Five Major Talking Points for the New Champions League Season: PSG Chase Three-Peat, Arsenal Seek Final Step

The 2026-27 Champions League season begins this week, with 36 teams competing from Tuesday to Thursday and all targeting the final at Madrid's Metropolitano Stadium next June. Top clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are all involved, while Como 1907, Sabah FK, LASK and Viking FK will make their Champions League debuts in club history.

Can Paris complete a three-peat?

Since the modern Champions League era began in the 1992-93 season, only Real Madrid, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, have achieved three consecutive titles from 2016 to 2018. Paris want to match that record this season, but the challenge will be significant. Last season's attacking players Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos have moved to Liverpool and AC Milan respectively, while new arrivals Ferran Torres and Mika Gotts need to shoulder more responsibility. Competition in the upper half of the draw is extremely intense, with Arsenal, Bayern, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Inter Milan all regarded as title contenders. Fortunately, manager Luis Enrique still has Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and current Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele at his disposal.

Arsenal aim to take the final step

Arsenal made a perfect start to last season's Champions League campaign with eight wins from eight matches and did not slow down in the knockout stages. Manager Arteta has kept most of the key players from last season's squad, including defenders Timber and Saliba, midfielder Rice and forward Saka. During the summer, the club signed Greek forward Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge and brought in Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle, further strengthening their options.