This season may appear much altered, although several aspects of the Champions League remain unchanged.
With the event commencing on Tuesday, the teams will enter to the renowned music, attracting global attention, while the familiar prestigious trophy remains at stake.
As the 36-team ‘Swiss’ league system commences, who will be hoisting the illustrious trophy at the Munich final at the conclusion of May next year? We enquired of our Mirror Football writers on their predictions for the next European champions.
John Cross – Real Madrid
I predict that Real Madrid will win the Champions League this season. Although not an innovative forecast, Europe’s elite improved with the acquisition of Kylian Mbappe, who, in my opinion, is the most exhilarating and remarkable all-around forward in global sport. Combining him alongside Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and others becomes Real Madrid formidable.
Carlo Ancelotti frequently asserts that Real have an aura. They have secured the European Cup 15 times, and even in suboptimal performances, they manage to accomplish their objectives.
I believe off-the-pitch distractions may impact Manchester City. What will transpire during the hearing? It has persisted excessively for all parties involved. Arsenal and Liverpool are undergoing development, whilst Aston Villa is a valuable enhancement.
I appreciate the new format. The previous six group matches may grow tedious, particularly with inconsequential games. I trust it is not very complex. I have attended several briefings, however I remain perplexed. The most effective formats are straightforward and engaging. Let us be optimistic.
Increased games and heightened competition typically lead to greater victories for Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s team was favoured by many last season and was eliminated by narrow margins against the eventual champions, Real Madrid; nevertheless, this season, I do not foresee any obstacles preventing them from reaching Munich.
They exited the tournament at the same point as Arsenal, but I doubt the Gunners can maintain their performance, nor do I believe Liverpool can compete well, since Arne Slot’s team has the necessary depth for this excessively stretched competition. The similarities between Unai Emery’s Aston Villa and Newcastle are unmistakable, and advancing to the knockout round would be unexpected considering their first opponents.
Real Madrid will remain competitive, particularly if Carlo Ancelotti’s squad diverts their attention from La Liga following a lacklustre beginning, whilst Bayer Leverkusen is likely to progress significantly due to Xabi Alonso’s commendable track record in knockout competitions.
Andy Dunn – Atlético Madrid
The group stage may adopt a different format, although it is likely that the familiar contenders will advance to the knockout round, making it hard to argue against Manchester City’s prospects of securing a second title.
It is my belief that Kylian Mbappe’s presence at Real Madrid may be as disconcerting as it is inspiring, and it would not be unexpected if Barcelona advanced farther in the competition. However, Spain may still provide an alternative to the evident selections, represented by Atletico Madrid.
Conor Gallagher netted his inaugural goal for Diego Simeone’s squad over the weekend, and the English midfielder possesses the mentality, attitude, and capability to achieve significant success there. Julian Alvarez has also made his debut for Atleti, and his abilities have been evident over the last few years.
Gallagher and Alvarez enhance the roster of elite players, including Jan Oblak and Antoine Griezmann, while Simeone, in his 14th season as manager, possesses the expertise and acumen to lead Atleti to success.
Jeremy Cross – Real Madrid
Only one victor exists, and that is the club that engages in the endeavour only for enjoyment. Real Madrid. Last season, the Spanish giants secured their 14th European title, and since then, Real Madrid has included Kylian Mbappe into their roster.
Best of luck to anyone aspiring to displace a club that evaluates its standards based on securing the most prestigious club accolade. I also encompass Manchester City in this regard.
The English champions are perhaps the sole team capable of matching Real, as seen in recent seasons. However, in this competition, Pep Guardiola often makes unconventional judgements.
They lead their domestic league with five victories from five matches, scoring 17 goals, possess a promising array of youthful talent, many of whom have previously secured trophies, and are guided by a manager who has just won the Champions League. Why is there a lack of discourse around Barcelona?
Hansi Flick has them performing exceptionally well in La Liga, with seven different players contributing to the goal tally this season. This alleviates the pressure on the ageing Robert Lewandowski, who still possesses the capability to challenge top defenders and serve as a seasoned support for players such as Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Pedri.
The new structure, which is considerably improved, has also benefited them, with their most challenging match coming against Bayern Munich at home.The bookmakers have Barcelona positioned as about the fifth or sixth favourites for the championship, with teams like as Liverpool and PSG, which seems excessive to me.Just when it seemed players could not endure further exhaustion, an enlarged Champions League arrives, increasing the initial phase from six to eight matches, accompanied by a television schedule demanding a devotion to the sofa akin to that of Gogglebox viewers.
As anticipated, there will be no unexpected competitors when we reach the final eight. Only the customary array of suspects. This indicates that Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain are the most probable victors, as financial resources are paramount.
The outcome of City’s season remains uncertain because to the significant burden of the 115 charges, which will likely cast a shadow throughout the winter, regardless of their immediate effect on the pitch.
Arsenal is unlikely to maintain a championship push or fight for Champions League dominance; so, Mikel Arteta’s optimal strategy is to pursue a first Premier League title in 21 years since the Gunners’ Invincibles season.
Unai Emery’s proficiency in European competitions renders Aston Villa a team of interest, however their lack of sufficient quality depth precludes them from ultimate success. Liverpool’s inactivity in the recent transfer market will have repercussions.
Kylian Mbappe, who has yet to secure the European Cup, is poised to finally attain it.
The inclusion of Kylian Mbappe in an already powerful roster makes it difficult to overlook perennial champions Real Madrid when forecasting this season’s Champions League victors.
Although it may be anticipated, there exists a rationale behind Real’s status as the sovereigns of European football— their 15 victories serve as incontrovertible evidence of their unmatched lineage in the league, ensuring their perpetual position among the frontrunners.
Any team that can showcase the illustrious attacking prowess of Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Jr., supported by a midfield comprising Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and the seasoned Luka Modric, along with a robust defence featuring Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao, will be formidable contenders in the latter stages of Europe’s premier club competition.
Manchester City is anticipated to be a contender, considering their substantial depth of skill and experience; nevertheless, the outcome of their lawsuit against the Premier League may influence their prospects for success this season, should they be deemed guilty of the allegations.
The revised format introduces greater risk in the initial stage, as larger teams face two adversaries from the same seeded pot, indicating that the first round may not be as effortless for them as it often was under the previous format, where the final two matches of the group stage frequently became inconsequential for teams with a perfect record.
The inclusion of two more games—four for the clubs participating in the playoff round to qualify for the knockout stage—imposes an even greater strain on players within an already crowded fixture schedule.
The new structure will certainly provide more thrilling matches among Europe’s top teams, like Manchester City vs Inter Milan, Liverpool against Real Madrid, and Barcelona facing Bayern Munich, transforming an often mundane initial phase into a far more captivating and engaging experience.Indeed, they are favoured in most years, and while this may not be the most imaginative selection, their reputation is justified. They were indisputably the superior team when Real Madrid eliminated them in the quarter-finals last season, with the Spaniards appearing to hope for a penalty shootout.
The city is resolute in reclaiming its title and has acquired the requisite knowledge as a collective to triumph in Europe. Observing Aston Villa will be captivating as they attempt to balance this with home affairs. While notable victories at Villa Park are to be expected, I doubt they will advance to the latter rounds. Arsenal will also benefit from their experience last year.
I am not in favour of the new format. It appeared like alterations were made only for the sake of change, with the primary concern being the heightened number of games. UEFA, like to other regulating organisations, prioritises financial gain over player wellbeing.
