Champions League returns with revamped league phase as PSG chase historic three‑peat

The UEFA Champions League has commenced its new season this week, with Paris Saint-Germain aiming to become part of an exclusive group of clubs that have won the competition three consecutive years. Last season, PSG successfully defended their title by defeating Arsenal on penalties in Budapest, marking their first-ever victory in the competition.

Under coach Luis Enrique, the French club has already established themselves as one of the sport's elite teams by securing back-to-back championships, a feat previously only accomplished by Real Madrid in 2016-2018 and Ajax and Bayern Munich between 1971-1976 and 1974-1976, respectively.

Real Madrid's dominance in the modern era of the Champions League, spanning from 1956 to 1960, highlights the rarity of this achievement. Paris Saint-Germain's back-to-back titles have coincided with the introduction of the new Champions League format, involving 36 teams competing in the league phase. The Parisians encountered difficulties in the league phase during the past two seasons, often needing to advance through a play-off round to reach the knockout stage.

This time, they will face familiar opponents such as Manchester City, Barcelona, and Aston Villa, all of which were involved in their last four campaigns.

The financial implications of the competition are substantial, with the Champions League winners earning around €90 million in prize money and additional millions from television revenues. PSG's success in the previous two editions reportedly earned them around €150 million each. With the financial might of Europe's super clubs, the prospect of an outsider club winning the Champions League appears increasingly challenging.

Arsenal, being among the top Premier League representatives, is expected to perform well, having lost in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final over the last three years. Their next step involves a tough start in the league phase against Napoli. The English Premier League boasts five clubs participating, including Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Aston Villa.

Bayern Munich, Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid, and Barcelona are also strong contenders, with Barcelona eager to win its third consecutive title. Aside from the established clubs, newcomer Porto won the Champions League in 2004, while the Norwegian club Stavanger and Azerbaijani club Sabah, debuting in the competition after securing their first-ever titles, will add an element of freshness to the event.