Champions League 2025-26 Preview

The Champions League is back this week with many of the world's best players once again looking to once again light up the competition.

Only one team will come away with the trophy at the end of May and it's now time to see who I think it will be.

AJAX

MANAGER: Johnny Heitinga

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x4 - 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1995

KEY PLAYER: Kenneth Taylor

Taylor was Ajax's top goal scorer in all competitions last season scoring 15 goals as they had a much improved season. If he can repeat his form from last season in Europe, Ajax could reach the knockout stages.

PREDICTION: Knockout Play Off

It's good to have a club of their stature back in Europe's top club competition. They have a good squad on paper with players who can score goals, but I don;t see them reaching the knockout rounds.

ARSENAL

MANAGER: Mikel Arteta

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Runners Up - 2006

KEY PLAYER: Declan Rice

Rice has grown into one of the best midfielders in Europe since he's been at Arsenal and he provided two moments of brilliance in his two stunning free kicks in the Quarter Finals against Real Madrid last season. If he can provide more moments like that this season alongside putting in some top performances in midfield, the Gunners could go far again.

PREDICTION: Semi Finals

They showed last season that they can compete with the big teams and they could well do again this season. With a much stronger squad this time round, I think they can go far again.

ATALANTA

MANAGER: Ivan Juric

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Quarter Finals - 2020

KEY PLAYER: Gianluca Scamacca

Scamacca spent the entirety of last season out with an ACL injury but is already off the mark in Serie A this season. He scored 12 times during his first season at the club two seasons ago and if he can keep himself fit, he has a chance of replicating form and Atalanta could surprise people again.

PREDICTION: Knockout Play Off

Their chances may depend on Lookman's state of mind after he didn't get his move away from the club. They could cause some surprises like they have done in the past, but I don't see them being in the knockout rounds.

ATHLETIC BILBAO

MANAGER: Ernesto Valverde

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Quarter Finals - 1957

KEY PLAYER: Nico Williams

Williams has been one of the most exciting young talents over the few years and it's incredible that Bilbao have managed to keep hold of him. He's a player who has a lot of ability and has a lot of pace and if Bilbao are to stand a chance in this competition, they'll need him on top of his game.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They don't have enough if not any Champions League experience in their squad. Because of this I can see them going out early.

ATLETICO MADRID

MANAGER: Diego Simeone

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Runners Up x3 - 1974, 2014 and 2016

KEY PLAYER: Jan Oblak

Oblak has been one of the best keepers in Europe for a number of years due to his incredible shot stopping abilities. He's been one of the main reasons why Atletico have had such a strong defence of the years because of his leadership and ability to organise his defence as well his shot stopping abilities.

PREDICTION: Last 16

They should have enough to overcome the knockout play off because of the manager and squad they have. But I don't see them going beyond the round of 16 as there are sides who have a bit more in quality than them.

BARCELONA

MANAGER: Hansi Flick

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x5 - 1992, 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015

KEY PLAYER: Lamine Yamal

Yamal is already looking like one of the best players in the world and he's only 18. The numbers he's registered for both club and country are insane and he might be Barca's most exciting young talent since Messi which is one massive statement.

PREDICTION: Semi Finals

They're going to score a lot of goals again because of the firepower they have up top. But question marks remain over them defensively and because of that, I think they'll fall short again.

BAYER LEVERKUSEN

MANAGER: Kasper Hjulmand

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Runners Up - 2002

KEY PLAYER: Patrik Schick

Schick scored 27 goals in all competitions last season and is set to be Leverkusen's most important player this season following the departures of some of their best players. He's a big strong centre forward who can also beat players and if Leverkusen are to qualify for the knockout rounds, they'll need him to deliver the goals.

PREDICTION: Knockout Play Off

They had a difficult summer following the departures of some of their key players and their manager Alonso. Because of this I don't see them going very far.

