UCL Fantasy 2025/26: Teams With the Worst Starting Fixtures

Tough early schedules can make certain clubs far less appealing for Fantasy managers. UCL Fantasy 2025/26: Teams With the Worst Starting Fixtures looks at the sides facing the hardest runs in the opening matchdays, helping you spot which teams to avoid or limit investment in.

Union Saint-Gilloise

UCL Fantasy 2025/26: Teams With the Worst Starting Fixtures

No side has a tougher starting or full schedule than Union Saint-Gilloise. The 2023/24 Belgian Pro League winners face a torrid fixture list and it opens up with PSV, Newcastle, Inter and Atelti. All four opposition seriously limit the potential of any USG assets.

USG’ last spout in Europe came in the Europa League last season. There they finished the campaign in 21st place. That was enough to see them advance, but it wasn’t long after that they were knocked out by Dutch giants Ajax.

Club Brugge

Club Brugge have been a treasure chest of budget options over recent years. The Belgian side have built up Champions League experience recently – progressing through to the latter stages in each of their previous two ventures.

That may be the case, but their starting schedule looks far from convincing early on – with outings against Monaco, a game they could have potential in, but then Atalanta, Bayern and Barcelona immediately after that.

Check out our fixture ticker for Matchday 1-8 and give yourself an edge ahead of the new season.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt are another side who have a gruelling schedule. The German side kick-off their 2025/26 Champions League campaign with a meeting against Galatasaray, which won’t be easy. But they then also face Atleti, Liverpool and Napoli after that.

Frankfurt have actually started their domestic campaign well – winning their only Cup game and both of their Bundesliga matches. Their last appearance in the Champions League came in 2022/23 when they finished second in the Group, just behind Tottenham.

Slavia Praha

If you are a UCL Fantasy manager looking for budget options early on, it’s best to look elsewhere. It’s difficult to see much potential for the Slavia Praha assets early on especially with clashes against Atalanta, Inter and Arsenal. The only fixture they could have fortune against early on is in their game against Bodo.

The Czecha League Champions finished 13 points clear of closest rivals Plzen last season. However, their most recent Champions League bout came in 2019/20 where they finished rock bottom of their Group.

Other teams with difficult starting fixtures

There are plenty of sides that could be worth avoiding early on, including:

Qarabag: The Azerbaijan side face Benfica, Copenhagen, Athletic Club and Chelsea in their first four matches.

Bodo: Bodo are another side many will be looking to avoid. Matches against Slavia, Tottenham, Galatasaray and Monaco could be extremely limiting.

Kairat: A team without any Champions League experience at all may have it difficult early on. They meet with Sporting, Real Madrid, and Inter. Their only likely opportunity is their tie against Pafos FC.