Paris Saint-Germain begin their quest for a historic third consecutive Champions League title this week as the expanded 36-team league phase gets underway. The French giants, managed by Luis Enrique, are aiming to join the exclusive club of teams to have lifted Europe’s most prestigious club trophy three years in a row—a feat previously achieved only by Real Madrid (2016–18), Ajax (1971–73), and Bayern Munich (1974–76).
PSG’s back-to-back triumphs have cemented their status among the tournament’s elite, and another title would raise them to legendary status. Enrique, who also led Barcelona to glory in 2015, is clear about the club’s ambitions: “Our objectives are clear. I want to win important trophies and there are none more important than the Champions League.”
The new Champions League format sees each team play eight different opponents in the league phase. PSG face a challenging draw, including matches against Manchester City, Barcelona, and Aston Villa. In the past two seasons, tough groups forced PSG to navigate the additional play-off round to reach the last 16.
Premier League contenders remain strong, with Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Villa all in the mix. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will look to take the next step after quarter-final, semi-final, and final exits in the last three years, starting their campaign away to Napoli.
Bayern Munich and Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid are also among the favorites, while Barcelona are hungry for another crown. Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid are dark horses, with Atletico hosting the final in their stadium.
Newcomers add fresh intrigue, including Italy’s Como (coached by Cesc Fabregas), Norway’s Viking Stavanger (in the group stage for the first time since 1989), and Azerbaijan’s Sabah, who start at Old Trafford after a fairytale qualifying run.
Just reaching the league phase is worth nearly €20 million to debutant clubs, with winners set to pocket around €90 million in prize money—plus lucrative TV revenues.
With star-studded line-ups and record financial stakes, this season’s Champions League promises drama, intrigue, and the chance for PSG to make football history.
