The Unpredictable Pitch: Why Europe’s Underdogs Might Roar in 2025-26

The Ascent of Ambition: Serie A`s Como

When discussing potential shockwaves, one must invariably look towards investment and clear ambition. In Italy`s Serie A, the spotlight shines brightly on Como. Under the guidance of footballing maestro Cesc Fabregas, Como isn`t just making up the numbers after their promotion; they`re actively staking a claim. With an investment exceeding $100 million in summer transfers and Fabregas retained at the helm, the club`s ownership has made their intentions unmistakably clear: they aspire to disrupt Italy`s established hierarchy. While a direct assault on the Scudetto might be a season or two premature, their drive to secure European qualification would be a monumental achievement and a strong indicator of their long-term vision. Expect them to be far from a pushover, potentially landing well within the top half and perhaps even eyeing a coveted continental spot. It`s a high-stakes gamble, certainly, but one that promises compelling viewing.

Tactical Renaissance: Olympique Marseille in Ligue 1

Over in France, predicting a `surprise` when a team finished second and qualified for the Champions League might seem counterintuitive. However, for Olympique Marseille, the challenge of surprising isn`t about mere qualification; it`s about genuine contention. Under the astute stewardship of Roberto De Zerbi, OM has found a tactical identity and a renewed vigor. While Paris Saint-Germain remains the undisputed behemoth of Ligue 1, Marseille`s 19-point deficit last season, though substantial, represents a significant step forward from previous campaigns. The surprise here would be their ability to genuinely challenge PSG over a full season, or perhaps even clinch a domestic trophy. After years of falling short of their historical prestige, De Zerbi`s influence suggests that OM are not just back on track, but accelerating. Their Champions League engagement will test their depth, but their domestic focus remains intense.

Consolidating Greatness: Crystal Palace in the Premier League

The Premier League is notoriously difficult to predict, yet Crystal Palace enters the 2025-26 season with a unique opportunity to exceed expectations. Their monumental FA Cup triumph last season against Manchester City, a truly historic moment for the club, has instilled a winning mentality and a taste for silverware. Under Oliver Glasner, the Eagles have discovered a powerful blend of tactical discipline and attacking prowess. The key to their “surprise” factor this season lies in their ability to translate cup success into consistent league performance. Having largely maintained their core squad from that successful campaign, the challenge for Palace is to consolidate their newfound status. While a title challenge might be a flight of fancy, securing a sustained European qualification spot – and making a significant impact in it – would represent an unprecedented era of success and firmly establish them as a force to be reckoned with, much to the chagrin of teams who once considered Selhurst Park an easy three points.

The Island Dream: Mallorca in La Liga

Spain offers its own intriguing narrative with Mallorca FC. Far from the traditional powerhouses of Real Madrid and Barcelona, Mallorca is quietly building something substantial under Robert Sarver`s ownership. The vision is clear: to transform the club into a sporting jewel that complements the island`s vibrant tourism. Their journey over the last four years has been one of steady progress, highlighted by their memorable run to the 2023 Copa del Rey final, where they only succumbed to Athletic Club on penalties. Finishing 10th last season under Jagoba Arrasate, the club demonstrated resilience and tactical nous. The `surprise` here is not a meteoric rise, but a steady, persistent climb up the La Liga table. They are a team that could quietly chip away at the mid-table, potentially breaking into European qualification spots, catching bigger clubs off guard with their tenacity and well-structured play. Their trajectory suggests they are a prime candidate for a significant, if understated, improvement.

Thriving in the Shadows: Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga

Finally, in the Bundesliga, all eyes typically gravitate towards Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. This creates a fertile ground for others to flourish under less intense scrutiny. Eintracht Frankfurt, having secured a third-place finish and a Champions League spot last season under Dino Toppmoller, is poised to capitalize on this dynamic. While the high-profile departure of striker Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool for a hefty $95 million fee might suggest a step back, it also represents shrewd financial management and an opportunity for tactical re-evaluation. The “surprise” for Frankfurt won`t be their initial Champions League qualification – they`ve already achieved that – but their ability to maintain that top-tier status amidst increased pressure and expectations. Can they genuinely challenge for a sustained top-four finish, even pushing for the upper echelons of the league? Their past season`s success demonstrates their capability, and their position, often overlooked by the perennial giants, could be their greatest asset.