PSG Seeks Historic Third Consecutive Champions League Win

The UEFA Champions League resumes this week, with Paris Saint-Germain striving to become one of the few clubs to claim three consecutive titles. After defending their crown by defeating Arsenal on penalties in Budapest last season, PSG are looking to make history.

Under Luis Enrique, the team has already joined elite company by winning back-to-back trophies—something only Real Madrid achieved since the modern format began in 1992. Securing a third straight win would place them alongside legends like Real’s 2016-2018 run, Ajax (1971-73), and Bayern Munich (1974-76). Historically, Real also won 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,” Luis Enrique said, recalling his previous success with Barcelona in 2015.

The recent back-to-back wins coincide with a revamped Champions League format featuring 36 teams in the league phase, each playing eight matches against different opponents. PSG faced challenges in the past two seasons’ league phases, finishing outside the top eight and needing extra play-offs to reach the last 16.

This year’s group stage brings familiar foes: Manchester City, Barcelona, and Aston Villa. The competition grows tougher as dominant European powerhouses vie for the trophy.

English Clubs and Arsenal’s Quest

The Premier League’s financial muscle ensures its teams remain contenders, with Arsenal showing steady progress. They fell in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final over the last three years, setting a clear path forward under manager Mikel Arteta. Arsenal led last season’s league phase undefeated and now face a challenging opener at Napoli.

English representatives: Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Arsenal
Other contenders: Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid

With Mourinho back at Real Madrid aiming for continental glory, and Barcelona eager to reclaim the title, it’s difficult to look past these giants. Meanwhile, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid could shake things up, the latter motivated by hosting the final.

Fresh Faces in the Competition

Outside the big five leagues, few clubs have captured the Champions League in recent decades—only Mourinho’s Porto in 2004. This season introduces new entrants, such as Como, who secured fourth place in Serie A under Cesc Fabregas, edging out AC Milan and Juventus.

Viking Stavanger makes their debut after winning Norway’s first league title in 34 years. Sabah also appears for the first time, facing Manchester United after claiming Azerbaijan’s title and advancing through four qualifiers. Their coach, Valdas Dambrauskas, turned to coaching after gaining fame on Lithuania’s version of 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire'.

“Since I was 12, when I realised I would not be a professional player, I knew I wanted to be a football coach,” Dambrauskas shared in an interview. “I believe I would have found a way to achieve my dream.”

Though teams like Sabah might struggle to advance, participating guarantees nearly €20 million, a huge boost for smaller leagues. Champions League winners earn close to €90 million in prize money alone, with broadcasting rights adding millions more. PSG reportedly received around €150 million for each of their last two victories.