Champions League Returns: Favorites and Key Players to Watch

Champions League Returns: Who Will Lift the Trophy in Madrid?

The Champions League kicks off again with Paris St-Germain aiming to become the first team since Real Madrid (2015-18) to win three consecutive titles. The group stage begins this Tuesday, and five English teams are eager to challenge PSG's dominance. Arsenal, last season’s runners-up, are seen as strong contenders.

Experts Julien Laurens and Guillem Balague share their thoughts on who might claim the trophy this season, while fans can also vote for their pick.

Where to Watch

BBC Sport will provide highlights of every match each Champions League week. Starting at 22:00 BST on Wednesdays, highlights will be available on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and app, including key moments featured in the Shorts tab. A special Champions League Match of the Day airs on BBC One at 22:40. On Thursdays, highlights from the day’s games will be shown on BBC Two at 22:30, with online coverage beginning at 22:00.

Who Are the Favorites?

Julien Laurens’ Take

If PSG win a third title in a row, it would be remarkable. But three in a row feels nearly impossible without someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, who they don’t have. I see them reaching at least the semi-finals but not taking the trophy again.

Laurens favors Arsenal to win, citing their top-tier defense as a key strength, with Bayern Munich as close contenders. He doubts the potential of Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid and predicts the final will likely feature Arsenal and Bayern, with PSG making the semifinals.

Guillem Balague’s View

PSG’s uneven start shows how tough it is to keep performing at the highest level. Luis Enrique’s approach demands relentless pressure and dynamic play. The group stage is a testing ground before serious competition starts in January, but PSG should still come close to winning again.

Balague praises Barcelona, who are looking to strengthen their defense and attack further. He sees Arsenal continuing their upward trend and expects the semifinalists to be Arsenal, PSG, Barcelona, and either Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, or Manchester City.

Players to Watch This Season

Julien Laurens Highlights

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): A big season ahead in the number 10 role under Mourinho. After his strong World Cup showing, he’s expected to score frequently and make decisive plays.
• Nico Paz (Como): The team's creative hub in their Champions League debut. Managed by Cesc Fabregas, Como promises entertaining football with Paz as a rising star.
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG): Exceptional performances over the past two seasons, dangerous on both feet, and a genuine Ballon d’Or contender.
• Ismaelo Ganiou (Lens): A 21-year-old center-back known for speed, strength, and ball skills. Likely to attract Premier League interest soon.
• Donyell Malen (Roma): Prolific scorer since moving from Aston Villa. Roma’s return to the Champions League has been exciting to watch thanks to players like him.

Guillem Balague’s Picks

• Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): A strong Ballon d’Or candidate. Bayern’s style suits him well, and he is expected to maintain high performance.
• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): A young player hungry for success, fitting well with Hansi Flick’s high-pressing style.
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG): Seen as a future Ballon d’Or winner who could decide key matches for PSG.
• Kaua Elias (Shakhtar): A promising Brazilian talent with potential for a major European transfer.
• Martin Odegaard (Arsenal): After injury struggles last year, he’s back in form and poised to take on leadership for his confident team.

Statistical Insights

• Arsenal hold the highest probability of winning the Champions League at 20.4%, according to Opta.
• Bayern Munich follow closely with a 20% chance.
• Manchester City, 2023 champions, have a 12.7% chance.
• Paris St-Germain stand fourth with a 7.3% chance of securing a third consecutive title.
• All five Premier League teams rank inside the top ten for overall win probability and have over 50% odds of reaching the last 16.
• According to Opta power rankings, Liverpool have the easiest group draw, while Stuttgart has the simplest overall path. Inter Milan boasts the most favorable draw among pot one teams.
• Arsenal drew Real Madrid and Bayern Munich from pot one, but also face the lowest-ranked sides, Sabah and Slovan Bratislava.
• Manchester City faces the toughest fixtures among English clubs, including Barcelona, PSG, and Napoli.

Debutant Teams and Their Prospects

Guillem Balague praises Cesc Fabregas’s work with Como, appreciating his commitment despite other offers. He believes they could reach the knockout rounds.

• LASK (Austria) showed strong competitiveness by eliminating Celtic, but qualifying beyond the group stage seems unlikely.
• Sabah (Azerbaijan) rely on solid organization but face daunting opponents like Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Borussia Dortmund, making qualification difficult. They may produce surprise results though.
• Viking (Norway) meet tough opponents including Bayern and Atletico Madrid but could advance given the competitive nature of Norwegian football.

Broadcast Details

Catch highlights of all Champions League matches from 22:00 on Wednesdays via BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and app. Don’t miss the Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One, airing 22:40 to midnight on Wednesdays.