Europe’s top clubs, led by defending champions PSG and a strengthened Arsenal, begin their Champions League campaigns this week chasing continental supremacy in Budapest next May.
The UEFA Champions League kicks off this week with reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain and a deep field of challengers seeking to lift the trophy in Budapest next May. PSG, who claimed their maiden title last season with a record 5-0 win over Inter Milan, remain largely intact despite goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s move to Manchester City. Arsenal, bolstered by summer signings Viktor Gyökeres, Martín Zubimendi and others, open away to Athletic Club as they chase a first European crown.
England boasts six entrants—Liverpool, Arsenal, City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham—after topping UEFA’s coefficient table, raising the prospect of an all-Premier League final. Bayern Munich meet Chelsea, City host Napoli and Newcastle face Barcelona in high-profile matchday one clashes. Italy’s hopes rest largely with Napoli, while Barcelona, powered by prodigy Lamine Yamal and veteran Robert Lewandowski, target their first title since 2015 despite defensive frailties.
Emerging coaches such as Xabi Alonso and Vincent Kompany could challenge established winners Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique in a tournament rich with potential upsets and storylines.