The UEFA Champions League is set to commence its league phase, just over three months after Paris Saint-Germain secured their second consecutive title. The competition, which will run until June 5 with the final hosted at Atletico Madrid's Metropolitano stadium, promises eight weeks of action across the group stage before the knockout rounds begin.
This season introduces several storylines to follow. Bodo/Glimt, who captured attention last year with a run to the round of 16 that included victories over Manchester City, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid, aim to replicate their underdog success. The Norwegian champions have largely retained their squad, with only striker Kasper Hogh departing for Celtic. Potential new underdogs include Austrian side LASK, making their Champions League debut, and Azerbaijan champions Sabah, who reached this stage after four qualifying rounds.
Mourinho's Return to Real Madrid
Real Madrid welcomes back manager Jose Mourinho for a second spell, 13 years after his initial departure. The club has seen significant player movement during the summer, with additions such as Yan Diomande, Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, and Denzel Dumfries. Mourinho's objective is to secure Real Madrid's 16th Champions League title, following two consecutive quarter-final exits. He will manage a squad featuring stars like Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham, though controlling player dynamics may present his primary challenge after disciplinary issues last season. Their campaign begins at home against Inter Milan.
Manchester United's European Comeback
Mama United makes their return to the Champions League after a two-season absence, having finished third in the league under manager Michael Carrick. The team will rely on the influence of Bruno Fernandes, who set an assist record in the Premier League last season. Despite his individual success, Fernandes has only played in the Champions League in two of his five full seasons at the club, with the team never progressing past the round of 16 during that time. Manchester United's start to the current Premier League season has been inconsistent, securing only four points from their opening three matches. The increased fixture load from European competition will also test the depth of Carrick's squad.
PSG's Three-Peat Bid
Paris Saint-Germain has the opportunity to become only the second team in the modern Champions League era to win three consecutive titles, a feat previously achieved by Real Madrid. The French club maintains a strong roster, retaining key players such as Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, Joao Neves, and Vitinha. They have also added new signings including Lucas Digne, Ferran Torres, and Maghnes Akliouche. However, PSG's league campaign has begun poorly, with only two points earned from their first three games, raising early questions about their form.
Mbappe's Quest for the Ultimate Prize
Kylian Mbappe, the reigning Champions League Golden Boot winner and a World Cup victor, is still seeking to win the Champions League title. Despite domestic successes and individual accolades, including a World Cup Golden Boot, the European club title remains elusive in his career with PSG, Monaco, and Real Madrid. This season is viewed as a significant opportunity for the French forward, particularly as Real Madrid has significantly reshaped their squad following a challenging 2025-26 season.
Arsenal's Challenging Group Stage
Arsenal begins their Champions League journey against Napoli, aiming to build on their final loss to PSG last season. The Gunners have started their domestic season with three consecutive Premier League wins, including a strong performance against Chelsea. Having secured the Premier League title last season, Mikel Arteta's side now targets European success. Their group stage draw presents a formidable challenge, with fixtures against Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund. This demanding European campaign is expected to be a significant test for Arsenal, though they remain optimistic about their chances of competing for the title.