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

Champions League Back with Exciting Contenders

The Champions League kicks off again, with the grand final set for Madrid on 5 June next year. Paris St-Germain seeks a third consecutive title, a feat last achieved by Real Madrid between 2015 and 2018. Five English teams will aim to stop PSG’s dominance, with Arsenal considered favorites to improve on last season’s runners-up finish.

Experts Julien Laurens and Guillem Balague share their predictions and highlight key players to watch this season. The BBC will provide extensive coverage, including highlights from every match available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport app every Wednesday from 22:00 BST, plus a dedicated Match of the Day on BBC One at 22:40. Thursday’s matches will also be featured in a highlights show on BBC Two at 22:30.

Who Are the Favorites?

Julien Laurens’ Take

Laurens says winning three titles in a row would be remarkable but unlikely without a superstar like Cristiano Ronaldo, who PSG does not have. He predicts PSG will at least reach the semifinals but thinks the title race is wide open.

He doubts the success of Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid and instead favors Bayern Munich and Arsenal for the final. Laurens believes Arsenal, boasting Europe’s strongest defense, has the best chance to win. His prediction: PSG makes the semifinals, Bayern finishes close second, and Arsenal lifts the trophy.

Guillem Balague’s Viewpoint

Balague notes PSG’s inconsistent start as a sign of how hard it is to sustain top form. Coach Luis Enrique pushes for dynamic, high-intensity football, which demands time to perfect. Despite some early struggles, PSG should be strong contenders when the knockout stages arrive.

Barcelona are performing well but still seek reinforcements, especially a center-back and striker. Balague expects Barcelona, Arsenal, and PSG to reach the semifinals unless they face each other earlier. The fourth semifinalist could be Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, or Manchester City, depending on the draw.

Players to Keep an Eye On

Julien Laurens’ Picks

  • Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): Laurens highlights this season as crucial for Bellingham, especially playing as a number 10 under Mourinho. Coming off a strong World Cup, he expects Bellingham to score frequently and be decisive.
  • Nico Paz (Como): As Como’s playmaker and the team’s first Champions League participant, Paz is a rising talent coached by Cesc Fabregas. Laurens believes he will become a top player soon.
  • Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG): Praised as “Mr. Champions League,” Kvaratskhelia impressed over the past two seasons, excelling on the left wing with both feet and scoring spectacular goals. He’s seen as a Ballon d’Or contender.
  • Ismaelo Ganiou (Lens): A standout 21-year-old center-back known for speed, strength, and ball skills. Expected to move to a major Premier League club after the season.
  • Donyell Malen (Roma): After transferring from Aston Villa, Malen has been prolific for Roma, nearly scoring a goal per game. His return to form will be exciting to watch.

Guillem Balague’s Recommendations

  • Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): Kane is on track to contend for the Ballon d’Or, thriving in Bayern’s style.
  • Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): The young forward is eager to prove himself in the Champions League under coach Hansi Flick’s high-press system.
  • Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG): Balague agrees he will play a key role for PSG and is destined to win the Ballon d’Or.
  • Kaua Elias (Shakhtar Donetsk): A promising 20-year-old Brazilian who might become the club’s next big transfer.
  • Martin Odegaard (Arsenal): After a tough injury-hit season, Odegaard has started strong, ready to lead a more confident Arsenal squad.

Statistics and Predictions

  • Arsenal are the top favorites with a 20.4% chance of winning, according to Opta.
  • Bayern Munich follow closely with a 20% probability.
  • Manchester City, the 2023 champions, hold a 12.7% chance.
  • Paris St-Germain have a 7.3% chance to win a historic third straight title.
  • All five English clubs rank in the top 10 for overall win probability and have over a 50% chance of reaching the last-16.
  • Opta ranks Liverpool with the easiest group stage draw.
  • Stuttgart have the easiest overall run, while Inter Milan enjoys the most favorable draw among pot one teams.
  • Arsenal drew Real Madrid and Bayern Munich from pot one but also the lowest-ranked teams Sabah and Slovan Bratislava.
  • Manchester City faces one of the toughest draws, including Barcelona, PSG, and Napoli.

How Will the Debutants Fare?

Guillem Balague praises Como and their manager Cesc Fabregas for their modern style and expects them to reach the knockout rounds. Austrian team LASK showed strong competitiveness by beating Celtic but might struggle to qualify beyond the group phase.

Azerbaijan’s Sabah relies on solid organization but faces daunting fixtures against Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Borussia Dortmund. They may surprise but likely won’t advance.

Viking FK from Norway confronts Bayern, Atletico, Napoli, and Aston Villa. Norwegian football’s cleverness and competitiveness give them a chance to make the knockouts.

Where to Watch Champions League Highlights

Watch highlights of all Champions League matches from 22:00 on Wednesdays via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. On BBC One, there’s a special Match of the Day program every Wednesday starting at 22:40.

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