BAYERN MUNICH

MANAGER: Vincent Kompany

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x6 - 1974, 1975, 1976, 2001, 2013 and 2020

KEY PLAYER: Harry Kane

Kane's goal record since he's been at Bayern is simply incredible and last season he finally got the one thing his career deserved in a trophy as Bayern won the Bundesliga. He'll want to add another one to his collection this season and with some good attacking players around him, it could be the Champions League.

PREDICTION: Quarter Finals

They've got a lot of firepower in attack and they'll fancy themselves to go far because of it. But they always seem to fall short and because of that, I can see the same happen again this season.

BENFICA

MANAGER: Bruno Lage

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x2 - 1961 and 1962

KEY PLAYER: Vangelis Pavlidis

Pavlidis scored 30 goals in all competitions last season with 7 of them coming in this competition including a hat trick in the League Phase against Barcelona. If he can repeat that form this season, Benfica have a chance of reaching the knockout rounds and causing some surprises like they have done in the past.

PREDICTION: Knockout Play Off

They've caused some surprises in this competition in the past but they haven't done so for a while. They've got a good enough team to to finish in the play off spots, but I don't see them winning their tie whoever they get.

BODO/GLIMT

MANAGER: Kjetil Knutsen

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Qualifying Play Off x2 - 2023 and 2024

KEY PLAYER: Kasper Hogh

Hogh was the joint top goal scorer in the Europa League as the Norwegian side reached the semi finals and is currently the top goal scorer in the Norwegian League this season with 16 goals. The Norwegian League leaders will need him to carry those goal scoring exploits into this competition if they're to make a good go of it in this competition.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They had a good run in the Europa League last season by reaching the semi finals, but the Champions League is one big step up. With very little experience at this level in their squad, I can see them struggling.

BORUSSIA DORTMUND

MANAGER: Nico Kovac

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners - 1997

KEY PLAYER: Serhou Guirassy

Guirassy was the joint top scorer in this competition last season with 13 goals as Dortmund reached the Quarter Finals. He's started this season in fine form by scoring in every game so far and if he repeat his goal scoring exploits from last season, Dortmund could go as far as they did last season.

PREDICTION: Quarter Finals

They've done better in this competition than they have done domestically in the last two seasons and I can see that being the case again this season. With a top striker up top in Guirassy and some good signings made over the summer, they should reach at least the Quarters.

CHELSEA

MANAGER: Enzo Maresca

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x2 - 2012 and 2021

KEY PLAYER: Cole Palmer

Palmer has carried Chelsea in each of the last two seasons and he now has the chance to test himself at the highest level in club football. He looked back to his best during the blues' Club World Cup winning campaign and the blues will need him to replicate that form if they're to reach the knockout rounds.

PREDICTION: Last 16

Winning the Club World Cup in the summer will give them confidence, but this competition is one big step up compared to that one. They do have a talented and exciting young squad, but it lacks world class quality.

CLUB BRUGGE

MANAGER: Nicky Hayen

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Runners Up - 1978

KEY PLAYER: Christos Tzolis

Tzolis netted 21 times in all competitions last season and Brugge will need him to repeat those goal scoring exploits in Europe if they're to qualify from the League Phase again. He's quick, direct, agile and can create as well as score goals.

PREDICTION: League Phase

Repeating last season's feat will be tough because there will be teams who will be looking to do better this time round. Because of that I think they'll miss out on the knockout play offs.

COPENHAGEN

MANAGER: Jacob Neestrup

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Last 16 x2 - 2011 and 2024

KEY PLAYER: Thomas Delaney

Delaney has the most Champions League experience in the Copenhagen squad from his time with Dortmund and Sevilla and having someone like him will benefit the Danish champions massively. His ability to break up play and crucial interventions will be key if Copenhagen are to reach the knockout rounds.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They don't have a lot of Champions League quality or experience in their squad. Because of this I can see them struggling.

