PSG Aims for Historic Third Consecutive Champions League Title as New Season Begins

PSG Pursues Third Straight Champions League Triumph

The UEFA Champions League kicks off again this week, with Paris Saint-Germain seeking to join an elite group of clubs who have won the tournament three times in a row. Last season, PSG successfully defended their crown by edging out Arsenal on penalties in Budapest, holding onto the trophy they first claimed a year earlier.

Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, PSG has solidified their place among the competition's legends with back-to-back titles—a feat previously only matched by Real Madrid since the Champions League's modern era began in 1992. Achieving a third consecutive victory would set them apart completely. Real Madrid accomplished this under Zinedine Zidane from 2016 to 2018. Historically, only Ajax (1971-73) and Bayern Munich (1974-76) have achieved this, while Madrid also dominated the earliest years by winning the first five European Cups between 1956 and 1960.

"Our objectives are clear. I want to win important trophies, and there are none more important than the Champions League," said Luis Enrique, who also guided Barcelona to victory in 2015.

This era of success for PSG coincides with the revamped Champions League format that features 36 teams competing in a league phase, each playing eight matches against different opponents. Despite their ultimate triumphs, PSG faced challenges in this stage during the past two seasons, finishing outside the top eight and having to advance through additional playoffs to reach the last 16.

The draw this year pits PSG against familiar foes including Manchester City, Barcelona, and Aston Villa. As the tournament progresses, the chances of any club outside Europe’s traditional powerhouses claiming the title seem slim.

English Clubs Look to Make Their Mark

The Premier League's financial muscle means its clubs are often favorites, with Arsenal notably pushing forward after consecutive deep runs. In recent years, the Gunners have been stopped in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and then the final, suggesting the next logical step could be securing the trophy. Arsenal topped the league phase last season undefeated but face a tough opener away at Napoli this time around.

• Premier League Representatives: Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa
• Other Major Contenders: Bayern Munich, Real Madrid under José Mourinho, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid

The final will take place at Atletico Madrid’s stadium, adding extra motivation for the hosts.

Fresh Faces Enter the Competition

Outside the big five leagues—Spain, England, Germany, Italy, and France—the only club to win the Champions League in the last 30 years was Mourinho’s Porto in 2004. This season brings newcomers like Como, who qualified by finishing fourth in Serie A, surpassing AC Milan and Juventus. Viking Stavanger makes their Champions League debut after clinching Norway’s first league title in 34 years.

Sabah from Azerbaijan also enter the group stage after winning their first national title and navigating four qualifying rounds. Their coach, Valdas Dambrauskas, started coaching thanks to winnings from appearing on Lithuania’s version of 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.' He shared with Flashscore,

"Since I was 12, when I realised I would not be a professional player, I knew I wanted to be a football coach. I cannot guess what would have happened without this game, but I believe I would have found a way to achieve my dream."

Sabah might not progress further—though fellow Azerbaijani club Qarabag made it to the next stage last season—but just reaching the league phase guarantees nearly €20 million (around US$23.2 million), a significant boost for smaller clubs.

Financial Stakes Are High

The Champions League winners take home about €90 million in prize money before adding revenue from TV deals and other sources. PSG reportedly earned approximately €150 million for each of their last two championship wins.