The UEFA Champions League is set to begin another thrilling season this week, with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) aiming to achieve a remarkable feat: winning the prestigious tournament for the third consecutive year. Having successfully defended their title last season by defeating Arsenal in a penalty shootout in Budapest, PSG is determined to join an elite group of clubs that have managed to secure three titles in a row.
PSG's back-to-back victories in the Champions League have already solidified their status as one of the competition's premier teams. Since the modern era of the tournament began in 1992, only Real Madrid has previously won the title in consecutive seasons. The Spanish club achieved this remarkable accomplishment under the management of Zinedine Zidane from 2016 to 2018. Other clubs that have won three titles in succession include Ajax from 1971 to 1973 and Bayern Munich from 1974 to 1976. Additionally, Real Madrid dominated the early years of the European Cup, winning the first five editions 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 PSG's head coach Luis Enrique, who previously led Barcelona to victory in the tournament in 2015. His ambitions reflect the club's commitment to not only maintain their dominance in France but also to establish themselves as a formidable force in European football.
The current Champions League format, which features 36 teams in the league phase competing in eight matches against different opponents, has presented challenges for PSG in the past. In the previous two seasons, the team struggled during the league phase, finishing outside the top eight and having to navigate through an additional playoff round to reach the knockout stage. Tough draws have played a role in this struggle, and this season, PSG will face familiar adversaries, including Manchester City, Barcelona, and Aston Villa.
As the tournament progresses, the competition remains fierce, particularly with the financial strength of Premier League clubs. Arsenal, who have been steadily improving, are among the teams expected to make a significant impact. The Gunners have reached the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals in the last three seasons, indicating a logical progression towards winning the title. Last season, Arsenal topped the league phase with a perfect record, but they face a challenging start this time with an away match against Napoli.
Five English clubs are participating this season, including Manchester City, Liverpool, and the returning Manchester United alongside Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich continues to be a formidable presence, and Jose Mourinho's return to Real Madrid adds another layer of intrigue as he seeks to reclaim continental glory for the club. Barcelona is also eager to lift the trophy once more, making the competition even more intense.
Additionally, this season will see the introduction of new teams that aim to shake up the established order. Como, who finished fourth in Serie A last season under the guidance of Cesc Fabregas, qualified for the tournament at the expense of AC Milan and Juventus. Viking Stavanger, having won their first Norwegian title in 34 years, will also make their Champions League debut. Sabah, after winning their first Azerbaijani title, faces a daunting trip to Old Trafford for their opening match. Their manager, Valdas Dambrauskas, has an inspiring backstory, having transitioned into coaching after earning money from a game show.
While it remains uncertain whether these debutants will advance to the next stage, their participation in the league phase is already a significant achievement, worth approximately 20 million euros ($23.2 million) for clubs from smaller leagues. The Champions League winners stand to earn around 90 million euros in prize money, with additional revenues from television rights. PSG, for instance, reportedly earned around 150 million euros for each of their last two victories, underscoring the financial stakes involved in this prestigious tournament.
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