PSG Aim for Third Consecutive Champions League Title as New Season Kicks Off
PSG Chasing Historic Third Straight Champions League Win
Paris Saint-Germain are back in the spotlight as the new UEFA Champions League season begins, hoping to join an elite group of clubs that have won three consecutive titles. After securing the trophy for the first time in their history, PSG defended it successfully last season by beating Arsenal on penalties in Budapest.
Under Luis Enrique, PSG have cemented their place among the competition’s finest by clinching back-to-back wins, a feat only previously managed by Real Madrid since the modern Champions League started in 1992. Claiming a third straight title would elevate them into a unique category alongside legends like Real Madrid under Zinedine Zidane (2016-2018), Ajax (1971-1973), and Bayern Munich (1974-1976). Notably, Real Madrid also won the first five European Cup editions from 1956 to 1960.
“Our objectives are clear. I want to win important trophies, and there are none more important than the Champions League,” said Luis Enrique, who previously led Barcelona to victory in 2015.
The French club's recent success has coincided with changes in the tournament format, now featuring 36 teams in the league phase, each playing eight matches against different opponents. Despite this, PSG have struggled in the league phase, finishing outside the top eight twice and needing to advance through additional play-offs to reach the last 16. This season, they face familiar challengers including Manchester City, Barcelona, and Aston Villa.
English Teams and the Challenge Ahead
The Premier League’s financial power ensures its clubs remain strong contenders, with five English teams participating: Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Aston Villa. Arsenal, having lost in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final over the past three years, are ready for the next step under Mikel Arteta. They dominated last season's league phase with a perfect record but start this campaign away at Napoli.
Other heavyweight contenders include Bayern Munich, Real Madrid — now managed by Jose Mourinho aiming to restore their continental glory — and Barcelona, eager to reclaim the trophy. While these clubs appear most likely to win, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid could also influence the outcome, especially with Atletico hosting the final.
Fresh Faces Enter the Competition
In the last three decades, the only team outside Spain, England, Germany, Italy, and France to lift the Champions League trophy is Porto in 2004, managed by Mourinho. This season introduces newcomers like Como, who secured fourth place in Serie A last term under Cesc Fabregas, displacing AC Milan and Juventus. Viking Stavanger make their Champions League debut after winning Norway’s first title in 34 years.
Sabah, Azerbaijani champions for the first time, open their campaign at Old Trafford after surviving four qualifying rounds. Their coach, Valdas Dambrauskas, transitioned from a contestant on Lithuania’s version of ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’ to football management. He shared,
“Since I was 12, when I realised I would not be a professional player, I knew I wanted to be a football coach. I cannot guess what would have happened without this game, but I believe I would have found a way to achieve my dream.”
Though Sabah may struggle to advance beyond the league phase, participation guarantees nearly €20 million (around US$23.2 million), a significant boost for smaller leagues. Champions League winners typically receive about €90 million in prize money plus additional earnings from TV rights. Reports suggest PSG earned approximately €150 million for each of their last two triumphs.
