Whether you follow Manchester City or Bayern Munich, the UEFA Champions League is one of the most prestigious and widely followed club football competitions in the world.
It features the top football clubs from Europe, like Barcelona, Manchester United and PSG, competing for a trophy in a mix of mini-leagues and knock-out games. The games are watched across the world and viewing rights are considered very lucrative.
This year’s tournament begins with the usual group stage, where groups of four teams play each other home and away. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stages: the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and ultimately, the final.
The tournament is only open to the champions and top-placed teams from the top European domestic leagues.
This includes the most competitive leagues in the world: the English Premier League, La Liga (Spain), Serie A (Italy), Bundesliga (Germany). Some clubs have to qualify through preliminary rounds.
The Champions League winners earn the right to compete in the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup but that is dwarfed by offers huge prestige and financial rewards.
The growth of the Champions League
The competition was inaugurated in 1955 as the European Cup. It was later renamed the UEFA Champions League in 1992.
Spain’s Real Madrid is the most successful club in the history of the tournament, having won it an incredible 14 times.
The Champions League attracts a massive global audience and features some of the world’s most renowned and talented footballers.
The final is a highly anticipated event in the football calendar, often held in prestigious venues like the Nou Camp in Barcelona, Wembley in London, or the Bernabéu in Madrid.
The importance of the Champions League
Winning is a mark of immense prestige for any football club. It signifies that a club is the best in Europe, and by extension, among the best in the world.
This can boost a club’s reputation and attract top talent.
Simply participating in the Champions League is highly lucrative. Clubs receive significant financial rewards for reaching each stage of the competition, including substantial prize money and TV revenue.
This can have a major impact on a club’s finances and ability to invest in players and facilities.
It offers unparalleled global exposure because matches are broadcast to millions of fans worldwide. This leads to increased merchandise sales, sponsorship opportunities, and a larger global fan base.
The opportunity to play in such a prestigious competition can be a deciding factor for players when choosing a club. The opportunity to test their skills against the best teams in Europe can also help in the development of a club’s players and coaching staff.
Champions League 2023 favourites
The 2023 competition is as open as it ever can be – with several major teams currently considered possible winners.
The most trusted betting sites view Manchester City as the favourites but Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are serious potential rivals for their crown.
Manchester City have started the season in typically dominant form in England. They rely on the experienced tactical nous of Pep Guardiola and have De Bruyne feeding Erling Haaland in attack, probably the most feared forward in the tournament.
But German champions Bayern have recruited England captain and consistent attacking threat Harry Kane. Manager Thomas Tuchel is always a highly competitive and cunning coach.
Meanwhile Madrid have reinforced with young superstar Jude Bellingham. There’s quality stretching throughout the squad, from manager Carlo Ancelotti to attackers Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Perhaps a challenger might also come from Arsenal this year. They are a more robust option with Declan Rice in midfield but do they hold as much of an attacking threat?
Other outsiders could include any of the big European teams. SIdes like Newcastle, Manchester United, Seville, Napoli, Inter, Barcelona, Atletico, PSG, Benfica, Porto or Dortmond have the talent, support and motivation.
No team can visit at any of those venues and come away with a result without playing exceptionally well.
The draw for the 2023 initial group stage favours the teams placed in apparently ‘easier’ groups, like Arsenal, Real Madrid, Inter and Barcelona.
It’s always hard to predict however. For example Arsenal’s away form at hostile venues like Lens and PSV is uncertain.
And Manchester City may be favourites but must negotiate potential banana skins at Leipzig and Young Boys in Switzerland. Even the unknown Serbians Crvena Zvezda in their group can’t be taken for granted. The red-and-whites once beat Liverpool 2-0 in 2018.
The 2023 Champions League winners…
The tournament always offers surprises and upsets. That means it has been notoriously difficult to predict the winners.
The only thing for certain is that with so much great football on the agenda the fans of football across the world will be the ultimate winners.