The UEFA Champions League returns this week with the start of the league phase, as Paris Saint-Germain aim to become only the fifth club in European history to win the competition three consecutive times.
PSG successfully defended their title last season after defeating Arsenal on penalties in Budapest, retaining the trophy they won for the first time 12 months earlier.
Luis Enrique’s side have already joined an elite group by winning the Champions League in successive seasons — a feat previously achieved in the modern era only by Real Madrid.
A third straight title, however, would put PSG in even rarer company.
Real Madrid won three consecutive European Cups between 2016 and 2018 under Zinedine Zidane, while Ajax achieved the feat from 1971 to 1973 and Bayern Munich from 1974 to 1976. Madrid also won the first five editions of the European Cup 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 the title in 2015.
PSG face another difficult league phase
PSG’s back-to-back triumphs have coincided with the introduction of the competition’s new format, which features 36 clubs in a single league phase, with each team playing eight matches against eight different opponents.
The French champions struggled during the league phase in each of the past two campaigns, finishing outside the top eight and being forced to negotiate an additional play-off round to reach the last 16.
They face another demanding schedule this season, with Manchester City, Barcelona and Aston Villa among their opponents.
Despite the growing financial strength of clubs across Europe, the prospect of a team outside the traditional elite winning the Champions League appears increasingly difficult.
Arsenal seek another step forward
English clubs are expected to feature prominently again, with Arsenal among the leading contenders.
Mikel Arteta’s side have progressed further in each of the last three campaigns, reaching the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final respectively.
The next logical step would be to go all the way and lift the trophy.
Arsenal topped last season’s league phase with a perfect record but face a challenging opening fixture away to Napoli.
Five English clubs are involved this season, with Manchester City and Liverpool joined by returning Manchester United and Aston Villa.
Bayern Munich remain among the favourites, while Real Madrid will be looking to reclaim the trophy. Barcelona will also be eager to end their wait for another Champions League title.
Inter Milan could challenge the established favourites, while Atletico Madrid will be determined to reach the final, which will be staged at their home stadium.
Newcomers add fresh appeal
The Champions League will also welcome several clubs making their debut in the competition proper.
Como secured fourth place in Serie A last season under Cesc Fabregas, qualifying at the expense of Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus.
Norwegian champions Viking Stavanger will also make their first appearance in the Champions League proper after winning their first domestic title in 34 years.
Azerbaijani champions Sabah will begin their campaign with a trip to Old Trafford after winning their first league title and progressing through four qualifying rounds.
Their manager, Valdas Dambrauskas, revealed that his route into football management was partly funded by his appearance on the Lithuanian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
“Since I was 12, when I realised I will not be a professional player, I knew I wanted to be a football coach,” Dambrauskas told Flashscore.
“I cannot guess what would have happened without this game, but I believe I would have found a way to achieve my dream.”
While Sabah may struggle to advance to the knockout stage, their participation alone represents a significant financial boost.
Clubs reaching the league phase are guaranteed close to €20m in prize money, providing a major financial windfall for teams from smaller European leagues.
The eventual Champions League winners can earn around €90m in prize money, with additional revenue generated through television and commercial payments. PSG are understood to have earned approximately €150m from each of their last two title-winning campaigns.
