The UEFA Champions League league phase begins on Tuesday as Paris St-Germain attempt to become the first side since Real Madrid (2015-2018) to win three consecutive titles. With the final scheduled for June 5 in Madrid, football experts Julien Laurens and Guillem Balague have shared their predictions on who will lift the trophy.
Laurens expressed skepticism about PSG achieving a “three-peat,” noting that such a feat is nearly impossible without a player of Cristiano Ronaldo’s caliber. Instead, he projects Bayern Munich and Arsenal to reach the final, with Arsenal emerging as champions due to boasting Europe’s best defense. Laurens anticipates PSG will fall short in the semi-finals.
Balague, meanwhile, highlighted the challenges PSG face following an irregular start to the season under Luis Enrique. He expects the French giants to remain competitive but pointed to Barcelona’s strong form under Hansi Flick as a significant threat. Balague predicted that PSG, Arsenal, and Barcelona would all reach the semi-finals, with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, or Manchester City occupying the fourth spot.
The statistical analysis from Opta aligns closely with the pundits’ views, naming last season’s runners-up Arsenal as the favorites to win the tournament at 20.4%. Bayern Munich trail slightly at 20%, while defending champions PSG are fourth with a 7.3% chance. Former winners Manchester City sit third at 12.7%.
All five Premier League entrants feature within the top ten for win probability and have been given better than even odds of reaching the last-16. Opta’s power rankings also indicate that Liverpool and Stuttgart have secured the most favorable draws in the league phase, while Arsenal are positioned advantageously among the top pots.
Regarding individual performers, both experts identified key players to watch. Laurens selected Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, describing his number 10 role under Jose Mourinho as ideally suited to his abilities. He also praised PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as a constant match-winner and pointed to Como’s Nico Paz as an emerging talent. Balague focused on Bayern’s Harry Kane, who is aiming for the Ballon d’Or, alongside Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who is looking to bounce back from a injury-plagued previous campaign.
Kvaratskhelia at PSG is genius. He changes every game. Let’s go!
Who else thinks Lamine Yamal will steal the show this season?
Opta stats love Arsenal at 20.4%, but Bayern are right there at 20%. Nail biter!
PSG winning three in a row without Ronaldo? Really? I doubt it.
Arsenal as clear favorites seems a bit bold, but that defense is solid.