EINTRACHT FRANKFURT

MANAGER: Dino Toppmoller

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Runners Up - 1960

KEY PLAYER: Mario Gotze

He might not have lived up to the potential that was expected of him when he first emerged, but Gotze has a lot of experience in this competition from his time at his previous clubs. Having a player of his experience and calibre will massively help Frankfurt as they don't have a lot of Champions League experience in their squad.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They don't have a lot of Champions League quality of experience in their squad. With top scorer Etikite gone as well, I think they'll fall short of the knockout play offs.

GALATASARAY

MANAGER: Okan Buruk

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Semi Finals - 1989

KEY PLAYER: Victor Osimhen

Osimhen was one of the most talked about strikers in Europe only two years ago following his goal scoring exploits during Napoli's Serie A title winning season under Luciano Spalletti. He's not talked about in the same bracket these days because he's playing in a league which isn't as well known despite him hitting 37 times in all competitions last season. Having a striker of his calibre gives the Turkish champions a very good chance of reaching the knockout rounds and potentially causing some surprises.

PREDICTION: Last 16

They have the potential to be the surprise package this season as they have some quality players in their squad. With a top striker like Osimhen leading their attack, they could cause a few surprises.

INTER MILAN

MANAGER: Cristian Chivu

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x3 - 1964, 1965 and 2010

KEY PLAYER: Lautauro Martinez

Martinez's goal returns surprisingly dropped off last season in Serie A, but he did net 9 times in this competition as Inter reached the final. If last season's runners up are to give this competition another good crack this season, they'll need their Argentine talisman in form and fit.

PREDICTION: Last 16

They're a team who are ageing as their heavy defeat in the final last season showed. They'll have enough in them to reach the knockout rounds, but repeating last season's feat with an ageing squad is a tough ask.

JUVENTUS

MANAGER: Igor Tudor

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x2 - 1985 and 1996

KEY PLAYER: Manuel Locatelli

Locatelli brings a calmness to the entire Juve team when he's on the pitch due to his leadership and ability to dictate play in midfield. He runs the show from midfield through his range of passing and ability to make key interventions and he might be Italy's best holding midfielder since Andrea Pirlo.

PREDICTION: Last 16

They've started the season in fine form after winning all three of their games so far in Serie A. If they can keep that form up and carry it into Europe, they could make a comeback.

KAIRAT

MANAGER: Rafael Urazbakhtin

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: 2nd Qualifying Round - 2021

KEY PLAYER: Jorginho

Jorginho has 8 goals and assists each so far in the Kazakhstan Premier League in which Kairat are fighting it out with Astana for the title. They'll need him to deliver in this competition like he does domestically if the Kazakhstan champions are to stand any chance of making the knockout rounds.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They don't have any Champions League quality or experienced players in their squad ahead of their first full campaign in Europe's top club competition. Because of this I don't give them much hope of doing well.

LIVERPOOL

MANAGER: Arne Slot

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x6 - 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005 and 2019

KEY PLAYER: Mohamed Salah

Salah's goal record since he's been at Liverpool is incredible and so is his record in this very competition. He's scored 45 times in competition for the reds and if he continues to add to that tally this season, the reds could go all the way.

PREDICTION: Quarter Finals

A lot of people have them down as the favourites because of the money they spent in the summer. They'll definitely go further than they did last season, but I think they might fall short because of the competition of teams they'll be up against.

MAN CITY

MANAGER: Pep Guardiola

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners - 2023

KEY PLAYER: Erling Haaland

City's hopes of going far in this competition may rest on Haaland because of the goal scoring machine he is and the fact that he's arguably City's only world class player following the departures of some key players. His record in this competition is sensational and he only needs one more goal to reach 50 Champions League goals.

PREDICTION: Quarter Finals

This season will be the first one in a while where they won't be among the favourites because of them being a side in transition. Having Rodri back is a massive boost, but he may need time to get himself up to full match fitness and they've also lost a few key players over the summer.

