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Soccer fans worldwide extended a warm welcome to the return of the UEFA Champions League on its return for a new campaign. European club soccer's best-loved tournament returned to our screens on Tuesday, 17th September, kickstarting three days of exciting action, high-scoring games, and upset results. It was a chance for fans to see the eagerly-anticipated and bold new format that changed from small groups of four teams to one large division.
Teams participating in the Champions League will no longer play three opponents from their set at home and away. In the new style, clubs enter a 36-team division, battling for points and a spot in the knockout stages. Teams finishing in the top eight places automatically progress to the next stage, while those ranked from 9th to 24th at the end of the regular season enter a playoff. The aim is to create a fairer and more exciting format, which UEFA hopes will kill off any ideas of a proposed European Super League to challenge the dominance of the Champions League.
Which team will blaze a trail of glory through the regular season and knockout rounds to capture the 2025 UEFA Champions League? Fans can study the stats, make predictions, and target a profit at the best betting websites. The leading sportsbooks offer generous odds on the outright winner, top goalscorer, player of the competition, and other specials. There's also an eye-catching list of promos on offer, such as free bets, enhanced odds on the best teams, and cashback. There's something to suit all fans and bettors.
Current favorites
Soccer is a sport that's all about opinions, and odds-makers working at the top apps from Las Vegas to London offer their thoughts on the teams to watch. Fans can follow the picks from the professionals or go against the grain and support an outsider, hoping for a famous upset. The Champions League is packed with Europe's most famous teams, meaning any side can win, and anything can happen in games.
The current prices offered by major apps show Manchester City is the team to beat. Pep Guardiola's men are recent winners of this trophy and boast two appearances in the final. But the Citizens lost out to Real Madrid last season, with the title heading from England to Spain. Can Man City wrestle it back from the competition's most successful team? It's certainly a big ask, as Blancos appears stronger following the summer break.
If Man City fails to live up to expectations and deliver a second title, which team will finish on the top step? The odds have Real Madrid as the second favorite to make it two in a row following last season's success. Madrid have the experience, squad, fanbase, and finances to strengthen their grip on the Champions League but face another punishing schedule fighting for success on all fronts.
Other teams expected to perform well this season include Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and Inter Milan. Pick your winner now, or follow the opening rounds and trust in the teams enjoying a strong start. There's lots going on and plenty to keep you entertained.
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Standout performers from week 1
With the opening round of results in the book, soccer fans can reflect on the standout scorers, performances, and results. There's plenty to sink your teeth into with each of the 36 teams playing across Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. It was also a fascinating few days for fans, with every game broadcast live on television and the leading live-streaming apps.
Serie A giants Juventus got their challenge off to a winning start when recording a strong 3-1 home victory over Dutch side PSV. It was a game the Italians were favorites to win, but the players deserve respect for their performance, blasting a strong opponent with three goals, and they never looked like losing the match.
Another eye-catcher on Tuesday was English Premier League side Aston Villa, who caught many off-guard with a stunning 3-0 away win over Young Boys. Villa are an improving side, but don't look out of place at this level. Liverpool beat AC Milan 3-1 in a cracker, while Bayern Munich scored nine goals past Dinamo Zagreb. The competition holders, Real Madrid, eased to a 3-1 over Stuttgart.
Bhoys hammer Bratislava
Wednesday brought more drama as Scottish Premiership side Celtic hammered Slovan Bratislava 5-1 in a perfect performance at Parkhead. That score ensures The Bhoys are one of the early leaders, but they'll face much tougher games in the coming weeks. Borussia Dortmund beat Club Brugge 3-0 on the road, and PSG edged Girona 1-0 in Paris. Man City drew 0-0 in England with Inter Milan in a game that failed to live up to the hype.
Thursday evening brought the curtain down on week one from the Champions League, but not before another enthralling round. Bayer Leverkusen flexed their muscles to score a 4-0 away win over Feyenoord in the Netherlands. Arsenal drew 0-0 with Atalanta in Italy, surviving a penalty scare to escape with a share of the spoils.
Atletico Madrid had to dig deep to collect all three points at home to RB Leipzig, earning a 2-1 result. Monaco were, perhaps, the surprise package of midweek when beating Barcelona 2-1, despite starting as the underdogs. It remains to be seen if Barca can compete this season, but they know serious improvement is required after leaving empty-handed on Thursday.
Round 2 highlights
The next round of Champions League fixtures starts on the opening day of October, beginning another two days of games. Arsenal host PSG, Barcelona welcome Young Boys and Bayer Leverkusen play AC Milan.
Other notable matches on matchday two include Aston Villa vs. Bayern Munich, Lille vs. Real Madrid, Liverpool vs. Bologna, and RB Leipzig vs. Juventus. Armchair soccer fans can follow all the action live on television or catch the best highlights online. You can watch from the stadium, at home, or on the move using your smartphone.
