The UEFA Champions League, Europe’s premier club football competition, has undergone significant changes in its format with fans unsure what to expect ahead of the new campaign. The restructuring includes an increase in the number of participating teams, alterations to the group stage into one giant league, and adjustments to the knockout rounds. But one thing that remains the same is that the usual suspects are on the prowl.
Real Madrid heads into the campaign as the reigning champions after romping to a record-extending 15th crown last term. They managed to defeat Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and finally, Borussia Dortmund to claim their sixth title in ten years. Los Blancos are amongst the contenders once again next term, but who joins them in the list of favorites?
Manchester City
Manchester City enters the revamped Champions League campaign as the outright favorites for glory. Popular betting site DuelBits, which has a plethora of sportsbook bonus offers for new and existing customers, has priced them up as the +230 frontrunners, and they will be aiming to live up to tithe billing. With striking behemoth Erling Haaland leading the way, the Blues claimed the title for the first time in history in 2023 before their hopes of retaining the crown ended most cruelly, losing in the quarter-finals to the eventual champions on penalties.
Under the guidance of their iconic manager Pep Guardiola, City boasts a formidable squad filled with talent and depth across all positions. Haaland remains a menace up top while Kevin De Bruyne is arguably the finest playmaker on the planet at present. The Etihad outfit has romped to four straight Premier League titles, and how they would love to add a second European Cup to their already overflowing trophy cabinet.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is a club synonymous with success in the Champions League and last season was no different. They managed to defeat German underdogs Dortmund at Wembley to claim yet another continental title, and next season, they are going to take some stopping thanks to the addition of one man. Kylian Mbappe.
The mercurial Frenchman has long been coveted by the powers that be at the Bernabeu, primarily head honcho Florentino Perez, and the club’s president finally for his man this summer. Now, attention turns to the new season and the France captain’s impending link-up with Vinicus Jr. and Jude Bellingham. The bookies make Los Blancos a +300 second favorite for the crown, but they have experience at getting the job done and are seemingly unbeatable in the Champions League latter stages.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has transformed the fortunes of Arsenal in recent years, crafting them into a genuine contender once more. They have finished runners-up to Manchester City in each of the last two Premier League seasons and they returned to the Champions League last term for the first time in six years. They were unfortunate to lose out to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, but with that experience firmly in their mind, they will be aiming to go better next term. They are the +900 third favorites and they are considered “the best of the rest”
