4 Key Teams to Follow as the Champions League Returns
The world's premier club football tournament is back, arriving just in time for fans in the United States. For those missing the thrill of World Cup action, the Champions League offers plenty of drama, excitement, and gripping storylines.
Instead of simply naming the biggest clubs, here are four narratives shaping this season’s competition as it kicks off. It’s also an interesting tournament for bettors; checking out a BetMGM sportsbook review reveals many betting options on Champions League matches.
In case you’re unfamiliar, the format starts with 36 teams competing in a single league phase table. The top performers then move on to a knockout stage, somewhat like March Madness but stretched over several months.
The Quest for Three Titles in a Row: PSG
Paris Saint-Germain are chasing a feat rarely seen in recent times. As back-to-back champions who won last season's final against Arsenal on penalties, they’re aiming for a third consecutive trophy—something only Real Madrid has done in recent history. Their deep squad and financial muscle make them early favorites.
Their initial schedule looks manageable with home games versus Barcelona, Roma, Galatasaray, and Slovan Bratislava. The real challenge comes on the road against Manchester City, Aston Villa, Villarreal, and Como. Those away matches will test if PSG truly has what it takes to complete a three-peat.
The Road to Redemption: Arsenal
Arsenal carry a heavy storyline this season. After falling just short in last year’s final—losing on penalties to PSG—their campaign will reveal if that heartbreak motivates or weighs on the team. Their upcoming fixtures offer no easy starts.
The Gunners face tough opponents early, including 15-time champions Real Madrid and Germany’s Borussia Dortmund. Arsenal’s home matches include Madrid, Dortmund, Lille, and Sabah, while their travels take them to Real Betis, Napoli, and Slavia Prague. A solid defense still gives them hope to go one better this year.
A Personal Reunion: Real Madrid
This year’s story for Real Madrid is deeply personal. Manager Jose Mourinho returned to the club this summer, and the draw immediately matched them with Inter Milan—a club he led to Champions League glory in 2010 before his first spell at Madrid began. Few coaches have such a historic rivalry tied to a single fixture.
Madrid remain the competition’s most successful club with 15 titles. They will host Inter, PSV, RB Leipzig, and LASK, while traveling to Arsenal, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, and AEK Athens. These matches will challenge Mourinho’s tactical prowess and reignite old rivalries.
Transfer Drama Takes Center Stage: Barcelona
Each season includes a plotline about a player facing his former club, and this year it belongs to Barcelona. Rodri, once a key midfielder in the Premier League, joined Barcelona this summer for £65 million, setting up a reunion when Manchester City visits Spain during the group phase.
Beyond that subplot, Barcelona boast one of the tournament’s most exciting attacking lineups. They host City, Aston Villa, Feyenoord, and Como, and travel to PSG, Sporting CP, Galatasaray, and Sabah. Their potential is high, but how their defense holds on the road may determine how far they advance.
Competition Timeline
- League Phase: September 8 to January 27
- Advancement: Top eight teams move to the Round of 16
- Final Match: June 5 at Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid
