Top teams to watch in the Champions League this season
The start of the 2024-25 football season heralds the commencement of the Champions League and all its glamour. After the gruelling exploits of last season, top teams from different leagues across European football are awarded with the prospect of competing in club football's most prestigious tournament. After Real Madrid deservingly took home the trophy last season, who are the top contenders to watch this season? Keep reading to find out.
Three squads most likely to win it
A host of house names from Europe's top five leagues will be present in this year's showpiece but these teams will have all eyes on them and their matches.
Real Madrid
The most successful team in Champions League history and the reigning champions are, without a doubt, the top team on show and the team to watch. Real Madrid have been unstoppable in recent times, winning 5 of the last ten editions, including last year's final against Borussia Dortmund.
Los Blancos boast superstars with the likes of Vini Junior, Jude Bellingham, and the recent signing of Kylian Mbappe from PSG only strengthens their position as favourites. Real Madrid is definitely the team to watch this season of the Champions League.
Manchester City
The Citizens are another team on everyone's radar this Champions League season. The reigning English champions are a powerhouse of European football, dominating both the domestic and international scene in recent times. The 2022-23 Champions League winners coached by Pep Guardiola are strong favourites, second only to Real Madrid ever so slightly.
The team from Manchester is riddled with world-class players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, Phill Foden and goal-scoring machine Erling Haaland. Manchester City is undoubtedly another team to not lose sight of in the UCL.
Bayern Munich
The Bavarians are always in everyone's sight every season of the Champions League. Bayern Munich has been one of the most consistent teams in the UCL, constantly performing year after year. The German outfit had a pretty underwhelming domestic campaign last time out. However, they still made it to the semi-final of last season's Champions League, losing to eventual winners Real Madrid.
This giant of European football has elite players such as Harry Kane, Leroy Sane and the wonder kid Jamal Musiala. It would be a mistake to overlook a team of Bayern Munich's pedigree.
About this season's UEFA Champions League
The Champions League is Europe's premier club competition that brings together the best teams in pursuit of footballing glory. Qualifying rounds have been ongoing since the 9th of July and will run through to the 28th of August. The main tournament begins on the 17th of September, with the final and conclusion on the 31st of May 2025. You can check Wincomparator for more details on the competition and the best places to bet for top odds and bonuses. There are several top clubs that have what it takes to win this coveted trophy, and we expect to witness remarkable football moments along the way.
The upcoming Champion League will be the first time the new league format is being used. More teams are now able to participate, giving a whole different complexity to the already difficult tournament, against Europe's best. However, it's safe to say that the above-mentioned teams have the best quality and experience to navigate whatever this season's new tournament format might serve up.
