Spain, Madrid — Europe’s elite return to Champions League action, with Arsenal, PSG and Bayern Munich among the leading contenders for glory
The Champions League returns with Paris Saint-Germain seeking a third consecutive European crown, while five English clubs prepare to challenge their dominance. Arsenal enter among the leading contenders after reaching last season’s final in Europe.
The road to the trophy will culminate in Madrid on 5 June next year, creating a European finale. As the league phase begins, established giants, ambitious newcomers and emerging stars will compete under a format.
PSG’s pursuit of three successive European titles provides a compelling storyline. Their achievement would underline the club’s transformation into a powerhouse, although experts Julien Laurens and Guillem Balague believe maintaining that level will prove difficult.
Laurens expects PSG to remain among the strongest teams and believes they can reach the semi-finals. However, he considers a third straight triumph unlikely, arguing that consecutive Champions League victories are remarkable, requiring extraordinary consistency.
Laurens has backed Arsenal to lift the trophy after reaching last season’s final. He believes Mikel Arteta’s side possesses Europe’s strongest defence and could use that authority to finally convert recent progress into continental success.
His projected final would feature Arsenal against Bayern Munich, with Bayern narrowly finishing as runners-up. The German champions remain formidable after reaching last season’s semi-finals, and their ability against difficult opponents makes them leading contenders.
Balague places PSG, Barcelona and Arsenal among the teams he expects to challenge deepest into the tournament. He also identifies Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Manchester City as semi-finalists and finalists, depending on the draw.
For Balague, PSG’s uneven opening should not obscure their underlying quality. Luis Enrique continues demanding dynamic football, relentless pressing and tactical flexibility, meaning the French champions could experience inconsistency early before reaching their strongest level.
Barcelona have started impressively under Hansi Flick. Balague believes they are moving towards another level despite wanting further defensive and attacking reinforcements. Their intensity and attacking talent could make them dangerous during the decisive stages.
Arsenal’s growing ability to win regularly has changed expectations. Balague believes that confidence can release pressure from players, allowing greater freedom and giving the London side another opportunity to pursue European glory and build confidence.
Opta’s statistical model strengthens Arsenal’s case, giving them a 20.4 percent probability of winning. Bayern Munich are almost level at 20 percent, while Manchester City have 12.7 percent and PSG 7.3 percent.
The figures underline the difficulty of PSG’s three-peat mission. Despite being defending champions, their statistical probability is below Arsenal and Bayern, suggesting the tournament has become balanced and several clubs possess realistic routes to Madrid.
All five Premier League representatives rank among the top ten teams for overall winning probability, according to Opta. Each has also been assessed as having better than a 50 percent chance of reaching the last 16.
Liverpool appear to have received the easiest league-phase schedule among English clubs according to Opta’s power rankings. Stuttgart have the easiest overall route, while Inter Milan possess the most favourable schedule among pot-one teams across Europe.
Arsenal’s schedule is relatively favourable despite meetings with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Their path also includes Sabah and Slovan Bratislava, the two lowest-ranked teams, creating opportunities to collect important points during the league phase.
Manchester City face the toughest programme among England’s representatives. Their fixtures include Barcelona and PSG, while Napoli represent another demanding opponent. Only five clubs across the competition have been handed a tougher draw, according to Opta.
The previous league phase demonstrated how fixture difficulty can influence standings. Arsenal finished first after receiving one of the easier schedules, while Bayern Munich placed second despite being assigned the toughest opponents among all 36 teams.
Individual performances will also shape the tournament, with stars attracting attention. Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is among Laurens’ selections, especially after an encouraging World Cup and expectations that he can thrive in a more advanced role.
Como’s Nico Paz is another player Laurens expects supporters to watch. The Argentine playmaker sits at the centre of his team’s possession game as Como prepare for their first Champions League campaign under manager Cesc Fabregas.
PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is also highlighted as a major threat. His ability to attack from the left, cut inside and create opportunities with either foot has made him entertaining and a potential future Ballon d’Or winner.
Lens defender Ismaelo Ganiou represents a different young prospect. At 21, the centre-back combines strength, pace and confidence in possession, and Laurens expects his European performances could attract attention from major Premier League clubs.
Donyell Malen completes Laurens’ selection after a productive spell at Roma. Operating as a lone striker under Gian Piero Gasperini, Malen has reportedly rediscovered his scoring touch, making Roma’s return another important storyline worth following for supporters.
Balague also singles out Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, who is pursuing individual recognition alongside European success. He believes Bayern’s style suits Kane exceptionally well and expects the England captain to remain a major Ballon d’Or contender.
Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal is another headline name. His ambition remains high, while Flick’s preference for aggressive defending and a high line could create conditions for Yamal to influence matches through creativity, movement and attacking confidence.
Shakhtar Donetsk forward Kaua Elias is among the tournament’s emerging prospects. The 20-year-old could follow the club’s tradition of developing Brazilian talent into major European transfers, giving scouts and supporters another young player to monitor.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard also features prominently in Balague’s assessment. After an injury-disrupted previous season, the Norwegian has made a strong start and could become increasingly important as Arsenal attempt to transform consistency into Champions League silverware.
The four debutant teams will provide another layer of intrigue. Como have attracted particular attention because of Fabregas’ decision to continue building his project, while LASK, Sabah and Viking face difficult introductions against experienced European opposition.
With statistical favourites, established superstars and ambitious newcomers sharing the competition, another season of uncertainty awaits. Arsenal carry strong numbers, while PSG defend their crown against Europe’s strongest challengers. Their campaign begins now, with Madrid ahead today.