PSG Chase Champions League History as New League Phase Begins

Paris Saint-Germain begin their UEFA Champions League campaign this week with the chance to move into an elite group of European clubs by winning the competition for a third consecutive season.

The French champions head into the new campaign as holders after defeating Arsenal on penalties in Budapest last season. PSG had claimed their first Champions League trophy a year earlier, making them only the second club since the competition adopted its modern format in 1992 to win the title in successive seasons.

Another triumph would put Luis Enrique’s team in rare company. Real Madrid won three consecutive European Cups from 2016 to 2018 under Zinedine Zidane, while Ajax achieved the same feat between 1971 and 1973 and Bayern Munich between 1974 and 1976. Madrid also won the first five European Cup tournaments from 1956 to 1960.

“Our objectives are clear. I want to win important trophies and there are none more important than the Champions League,” Luis Enrique said.

The competition enters another season under its expanded league-phase format, with 36 teams each playing eight matches against different opponents before the knockout rounds.

PSG will need to improve their performances in the opening phase. They finished outside the top eight in each of the previous two seasons and were forced to compete in an additional play-off to reach the last 16.

Their schedule will again be demanding, with Manchester City, Barcelona and Aston Villa among the clubs they will face.

Arsenal target further progress

Arsenal remain among the teams expected to challenge for the trophy after reaching the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final in their last three campaigns.

Mikel Arteta’s side topped the league phase last season with a perfect record and will begin this campaign away to Napoli.

England has five representatives in the competition, with Arsenal joined by Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Aston Villa. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also among the leading contenders, while Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid could challenge the established favourites.

Atletico will have an added incentive with this season’s final scheduled to take place at their home stadium.

New faces enter Europe’s elite

Several clubs will bring fresh competition to the tournament. Como qualified after finishing fourth in Serie A under Cesc Fabregas, while Viking Stavanger reached the league phase after winning their first Norwegian championship in 34 years.

Azerbaijani champions Sabah also secured a place after progressing through four qualifying rounds.

Qualification provides significant financial rewards for clubs from smaller leagues. Sabah are guaranteed almost €20 million ($23.2 million) for reaching the league phase, while the eventual champions could receive around €90 million in prize money, with additional television and commercial earnings available.

PSG are understood to have earned about €150 million from each of their previous two victories, highlighting the financial importance of success in Europe’s premier club competition.