PSG Aims for Historic Third Consecutive Champions League Title
Paris Saint-Germain is gearing up for another Uefa Champions League season, hoping to become one of the very few clubs to win three consecutive titles. Last season, PSG successfully defended their crown by defeating Arsenal on penalties in Budapest, securing the trophy they first claimed just a year prior.
Led by Luis Enrique, the team has already marked its place among the elite by winning back-to-back championships, a feat only Real Madrid had achieved since the modern Champions League began in 1992. Capturing a third straight title would push them into legendary territory. Real Madrid managed this between 2016 and 2018 under Zinedine Zidane. Ajax (1971-73) and Bayern Munich (1974-76) are the only other clubs to have pulled off a similar streak, with Madrid also owning the first five European Cups from 1956 to 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 previously guided Barcelona to victory in 2015.
This season arrives amid a new Champions League format featuring 36 teams in the league phase, each playing eight matches against different opponents. PSG struggled in the league phase during the past two seasons, finishing outside the top eight and needing to pass an extra play-off round to reach the last 16. Tough draws contributed to these challenges, and this year PSG will meet familiar rivals: Manchester City, Barcelona, and Aston Villa.
Premier League's Arsenal Looks to Break New Ground
The Premier League’s financial muscle keeps its clubs firmly in contention. Among them, Arsenal stands out. Over the past three years, the Gunners have exited at the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and then the final. Now, Mikel Arteta’s squad appears poised for the next step. Last season, Arsenal topped the league phase with a perfect record but starts this campaign with a challenging away game against Napoli.
- English clubs in the competition: Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Arsenal
- Other top contenders: Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid
Jose Mourinho returns to Real Madrid with hopes of restoring their continental dominance, while Barcelona is eager to reclaim the trophy. Atletico Madrid will be desperate to reach the final, which will take place in their own stadium.
New Faces and Surprises
Outside the major leagues of Spain, England, Germany, Italy, and France, only Mourinho’s Porto won the Champions League in the last 30 years (in 2004). This season will introduce fresh competitors like Como, who secured fourth place in Serie A under Cesc Fabregas, ousting AC Milan and Juventus from qualification.
Viking Stavanger makes its debut in the Champions League group stage after winning Norway’s first title in 34 years. Sabah, Azerbaijani champions, start with a visit to Old Trafford after progressing through four qualifying rounds. Their manager, Valdas Dambrauskas, turned to coaching after gaining fame on Lithuania’s version of 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.' He shared:
"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."
While Sabah may struggle to advance beyond the group stage—though fellow Azerbaijani club Qarabag did so last season—the reward for reaching this phase is nearly €20 million (about US$23.2 million), a significant boost for clubs from smaller leagues.
Financial Stakes
The Champions League champion collects roughly €90 million in prize money, plus substantial television revenue. It’s estimated that PSG earned around €150 million for each of their last two wins.
