The starting gun in the race to become the kings of Europe has been fired – and Paddy Power’s latest Champions League odds suggest the crown could be heading back to England.
UEFA love to milk a draw ceremony and the balls were drawn from the hat in August as the 2024/25 competition launched in action – except it was some snazzy software – no, not AI – that decided the matchups because the Champions League has been given a pretty hefty lick of paint for the latest edition.
The tournament has been expanded to 36 teams from 32, the group stage has been scrapped in favour of a league phase and each side will play eight games instead of the usual six before the knockouts. If a team finishes in the top eight in the league then they will progress to the last 16, those ranked ninth to 24th
It will require a marathon effort to win the Champions League, but who are the favourites to claim the prize? You can see Paddy Power’s latest outright prices via our snazzy widgets below.
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Manchester City
Manchester City are bidding to regain the Champions League crown after Pep Guardiola finally led the club to the promised land in 2023.
The Premier League winners’ issues off the pitch and Rodri’s major injury are likely to cast a shadow over their whole campaign, although they will be fancied to go deep into the competition.
Barcelona
Barcelona have climb the market after a number of big victories in the competition under Hansi Flick.
The former Germany manager is enjoying a superb start to life at the Catalan giants and it looks like they could be major players at the business stage of the tournament.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid will have a target on their backs as the current champions of Europe – and the most-successful team in continental history.
As well as boasting the best eyebrows in the game, Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti can call upon red-hot attacking options including new boy Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham.
Liverpool
Liverpool have also been European champions on six occasions and Arne Slot would endear himself to the Anfield faithful if he were to lead the club to big ears again.
The Reds, who reached the final as recently as 2022, will be expected to progress to the knockouts as they still boast the likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson in their ranks.
Bayern Munich
Six-time winners Bayern Munich can often be found at the business stage of the Champions League and if Harry Kane is to ever get his hands on a trophy then what better than one of the biggest in the game.
The appointment of Vincent Kompany as Thomas Tuchel’s successor represents a bit of a risk on Bayern’s part as the former Burnley boss struggled in the Premier League last term.
Arsenal
Arsenal haven’t even been the kings of England in more than two decades, but they are among the leading fancies in our Champions League outright market.
The Gunners have taken a step forward every season under Mikel Arteta and reached the quarter-finals of 2023/24 Champions League. Can they go further this time around?
Read More on the Champions League
- Shoot on over to Paddy Power News for the best Football Betting Tips & News
- Champions League new format explained: Everything you need to know for 2024/25
- When is the 2025 Champions League final? Date, time, city and stadium
- Our guide to the best Champions League betting tips for the 2024/25 campaign
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