As the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League kicks off tonight, excitement is already building for what promises to be an unforgettable season of European football. With a new format shaking up the traditional group stage, blockbuster transfers reshaping Europe’s elite clubs and several teams eager to reclaim their title as the continent’s top side, this year’s competition is sure to be full of intriguing storylines.
From title defences to rising underdogs, here are five things to look out for on the road to the final in Munich:
The Impact of the New Format
The 2024/25 UCL will be played in a revamped format, marking the most significant changes to the competition since 2003/04.
The changes will now see 36 teams participate in a league format with every team playing eight fixtures, rather than the accustomed 32 teams taking part in eight groups of four. This change will see some of the top teams play each other earlier in the competition, providing more drama and meaning teams can assert their dominance over other competitors earlier in the competition, while it could also shake up the typical dynamics of the tournament.
Mbappe Bolsters Real Madrid’s Title Defence
Kylian Mbappe made his long-awaited move to Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain during the summer, bolstering an already immense squad that lifted the Champions League for a record-extending 15th time last year as they beat Borussia Dortmund in the final.
With Real Madrid’s already huge dominance in this competition, the question now is whether Mbappe can help Los Blancos defend their title yet again.
Manchester City Back with a Vengeance?
Coming off the back of their historic treble victory and first Champions League triumph in 2022/23, Man City were favourites to once again lift the trophy last season, but Real Madrid got in their way with a penalty victory in the quarter-finals.
Pep Guardiola’s side are once again one of the favourites to lift the prestigious trophy in Munich in May 2025, and they may be back with a vengeance after such a narrow defeat to Los Blancos last year.
Underdogs and Dark Horses
Borussia Dortmund came extremely close to pulling off an unpredicted Champions League win last season, losing 2-0 to Real Madrid in a final that saw BVB squander plenty of chances that could have put them in the lead.
The question on everyone’s lips ahead of this tournament is who could be this year’s underdogs, with teams such as Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig all boasting squads equipped to battle with Europe’s established heavyweights.
Are Arsenal Serious Competitors?
Last campaign was the first time Arsenal had competed in the Champions League since 2016/17, and they gave a good account of themselves as they were narrowly beaten 3-2 by Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.
Mikel Arteta has strengthened his side yet again during the summer window, and with them pushing Manchester City close for the Premier League title in each of the last two years, the Gunners may now be aiming to make an impact on the European stage.
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