With this new Champions League format, every game matters so much more. Even a single point can make the difference between a direct ticket to the Round of 16, a super difficult challenge in the Knockout Phase play-offs or a sad goodbye to the tournament altogether. Real Madrid are the defending champions, looking to repeat the success of 2023/24. However, Barcelona, Arsenal, Liverpool, PSG and even Bayern or Inter Milan could rise to the occasion and surprise everyone by going all the way.
UEFA Champions League Standings
UEFA Champions League 2024/25 – Standings
Favourites of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League
For this season, there are at least 6 or 7 teams with a talent level that’s sufficient for winning the biggest club competition in the world. Even though everyone has their favourite, it seems that anyone can beat anyone on a good day, which adds unpredictability to every game.
Favourites
- Real Madrid – defending champions with Vini Jr., Kylian Mbappe, Fede Valverde and heaps of other talents. ‘Los Blancos’ have the supernatural ability to perform under pressure.
- Barcelona – explosive young talent, an almost unstoppable force on the final third and a dynamic style of play. On a good day, they are able not just to dismantle but humiliate defences.
- Arsenal – a creative midfield, solid coaching and a cohesive unit all over the pitch. Arsenal is a very flexible team that could challenge Europe’s elite.
- Liverpool – probably the heavy favourite this year, showing exceptional form in the Premier League. Mo Salah is the early Ballon d’Or favourite, and Arne Slot is doing a superb job of making ‘the Reds’ a very tough nut to crack.
- PSG – one of the best offences in the world is yet to prove themselves on the highest stage. Maybe the new management can turn things around?
- Bayern – consistently dominating the Bundesliga, Bayern has the talent to make a deep run. Harry Kane definitely wants that trophy, but the question is, can they punch a bit above their weight and beat the likes of Liverpool or Real Madrid?
- Inter Milan – one of the dark horses of the tournament. Inter has an excellent defensive structure and can capitalise on the mistakes from their opponents. Tactical proficiency is what makes Italian clubs like Inter very hard to beat.
History of UEFA Champions Leagues since 2000
Let’s look at the most successful teams of the UEFA Champions League in the past 25 years.
| # | Champions | Result | Runners-up |
| 2025 | ? | ? | ? |
| 2024 | Real Madrid | 2:0 | Borussia Dortmund |
| 2023 | Man City | 1:0 | Inter |
| 2022 | Real Madrid | 1:0 | Liverpool |
| 2021 | Chelsea | 1:0 | Man City |
| 2020 | Bayern | 1:0 | PSG |
| 2019 | Liverpool | 2:0 | Tottenham |
| 2018 | Real Madrid | 3:1 | Liverpool |
| 2017 | Real Madrid | 4:1 | Juventus |
| 2016 | Real Madrid | 1:1 (5-3p) | Atletico |
| 2015 | Barcelona | 3:1 | Juventus |
| 2014 | Real Madrid | 4:1 | Atletico |
| 2013 | Bayern | 2:1 | Borussia |
| 2012 | Chelsea | 1:1 (4-3p) | Bayern |
| 2011 | Barcelona | 3:1 | Man United |
| 2010 | Inter | 2:0 | Bayern |
| 2009 | Barcelona | 2:0 | Man United |
| 2008 | Man United | 1:1 (6-5p) | Chelsea |
| 2007 | AC Milan | 2:1 | Liverpool |
| 2006 | Barcelona | 2:1 | Arsenal |
| 2005 | Liverpool | 3:3 (3-2p) | AC Milan |
| 2004 | Porto | 3:0 | AS Monaco |
| 2003 | AC Milan | 0:0 (3-2p) | Juventus |
| 2002 | Real Madrid | 2:1 | Bayer Leverkusen |
| 2001 | Bayern | 1:1 (5-4p) | Valencia |
| 2000 | Real Madrid | 3:0 | Valencia |
Since 2000, Real Madrid has been the most dominant squad, winning 8 in total and 6 since 2014. English clubs – Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City secured 6 titles amongst themselves. Italian club AC Milan also stands out with 3 trips to the finals and two wins since 2000. Finally, Bayern clinched the trophy in 2001, 2013, and 2020, solidifying their status as an efficient powerhouse in the Champions League.