Our Champions League predictions as competition returns

Europe’s premier membership competitors is again because the Champions League season begins this week.

The best sides in European soccer will do battle once more in 2025/26, aiming to switch Paris Saint-Germain as champions of the continent.

Forward of matchday one, we’ve put down our predictions for the upcoming season. As ever, predictions are a idiot’s sport and positive to make us look foolish within the coming months.

Champions League winner

Paris Saint-Germain have the muse to create a dynasty in Europe, with a vibrant younger aspect incomes a record-breaking last win over Inter Milan final season. Going back-to-back has confirmed close to unimaginable within the Champions League period, nonetheless, providing encouragement to the would-be contenders.

Liverpool are our decide to take the trophy. The Reds got here inside penalty kicks of beating PSG final season and have bolstered their squad with the additions of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, amongst others.

Prime scorer

A boring reply, however it’s laborious to look previous Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has began the season with a bang, with Pep Guardiola going so far as to label the Manchester Metropolis striker as ‘higher than ever’.

Given he’s scored 49 objectives in 48 earlier appearances on this competitors and has already cracked the all-time prime 10 goalscorers, it’s a daunting thought.

150 Metropolis appearances. 129 objectives. 21 assists. One @ErlingHaaland. pic.twitter.com/mpo8WfiMTc

– Manchester Metropolis (@Mancity) September 15, 2025

One to observe

Estevao Willian has the prospect to be a breakout star on this season’s Champions League. {The teenager} has made an electrical begin to the season at Chelsea, after making his long-awaited transfer to Stamford Bridge. Stuffed with aptitude and a need to tackle defenders, he will probably be given the prospect to check himself in opposition to Europe’s greatest.

For these outdoors of Europe’s main leagues, keep watch over Christos Mouzakitis. The Olympiacos midfielder is popping loads of heads in Greece and may very well be the most recent starlet to earn the Greek champions a profitable windfall.

League part prime eight

The highest eight within the league part progress robotically to the final 16 of the competitors, with locations 9 to 24 coming into the play-off spherical.

Predicted prime eight: Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester Metropolis, Bayern Munich, Actual Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur.

Darkish Horse

Maybe not for the trophy, however Galatasaray might show problematic for any aspect visiting Istanbul.

Victor Osimhen has joined the Turkish champions on a everlasting deal, whereas the additions of Leroy Sane and Wilfried Singo have added high quality in key areas.

POV: you’re being outplayed by an absolute beast. pic.twitter.com/KCFpq4Epte

– Galatasaray en (@galatasaray) August 15, 2025

Largest disappointment

After reaching Champions League finals in 2023 and 2025, Inter Milan have began the brand new season in poor type.

The Nerazzurri have received simply one in all their opening three Serie A video games, as Inter fight the lack of head coach Simeone Inzaghi in the summertime. A repeat of their run to current finals appears to be like tough.

Learn – Champions League: 5 kids to look out for this season

See extra – The 5 favourites to win the 2025/26 Champions League