{
  "id": 6387798,
  "title": "Joe Cole has predicted the team to win the Champions League trophy this season",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/joe-cole-has-predicted-the-team-to-win-the-champions-league-trophy",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-09T05:38:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/09/joe-cole-has-predicted-the-team-to-win-the-champions-league-trophy-this-season/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Manchester United winger Joe Cole has predicted that Real Madrid will win the Champions League trophy this season. Cole does not believe any Premier League team, including Arsenal, will secure the European title this season. Arsenal, who won the Premier League for the first time since 2004 last year, advanced to the Champions League final but lost to Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout. The Gunners began their Champions League campaign strongly, winning their first three matches against Coventry City, Aston Villa, and Chelsea. Arteta's side has made significant signings, including Brazilian star Bruno Guimarães, England international Ezri Konsa, and Greek winger Christos Tzolis. They have also been considered joint favorites to win the Champions League along with Barcelona and PSG. However, Cole has chosen Real Madrid as his prediction for the Champions League winner, citing Jose Mourinho's return and the final taking place at Atletico's stadium as factors that make the team a captivating narrative for success. Cole believes that Mourinho is exceptional at working with elite players and has confidence in them. However, Cole acknowledges that the main challenge for Real Madrid will be Kylian Mbappe and hopes that the team can ignite his performance and integrate him into the squad. Vinicius's decision to stay with the club was also crucial for their chances. Cole sensed a certain energy surrounding Real Madrid and has faith in them for the Champions League this season. Real Madrid started their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win over Inter Milan on Tuesday night.",
  "summary": "The former winger does not believe any Premier League team, including champions Arsenal, will win the Champions League this season. Numerous analysts anticipate that Mikel Arteta’s squad will improve upon their performance after reaching the Champions League final last season. The Gunners, who achieved their first Premier League title since 2004, took the lead in […] Joe Cole has predicted the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 7,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Orlando Pirates aim to seal Champions League progression against La Cure Waves at home",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/orlando-pirates-aim-to-seal-champions-league-progression-against-la",
        "published": "2026-09-09T04:30:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "France 24",
        "title": "Champions League: Madrid and Mbappé defeat Inter despite defensive lapses",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/champions-league-madrid-and-mbappe-defeat-inter-despite-defensive",
        "published": "2026-09-09T05:45:12.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Manchester United cautiously optimistic as Champions League football returns to Old Trafford",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/manchester-united-cautiously-optimistic-as-champions-league-football",
        "published": "2026-09-09T07:26:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "🥐☕️ FC Breakfast: Champions League is back, scorers firing 🔥",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/fc-breakfast-champions-league-is-back-scorers-firing",
        "published": "2026-09-09T07:27:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "PSG starts title defense with Champions League powers Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal also in action",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/psg-starts-title-defense-with-champions-league-powers-barcelona-6404051",
        "published": "2026-09-09T09:33:17.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "I want it more than anything – Mbappe chooses between winning Ballon d’Or, Champions League",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/i-want-it-more-than-anything-mbappe-chooses-between-winning-ballon",
        "published": "2026-09-09T12:13:24.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}