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Champions League 2026-27: Top Contenders and Key Players to Watch

Champions League Returns: Who Will Claim the Trophy?

The Champions League kicks off again with Paris St-Germain aiming to secure a third consecutive title, a feat last achieved by Real Madrid from 2015 to 2018. The group stage begins Tuesday, with five English clubs eager to prevent PSG from making history. Arsenal, coming off a runners-up finish last year, are among the favourites.

Football analysts Julien Laurens and Guillem Balague shared their predictions about the tournament’s outcome and standout players. Fans can also cast their vote for this season’s champions. BBC will provide extensive coverage including highlights of every game on Wednesdays starting at 22:00 BST via BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and app. Highlights for Thursday’s matches will be shown on BBC Two at 22:30.

Who Are the Top Contenders?

Julien Laurens' Take

Laurens doubts PSG will manage a three-peat, suggesting two in a row is already exceptional without a player like Cristiano Ronaldo. He expects PSG to reach at least the semi-finals but sees Arsenal and Bayern Munich as stronger candidates for the final. He praises Arsenal’s defense as the best in Europe and predicts they could win it all, with Bayern close behind and PSG making the last four.

Guillem Balague's Insights

Balague notes PSG’s uneven start, describing their season's first half as experimental with unpredictable results. He believes PSG will remain competitive and nearly win again. Barcelona are performing well, although they want to strengthen their defense and attack. Arsenal’s steady winning form has eased pressure, improving their play. Balague expects PSG, Arsenal, and Barcelona to reach the semi-finals unless they clash earlier. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, or Manchester City could fill the fourth spot.

Players to Keep an Eye On

Julien Laurens’ Picks

  • Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): A pivotal season awaits the midfielder playing in a number 10 role, expected to score frequently and be decisive after a strong World Cup.
  • Nico Paz (Como): Como’s creative number 10 and manager Cesc Fabregas have made the team entertaining, with Paz poised to become a top player soon.
  • Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG): Known as "Mr Champions League," his technical skill and goal-scoring ability make him a Ballon d’Or contender.
  • Ismaelo Ganiou (Lens): A quick, physical centre-back considered Lens’ best player; likely to move to a major Premier League club after the season.
  • Donyell Malen (Roma): Since joining Roma, Malen has scored nearly one goal per game and is expected to regain top form this season.

Guillem Balague’s Choices

  • Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): A strong contender for the Ballon d’Or whose playing style fits Bayern perfectly.
  • Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): A hungry teenager thriving under Hansi Flick’s high-press system.
  • Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG): Expected to continue leading PSG to victories and possibly win the Ballon d’Or soon.
  • Kaua Elias (Shakhtar Donetsk): A 20-year-old Brazilian talent who could follow the club’s tradition of producing star players.
  • Martin Odegaard (Arsenal): Returning from injuries, he’s started strong and looks ready to lead Arsenal.

Statistical Outlook

Opta’s data lists Arsenal as the favourites to win the Champions League with a 20.4% chance, closely followed by Bayern Munich at 20%. PSG stands fourth with 7.3%, while Manchester City ranks third with a 12.7% chance. All five Premier League teams have over a 50% chance to reach the last 16 and rank within the top 10 for overall win probability.

According to Opta’s power rankings, Liverpool faces the easiest group stage draw, while Stuttgart has the simplest overall path. Inter Milan benefits from the most favourable pot one draw. Arsenal's draw is relatively good despite facing Real Madrid and Bayern Munich because they also play against the two lowest-ranked teams in the competition, Sabah and Slovan Bratislava.

Manchester City confronts the toughest schedule among English teams, matched against Barcelona, PSG, and Napoli.

Debutant Teams' Prospects

Guillem Balague praises Como’s manager Cesc Fabregas for sticking with the club, allowing him the freedom to innovate. He expects them to reach the knockout rounds.

Austrian side LASK showed promise by defeating Celtic but are unlikely to advance further. Azerbaijan’s Sabah team impresses with organization but faces a harsh schedule with matches against Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Borussia Dortmund, making qualification unlikely.

Viking from Norway may have a chance to reach the knockout phase despite tough opponents like Bayern and Atletico, thanks to Norwegian football’s competitive spirit and clever coaching.

Additional Information

  • Match Highlights: Available from 22:00 on Wednesdays via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport platforms.
  • Champions League Match of the Day: Airs on BBC One from 22:40 to midnight every Wednesday.

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