MARSEILLE

MANAGER: Roberto De Zerbi

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners - 1993

KEY PLAYER: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Aubameyang is back at Marseille after spending a season in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Qadsiah. He scored 17 times during his last and only season at the club two seasons ago and although he's getting on a bit, he still knows where the back of the net is and having a goal scorer of his ilk in the side will give the French side a chance of reaching the knockout stages.

PREDICTION: Knockout Play Off

They'll cause teams problems because they're a front footed team that play with a lot of energy. But I don't think they'll have enough equality to see themselves through to the knockout rounds.

MONACO

MANAGER: Adi Hutter

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Runners Up - 2004

KEY PLAYER: Ansu Fati

Fati was one of the most exciting young talents when he first emerged but hasn't been able to live up to the promise that was expected from him. His move to Monaco could help him get his career back on track and if he can deliver in this competition, Monaco could maybe snap him up on a permanent deal at the end of the season.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They've made some decent signings over the summer, but I don't think they'll have enough quality to push up the league. Because of this I think they'll head out early.

NAPOLI

MANAGER: Antonio Conte

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Quarter Finals - 2023

KEY PLAYER: Scott McTominay

McTominay couldn't have asked for a better debut season at Napoli last season as he scored 12 goals from midfield to help them win the Serie A title. His form last season even earned him a Ballon D'or nomination and if he can repeat his performances from last season in this competition, Napoli have a great chance of reaching the knockout rounds.

PREDICTION: Last 16

Conte doesn't have a particularly good record in this competition, but he does have a strong squad that could cause a few upsets. They should at least reach the last 16 with the quality of players they have.

NEWCASTLE

MANAGER: Eddie Howe

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Second Group Stage - 2002

KEY PLAYER: Bruno Guimaraes

Guimaraes has taken the Magpies onto another level since he's been at St James' Park and by giving them that star quality in midfield. The Magpies are a better team when he plays because of the creativity and energy he brings to the team.

PREDICTION: Knockout Play Off

They should fare better this time round as the format is different which gives them a better chance. But because their squad stil lacks Champions League experience and quality, I don't see them progressing to the knockout rounds.

OLYMPIACOS

MANAGER: Jose Luis Mendilibar

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Quarter Finals - 1999

KEY PLAYER: Mehdi Taremi

Taremi had a good record in this competition when he was at Porto and having someone of his quality will be massively beneficial for the Greek champions. He netted twice on his Olympiacos debut over the weekend and he'll need to keep up his good start if Olympiacos are to reach the knockout rounds.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They never go far in this competition because they don't have the quality that most of the other teams have. Because of this I don't see them going very far.

PSG

MANAGER: Luis Enrique

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners - 2025

KEY PLAYER: Ousmane Dembele

Dembele looked like a player who finally fulfilled his potential last season after a few injury hit years at Barcelona. His goals at the back end of last season played a massive role in PSG winning the treble and if he can start this season like he ended last, he could bag himself the Ballon D'or.

PREDICTION: Semi Finals/Finalists

The expectations will be higher this season because of them being the holders. With a young and exciting squad, they could go and again and maybe dominate European football in years to come.

PSV

MANAGER: Peter Bosz

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners - 1988

KEY PLAYER: Ivan Perisic

Perisic may be getting on a bit at the of 36, but he is still as influential as he always has been and he showed that last season by registering 9 goals and assists each as PSV won the Eredivisie. Having a player of his quality and experience around will be a big boost for the Dutch champions as they look to make the knockout rounds again.

PREDICTION: Last 16

The loss of Luuk De Jong is a big blow because of the goals he scored last season. But they still have a decent squad squad and because of that, they should get through the knockout play off and reach the last 16.

PAFOS

MANAGER: Juan Carlos Carcero

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: N/A

KEY PLAYER: David Luiz

Luiz has had his critics over the years, but he'll brings bags of Champions League experience to this Pafos ahead of their first season in Europe's top club competition. His experience will be massively beneficial for the Cyprian champions this season.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They'll be one of the main underdogs because of this season being their first in this competition. With very little Champions League quality and experience in their squad, I can only see them head out early.

