The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league phase reached a point of no return for two clubs on Tuesday night, January 20, 2026. Villarreal and Kairat Almaty have officially become the first teams to be mathematically eliminated from the competition following Matchday 7.
Both sides currently sit at the bottom of the 36-team table, occupying the 35th and 36th positions respectively, with just one point each after seven matches.
The Tuesday Results
The fate of both clubs was sealed by clinical performances from their opponents:
| Match | Score | Impact |
| Villarreal vs. Ajax | 1 – 2 | Villarreal’s late collapse at the Estadio de la Cerámica confirmed their exit. |
| Kairat Almaty vs. Club Brugge | 1 – 4 | The Kazakhstani debutants were thrashed at the Astana Arena. |
Analysis of the “New Format” Failure
Under the revised Champions League format, only the top 24 teams progress beyond the league phase. With only one matchday remaining (January 28), Villarreal and Kairat Almaty cannot mathematically bridge the gap to the 24th spot, currently held by FC Copenhagen with 8 points.
- Villarreal’s Slump: Despite a strong domestic run in La Liga, the “Yellow Submarine” has struggled in Europe, with their only point coming from a 2–2 draw against Juventus in October.
- Kairat’s Historic Debut: While eliminated, Kairat Almaty made history as the easternmost team to ever qualify for the Champions League group/league phase. Their lone point came in a goalless draw against Pafos.
What Happens Next?
While the bottom 12 teams (25th–36th) go home, the remaining field is fighting for specific advantages:
- Top 8: Gain automatic qualification to the Round of 16.
- 9th–24th: Must compete in a two-legged knockout phase play-off to secure their spot in the Round of 16.
