The UEFA Champions League season is kicking off, promising excitement and potential surprises despite the established dominance of top clubs. Real Madrid and Manchester City are seen as favorites, yet teams like Barcelona, Arsenal, and Liverpool are showing strong form, positioning themselves as serious contenders for the title. This season’s new format adds an extra layer of intrigue as a diverse array of teams could emerge as challengers.
As the league phase is set to begin, CBS Sports’ analysts have shared their predictions for the upcoming matches. Their insights hint at a thrilling tournament ahead, with expectations set high for the Champions League.
Predicted winners from the experts include Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City. The anticipated biggest surprise is Atalanta, who, despite injuries, may perform beyond expectations given their recent Europa League success. Conversely, the biggest disappointment could be Real Madrid as their early challenges in forming a cohesive team raise questions about their title defense after adding star player Kylian Mbappe.
In the race for top scorer, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is favored to lead the charts, showcasing remarkable goal-scoring ability. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe is expected to shine as the player of the tournament after moving to Real Madrid, bringing his experience and ambition to the team.
The season is poised for fierce competition and captivating storylines, as fans anticipate an unforgettable Champions League journey ahead.