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PSG Aims for Historic Third Consecutive Champions League Title

The new UEFA Champions League season kicks off with Paris Saint-Germain striving to join an elite group of clubs that have won the tournament three times consecutively. After securing back-to-back titles, PSG looks to make history with a third straight triumph.

Back-to-Back Success Sets the Stage

Last season, PSG defended their crown by defeating Arsenal on penalties in Budapest, maintaining the trophy they first claimed a year earlier. Led by coach Luis Enrique, who also guided Barcelona to victory in 2015, the team has established itself among the competition’s all-time greats. Only Real Madrid had previously won consecutive Champions League trophies since 1992.

Chasing an Elite Record

Winning three in a row remains a rare achievement. Real Madrid accomplished this feat under Zinedine Zidane from 2016 to 2018. Other clubs to have done so include Ajax (1971-73) and Bayern Munich (1974-76). Historically, Real Madrid also dominated the early years by winning the first five European Cups 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.

New Format Brings Fresh Challenges

The recent introduction of the Champions League's expanded league phase features 36 teams playing eight matches against different opponents. In previous campaigns, PSG struggled in this phase, finishing outside the top eight and needing to pass through playoffs to reach the last 16. This year, tough rivals like Manchester City, Barcelona, and Aston Villa await.

English Clubs Eye Glory

The financial power of the Premier League ensures its clubs remain strong contenders. Arsenal, who topped last season’s league phase unbeaten, seek to build on recent progress after reaching quarter-finals, semi-finals, and then the final in the past three years. Their campaign begins away at Napoli.

  • Premier League clubs involved: Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa

Other notable challengers include Bayern Munich, Real Madrid under José Mourinho, and Barcelona, eager to reclaim the trophy. Teams like Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid could also influence the competition, especially with the final hosted in Atletico’s stadium.

Fresh Faces and Debutants

Outside the big five leagues, Porto stands as the last club to have won the Champions League, back in 2004 under Mourinho. This season brings newcomers such as Como, who qualified by finishing fourth in Serie A under Cesc Fàbregas, edging out AC Milan and Juventus.

  • Viking Stavanger: First Champions League appearance after winning their first Norwegian title in 34 years.
  • Sabah: Azerbaijani champions starting with a trip to Old Trafford, having passed four qualifying rounds.

Sabah's manager, Valdas Dambrauskas, transitioned into coaching after earning money on Lithuania's "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." He shared, "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."

While Sabah might not advance far, participation alone guarantees nearly €20 million, a significant sum for smaller leagues. Winners receive about €90 million in prize money plus substantial TV revenue; PSG reportedly earned around €150 million for each of their last two wins.

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