Champions League returns as Europe’s elite chase continental crown
PARIS — Paris Saint-Germain begin their defence of the Champions League title this week facing a formidable challenge from Arsenal, Real Madrid and Manchester City, with Europe’s leading clubs chasing the continent’s biggest prize.
PSG, two-time defending champions, are aiming to become only the second club in the Champions League era to win the competition three years in a row. Luis Enrique’s side beat Arsenal on penalties in last season’s final after a 1-1 draw and will start their campaign among the favourites.
Arsenal, however, lead the pre-season projections with a 21.2% chance of winning the trophy, ahead of Bayern Munich on 19.9%. Manchester City are third at 12%, while PSG are fourth on 7.7%.
The league phase will quickly test the leading contenders. City host PSG on Oct. 14 before the French champions welcome Barcelona six days later. Barcelona then host City on Dec. 8.
Arsenal face Bayern on Oct. 21 and host Real Madrid on Dec. 9, with the London club unbeaten in their four previous meetings with the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid, Europe’s most successful club, will again look to Kylian Mbappe for goals. The French forward has 70 Champions League goals and is one behind former Madrid striker Raul on the all-time list.
Manchester City will rely on Erling Haaland, who has scored 57 Champions League goals and boasts a remarkable 0.98 goals-per-game ratio in the competition.
For PSG, the task is to maintain the momentum that carried them to consecutive titles. Enrique already has three Champions League trophies as a coach and could move closer to Carlo Ancelotti’s record five with another triumph.
The campaign also brings intriguing reunions. Rodri will face former club Manchester City with Barcelona, while Arsenal and Bayern renew their rivalry before the Gunners meet Real Madrid.
With the knockout phase beginning in February, the heavyweight clashes in the league phase could provide an early indication of who is best equipped to reach the final at Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium on June 5, 2027.
