 90.0 | 91.8 | 92.2 | 92.0 | 87.0 | 90.6 | 228.20 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 1.00 |
| Bayern | 93.0 | 90.0 | 91.2 | 94.0 | 87.0 | 91.0 | 227.66 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 0.38 |
| Hamburg | 90.0 | 89.8 | 90.8 | 91.0 | 87.0 | 89.7 | 224.83 | 15 | 12 | 3 | 0.33 |
| CSKA Moskva | 90.0 | 89.0 | 88.8 | 89.0 | 87.0 | 88.8 | 221.33 | 20 | 16 | 4 | 0.31 |
| Manchester City | 93.0 | 89.5 | 89.8 | 92.0 | 86.0 | 90.1 | 224.72 | 16 | 13 | 3 | 0.31 |
| São Paulo FC | 91.0 | 90.3 | 91.6 | 91.0 | 86.0 | 90.0 | 225.87 | 13 | 11 | 2 | 0.27 |
| Hellas Verona | 91.0 | 92.5 | 92.8 | 95.0 | 90.0 | 92.3 | 231.71 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 0.00 |
| Levante UD | 91.0 | 92.0 | 93.4 | 91.0 | 85.0 | 90.5 | 228.59 | 8 | 9 | -1 | 0.00 |
| Aston Villa | 89.0 | 90.0 | 90.2 | 93.0 | 87.0 | 89.8 | 225.73 | 14 | 15 | -1 | 0.00 |
| Leverkusen | 89.0 | 91.0 | 89.4 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 89.3 | 223.94 | 17 | 18 | -1 | 0.00 |
| AC Milan | 89.0 | 89.8 | 89.8 | 91.0 | 87.0 | 89.3 | 223.91 | 18 | 19 | -1 | 0.00 |
| Cruzeiro EC | 88.0 | 89.8 | 90.0 | 91.0 | 86.0 | 89.0 | 223.83 | 19 | 20 | -1 | 0.00 |
| Internazionale | 92.0 | 90.0 | 90.8 | 93.0 | 87.0 | 90.6 | 226.57 | 12 | 17 | -5 | -0.24 |
| FC Porto | 92.0 | 92.8 | 93.4 | 94.0 | 87.0 | 91.8 | 231.50 | 5 | 10 | -5 | -0.40 |
| Juventus | 95.0 | 91.8 | 91.8 | 93.0 | 89.0 | 92.1 | 229.37 | 7 | 14 | -7 | -0.43 |
| Dortmund | 93.0 | 92.5 | 93.0 | 95.0 | 87.0 | 92.1 | 231.75 | 1 | 7 | -6 | -0.71 |
Espanyol Season Review: Against All Odds – A Youth Revolution in Full Flow!
What a season it’s been for Espanyol! Tonight, the team travels to face Arsenal in a match that could define everything. Sitting in 3rd place in Division 2 with promotion tantalizingly close, this is the stuff of football dreams. Just 90 minutes away from a sensational return to the top flight!
The numbers tell an incredible story: only 6 defeats all season and a rock-solid 69 points on the board. In any normal year, that would be more than enough for promotion. But this hasn’t been a normal year. Wolfsburg have been absolutely sensational and virtually unstoppable. They face relegated Boca Juniors tonight – a game they’re expected to win – meaning Espanyol must go to the Emirates and beat the Division 2 champions-elect, Arsenal, to keep their promotion hopes alive.
And to think… most people had Espanyol down for a relegation scrap at the start of the campaign!
But the manager refused to panic. He stayed true to a bold, long-term vision:
“We had strict objectives this season as part of our wider rebuild. We wanted to move on our older declining players and open up the academy pathway to the first team. It was a gamble. We needed to test our recruitment policy, trust these young players, and hope we’d get a helping hand with the updates. We also had to keep recruiting the next wave who will follow those now wearing the shirts.”
The gamble has paid off in spectacular fashion.
Ten of tonight’s likely starting lineup featured in the Youth Cup Final – which Espanyol won for the second time! In just 8 entries into the competition, they’ve reached 6 finals, a semi-final, and a quarter-final. With the age profile of this youth squad, the future looks ridiculously bright.
It’s a World Cup year, and eight of these exciting youngsters will represent their countries on the biggest stage. Many are already being linked with monster moves to Europe’s elite clubs.
Think about the transformation: When the manager arrived, 95% of the game world had zero interest in Espanyol players. It was the oldest squad in the league, sliding toward a painful drop through the divisions. Fast forward to now, and those same players are coveted assets. That’s what belief, hard work, and sticking to a vision can do.
No matter what happens tonight, this has been an unforgettable campaign. Espanyol have shown heart, hunger, and huge potential. Promotion would be the perfect ending – but even without it, the club is in a far stronger position heading into next season.
The rebuild is working. The future is bright. The Pericos are back – and they’re coming with serious intent! 💙⚪
Vamos Espanyol!
ASH DELIVERS WORLD CLUB CUP GLORY IN DEBUT SEASON AS LEICESTER EDGE PORTO
Leicester crowned world champions after dramatic extra-time victory following 1-1 aggregate draw
Ash could hardly have dreamed of a better beginning to life as Leicester City manager.
In his first season in charge, the Leicester boss guided the club to World Club Cup glory, overcoming Porto in a tense and dramatic final that required fictional extra time to produce a winner after the two sides finished level at 1-1 on aggregate.
The triumph marks the first World Club Cup title of Ash's managerial career and represents one of the finest achievements of his young tenure at the club. Having arrived with the task of leading Leicester into a new era, he has wasted little time in delivering silverware on the global stage.
