PSG Aim for Historic Third Consecutive Champions League Title as New Season Kicks Off
PSG Chasing Unprecedented Three-Peat in Champions League
The new Uefa Champions League season begins this week, with Paris St-Germain striving to become one of the few clubs to claim the trophy three years running. After last season’s dramatic penalty shootout win over Arsenal in Budapest, PSG defended their title successfully, holding onto the trophy they lifted for the first time just a year before.
Under Luis Enrique, the team has already cemented its place among elite European sides by winning consecutive titles—a feat only previously managed by Real Madrid since the competition took its modern form in 1992. A third straight championship would elevate them into truly rare company alongside Ajax (1971-73), Bayern Munich (1974-76), and Real Madrid's historic five-year streak 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 also coached Barcelona to their 2015 triumph.
The recent back-to-back victories came as the Champions League introduced a fresh format: 36 teams in a league phase playing eight matches against different opponents. Despite PSG’s struggles to finish in the top eight during the league phase in the last two seasons—requiring play-offs to reach the last 16—this season will see them face familiar foes including Manchester City, Barcelona, and Aston Villa.
Premier League Clubs Dominate Outlook
European football’s financial landscape means Premier League teams often stand out. Arsenal, in particular, are expected to push forward after reaching progressively further rounds each of the past three seasons—quarter-finals, semi-finals, then the final. Last season, they topped the league phase undefeated but face a challenging opener away to Napoli this year.
- English teams competing: Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa
Bayern Munich remains a strong contender, while Jose Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid aiming to reclaim European glory. Barcelona also hunger to add another trophy. Other clubs like Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid could influence the tournament, especially with the final set to be held at Atletico’s stadium.
Fresh Faces Join the Competition
Outside the main leagues, victories have been rare, with Porto in 2004 the only non-Spanish, English, German, Italian, or French club to win in the past 30 years. Still, new entrants bring excitement this season. Como, finishing fourth in Serie A under Cesc Fabregas, qualified ahead of bigger names like AC Milan and Juventus.
Viking Stavanger make their Champions League debut after clinching their first Norwegian title in 34 years. Meanwhile, Sabah from Azerbaijan will start with an away game at Old Trafford after winning their first national championship and progressing through four qualifying rounds. Their manager, Valdas Dambrauskas, began coaching inspired by winnings from Lithuania’s version of 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire'.
“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.”
Even if clubs like Sabah don't advance beyond the league phase, participation guarantees a minimum payout near €20 million (about $23.2 million), a significant boost for teams from smaller leagues. Champions League winners can earn around €90 million in prize money alone, with television rights pushing earnings even higher. Reports suggest PSG earned approximately €150 million for each of their last two titles.