QARABAG

MANAGER: Gurban Gurbanov

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Qualifying Play Off x3 - 2017, 2022 and 2024

KEY PLAYER: Leandro Andrade

Andrade was Qarabag's top goal scorer last season with 17 goals in all competitions and 15 of them came in the Azerbaijan Premier League as they won the title. He is likely to be Qarabag's main goal threat once again this season and if they're to stand any chance of reaching the knockout rounds, they'll need him to deliver the goals again.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They'll be one of the main underdogs in this competition as their squad has very little quality or experience in this competition. Because of this, I don't give them much of a chance.

REAL MADRID

MANAGER: Xabi Alonso

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x15 - 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2024

KEY PLAYER: Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe's first season at the Bernabeu was seen as mixed by some people despite him winning the European Shoe with 31 goals. Now that he's fully adjusted to his surroundings, we should see the best of him over the course of a whole season and if he can stay in form, Real could win back their crown.

PREDICTION: Winners

They have an obsession with this competition which they'll be desperate to win back following a disappointing season last season. With an exciting manager at the helm and the team looking more settled, I can see them winning back their crown as they usually do after not winning it the previous season.

SLAVIA PRAGUE

MANAGER: Jindrich Trpisovsky

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Group Stage x2 - 2007 and 2019

KEY PLAYER: Lukas Provod

Provod registered 17 assists in all competitions last season with 10 of them coming in the Czech League as Slavia won the title. His creativity puts him at the heart of everything Slavia do when they go forward and they'll need him to provide in this competition if they're to stand a chance of making the knockout rounds.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They always go out early whenever they're in this competition because they don't have the quality that most of the teams in this competition have. With this likely to be the case again, I can only see another early exit for them.

SPORTING LISBON

MANAGER: Rui Borges

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Quarter Finals - 1983

KEY PLAYER: Francisco Trincao

Trincao was Sporting's second highest goal scorer last season after Viktor Gyokeres with 11 goals in all competitions. With Gyokeres gone, Sporting will need someone step up on the goals front and Trincao may be that player as he's someone who can score goals as he showed last season.

PREDICTION: Knockout Play Off

They should have a more settled season this year after having to change manager twice last season. But with Gyokeres gone and no replacement for him brought in, they could struggle for goals.

TOTTENHAM

MANAGER: Thomas Frank

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Runners Up - 2019

KEY PLAYER: Xavi Simons

Simons might be the only Champions League quality player that Spurs have in their entire squad because of the experience he's had in this competition compared to the rest of the squad. He's been a player with potential for a long time now and Spurs could be the club where he finally fulfils it. Especially if he can deliver in this competition.

PREDICTION: Last 16

They showed in the Super Cup that they can compete against the best teams in Europe. But they did throw away a two goal lead in that game and with questions hanging over their mentality, I can see them fall short against the top teams.

UNION SG

MANAGER: Sebastien Pocognoli

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: 3rd Qualifying Round x2 - 2022 and 2024

KEY PLAYER: Promise David

David scored 24 times last season as Union won the Belgian League and has carried that goal scoring form into this season. He'll now need to carry it into Europe if Union are to stand a chance of reaching the knockout rounds.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They do have goals in them, but their squad is short on quality and experience at this level. Because of this I can see them head out early.

VILLARREAL

MANAGER: Marcelino Garcia Toral

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Semi Finals x2 - 2006 and 2022

KEY PLAYER: Nicolas Pepe

The former Arsenal flop has made a promising start to the season with 2 goals in 4 games which is one fewer than the amount he got in the whole of last season. He's always been a player with a lot of ability and if he can keep up his good start to the season, he could recapture the form he showed at Lille.

PREDICTION: Knockout Play Off

They could give some teams a good game as they're a side who have goals in them. But I don't see them going beyond the round of 16 as they don't have the quality that the top teams have.