The final itself was a showcase of determination and tactical discipline from both teams. Neither Leicester nor Porto were willing to give ground, resulting in a closely fought contest that remained on a knife-edge throughout both legs.
Porto, managed by Andre, proved worthy opponents and matched Leicester for long periods of the tie. After the aggregate score finished 1-1, the final was forced into fictional extra time, with the destination of the trophy hanging in the balance.
As fatigue set in and tension gripped players and supporters alike, Leicester found the moment they had been searching for. The decisive extra-time goal finally broke the deadlock and sent the Leicester bench into wild celebrations.
Porto pushed desperately for an equaliser, but Leicester stood firm, defending their advantage until the final whistle confirmed them as world champions.
The victory is particularly significant for Ash, whose arrival at the club was met with both excitement and expectation. Delivering a major international trophy in his first season has immediately endeared him to supporters and established his credentials among the game's rising managers.
Leicester's players also deserve immense credit for navigating one of the toughest paths imaginable. Against a Porto side that refused to surrender, they demonstrated resilience, composure and character when it mattered most.
For Andre and Porto, defeat will be difficult to accept after pushing the final beyond normal time. Their performance throughout the tie earned admiration and respect, even if they ultimately fell short of lifting the trophy.
As Leicester's players celebrated on the world stage, one image stood above the rest: Ash, in his debut season, raising the World Club Cup trophy for the first time in his career.
For Leicester City, it is a moment of glory.
For Ash, it may be the beginning of something special.
FINAL DAY FRENZY: TITLES WON, HEARTS BROKEN AND EVERYTHING STILL TO PLAY FOR
The season reaches its boiling point as clubs across all five divisions face their moment of truth. Some are already celebrating, others are clinging on for dear life, and a few are praying for miracles.
DIVISION 1: CHELSEA CROWNED, BUT THIRD PLACE IS A STREET FIGHT
Chelsea have stormed to the title with Barca trailing behind, while Hellas sit in third — but only just. Leicester and Sporting lurk in the shadows, but the goal difference gap is so colossal it would take a footballing apocalypse to overturn it.
Key fixtures:
- Inter vs Hellas Hellas should breeze through this, but they must win to lock down third. Leicester’s superior goal difference means any slip could be fatal.
- Bayern vs Leicester A much tougher assignment. A draw looks likely, which would hand Hellas the bronze medal.
Relegation? Already sorted. Nothing to see here.
DIVISION 2: ARSENAL CHAMPIONS, BUT THE SCRAMBLE FOR THIRD IS PURE CHAOS
Arsenal have wrapped up the title and Internacional will join them in the top flight. But the real drama is the battle for third place and the playoff spots.
Third‑place showdown:
- Espanyol vs Arsenal Espanyol must win. Arsenal won’t be rolling over.
- Boca vs Wolfsburg Wolfsburg should take the points unless they rest players for the playoffs — and they might, knowing Atletico and Cologne can rotate freely.
Playoff contenders: Stoke & Benfica
- Stoke vs Internacional Stoke need a win, but Internacional are a nightmare opponent.
- Benfica vs Zagreb Benfica will fancy all three points.
Relegation? Signed, sealed, delivered.
DIVISION 3: PROMOTION SET, BUT THE RELEGATION TRAPDOOR IS WIDE OPEN
WBA, Genoa and Sevilla are already celebrating promotion. Zenit, St Etienne and Lille can rest their stars. But the playoff hopefuls? They’re sweating.
Playoff chasers: Hoffenheim, Galatasaray, Spurs
- Spurs vs Sunderland Spurs might scrape a draw.
- Galatasaray vs Sevilla Gala will be praying Sevilla take it easy.
- Hoffenheim vs River Plate Hoffenheim should fancy their chances. River Plate are wobbling and fighting for survival.
Relegation roulette: Dnipro, River Plate, Partizan
- Dnipro vs Lille Lille likely rotate heavily. Dnipro should win.
- Partizan vs Zenit Zenit resting players means Partizan should take three points.
If Dnipro win, River Plate are heading down.
DIVISION 4: AJAX CHAMPIONS, BUT THE PROMOTION AND PLAYOFF RACE IS BRUTAL
Ajax take the title, Liverpool are already up, but Lokomotive and Monchengladbach are separated by a single point — with Gladbach holding the goal‑difference advantage.
Promotion deciders:
- Lokomotive vs Liverpool Liverpool still want second. Lokomotive could be in trouble.
- Monchengladbach vs Chievo Chievo are stubborn. A draw is very possible.
Playoff contenders: Monaco, PSG, Napoli, Lyon One of them must miss out.
- PSG vs Lyon A draw is enough for PSG.
- Monaco vs Independiente Monaco should win.
- Napoli vs Bremen Napoli should also take the points.
Relegation battle: Feyenoord vs Fiorentina
- Fiorentina vs Celtic – Tough ask.
- Feyenoord vs Schalke – Expect Feyenoord to lose.
Fiorentina probably don’t have enough to survive.
DIVISION 5: PLAYOFF STAMPEDE AS FIVE TEAMS CHASE THREE SPOTS
The top three are locked in. Santos can rest players. The playoff race? Absolute carnage.
Contenders: AZ, Rubin, PSV, Villarreal, Shakhtar
Key fixtures:
- PSV vs Twente – PSV should win.
- Villarreal vs Stuttgart – Villarreal should also take the points.
- AZ vs Marseille – Tough for AZ.
- Shakhtar vs Bordeaux – Could easily be a draw.
- Rubin vs Santos – Rubin will fancy it with Santos resting.
Prediction: Rubin, PSV and Villarreal to take the playoff spots.
Sack race? Nothing left to play for.