# Who will win the Champions League?
The Champions League is back, and this season promises to be bigger and better than ever. With thirty-six clubs competing, including the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Celtic, the race for the trophy is set to be intense. So, who do the experts think will come out on top?
According to BBC Sport’s chief football writer, Phil McNulty, it’s hard to look past Real Madrid as the favorites. With the addition of Kylian Mbappe to their ranks and the experience and talent they possess, McNulty believes Real Madrid will secure their 16th Champions League triumph. Despite strong competition from Manchester City, Real Madrid’s track record and ability to perform in crucial moments give them the edge.
French football expert Julien Laurens shares the same sentiment, stating that Real Madrid’s dominance in the competition is likely to continue. Laurens highlights Real Madrid’s experience, savoir faire, heritage, and money-time mentality as key factors in their success. Adding the best player in the world, Kylian Mbappe, to an already formidable squad only strengthens their chances of lifting the trophy once again.
On the other hand, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague believes that Manchester City has what it takes to win both the domestic and European competitions. Balague praises City’s strength in both boxes and their maturity to understand the requirements of every part of the game. While he acknowledges the unpredictability of knockout stages, Balague sees City as strong contenders.
German football expert Constantin Eckner also considers Real Madrid as the team to beat, especially with the addition of Mbappe. However, he believes that Manchester City and Bayern Munich have the quality to challenge Madrid’s supremacy in the competition. While predicting the outcome is difficult, Eckner emphasizes that City and Bayern have the potential to go all the way.
# Who will be the Champions League’s surprise package?
In terms of surprise packages in this season’s Champions League, the experts have different opinions.
Phil McNulty believes that Liverpool could be the surprise package of the tournament. Jurgen Klopp’s side has a remarkable record in the Champions League, and if they make it to the knockout stages, they will be a force to be reckoned with. McNulty highlights the quality and tactical challenges that Liverpool brings to the competition.
Julien Laurens, on the other hand, points to Bayer Leverkusen as a potential dark horse. With a strong squad and their unbeaten domestic season last year, Laurens believes Leverkusen could impress and defy the odds in the Champions League.
Guillem Balague identifies Inter Milan as his surprise package. After ending Juventus’s dominance in Serie A, Inter Milan has continued their success and reached both Europa League and Champions League finals. Balague sees them as a team with a lot of layers and praises the talent of Lautaro Martinez.
Constantin Eckner’s surprise package is Atletico Madrid. Despite their recent success, Atletico Madrid has yet to figure out how to dominate possession and defend leads better. However, Eckner believes that they have the potential to surprise and make a deep run in the competition.
# Which player are you most looking forward to watching?
When it comes to the player to watch in this season’s Champions League, the experts have highlighted some exciting talents.
Phil McNulty is looking forward to seeing Barcelona’s 17-year-old prodigy, Lamine Yamal. After impressing at Euro 2024, Yamal has shown maturity and decision-making beyond his years. If he gets regular game time, McNulty believes Yamal could make a significant impact. He also mentions Real Madrid’s 18-year-old Brazilian, Endrick, as another player to watch.
Julien Laurens shares McNulty’s enthusiasm for Lamine Yamal. Laurens considers Yamal the best and most exciting player in Europe right now, praising his pace, technical ability, and decision-making. Laurens believes Yamal will continue to shine in this season’s Champions League.
Guillem Balague echoes the sentiment, citing Lamine Yamal as the player to watch. Balague highlights Yamal’s contributions to a strong Barcelona team under Hansi Flick, emphasizing his ability to take the team to another level.
Constantin Eckner takes a different approach and is interested in Viktor Gyokeres and Sporting Lisbon’s attacking line. While Sporting Lisbon may be underrated due to the attention given to other leagues, Eckner believes Gyokeres and his teammates have the potential to impress on the European stage.
In conclusion, the Champions League is set to be a thrilling competition with many exciting storylines. While Real Madrid is considered the favorite by the experts, teams like Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid are all capable of causing upsets. Keep an eye on players like Lamine Yamal, Endrick, Viktor Gyokeres, and the talented squads competing for the ultimate prize in European football.