Sport

Who will win this year’s Champions League?

Two games into the 2025/26 Champions League campaign and a lot of familiar names are sitting near the top of the League Phase table. Arsenal, Bayern, Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid all have a perfect record, taking six points from a possible six so far. They will be contenders to go all the way this season.

And yet despite the early pace being set by some of Europe’s biggest and most successful clubs, this season’s Champions League could be the most open in a long time. Indeed, the field looks somewhat weaker than it did last term, presenting an opportunity to many teams capable of making a deep run.

Perhaps most notably, Liverpool have lost their way since last season when they strolled to the Premier League title. Arne Slot’s team are struggling for consistency having lost their last games in a row with opponents increasingly exposing just how vulnerable the Anfield outfit are in defensive transition.

Manchester City might have steadied themselves since last season, but Pep Guardiola is still midway through a rebuild at the Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland is in the form of his life, already netting 14 goals for City in all competitions. However, it’s not clear if the Norwegian has the support around him to add to his trophy haul this season.

Spain’s ‘Big Two’ have their weaknesses too. Barcelona’s high defensive line remains a target for opponents while Real Madrid are still growing accustomed to the ideas of Xabi Alonso following his arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer. Kylian Mbappe can’t stop scoring, but similar to Haaland, he might not have the team around him.

Inter Milan appear to have taken a step backwards since making the Champions League final for the second time in three seasons last May while Napoli are coached by a manager with an abysmal record in European competition. Antonio Conte has never made it past the Champions League quarter-finals.

PSG could mount a challenge to retain their trophy, but the French giants are currently suffering an injury crisis. Ousmane Dembele has barely played this season with Joao Neves, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha, Marquinhos, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue all sidelined at various points of the campaign so far.

It’s worth recalling how PSG didn’t find top gear until the knockout rounds of last season’s Champions League. Luis Enrique’s side could have dropped out of the competition in the League Phase. Once they overcame Liverpool in the round of 16, though, PSG couldn’t be stopped with the momentum they had.

With this in mind, it’s possible a dominant force could emerge to sweep all before them as this season’s Champions League progresses. As things stand, though, there is no clear favourite and that could open the door for an outsider to make an impact. Could another Porto emerge?

Arsenal can feel good about their chances. Mikel Arteta’s team are currently sitting top of the Premier League table and have the squad depth to compete on several fronts. The Gunners are defensively strong, frequently pose a threat from set pieces and are seemingly ready to finally get their hands on silverware.

Bayern Munich also look strong. The Bavarians have won every game they have played so far this season with Harry Kane, Luis Diaz and Michael Olise forming the most fearsome frontline in Europe at this moment in time. Bayern also have Jamal Musiala to return from injury before the end of the campaign.

The Champions League is the best that European football has to offer. It is the pinnacle of the club game and legends will be made when the famous trophy is handed out to another team at the end of the season. Calling who will get their hands on that trophy, however, could be difficult.