Champions League: New Faces and Historic Clubs

Valdas Dambrauskas, once a contestant on Lithuania’s ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,’ used his winnings to earn his coaching credentials in England. Now, he stands on the touchline, guiding Sabah against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Sabah, last season’s champions in Azerbaijan, are facing a historic debut in the Champions League. Their journey through four playoff rounds included victories over clubs from Wales, Finland, Denmark, and Israel. Since July, they have played eight games to secure their place in the competition.

The expanded Champions League format occasionally surprises with such eclectic clubs. Sabah, formed only in 2017, is now set to challenge Europe’s football giants like Barcelona, Arsenal, Napoli, and Borussia Dortmund. This mirrors the shocking triumph of Sheriff Tiraspol against Real Madrid in 2021.

This season, new teams like Viking from Norway and Como from Italy join the fray. Como, remarkably, finished fourth in Serie A, surpassing fallen greats like Milan and Juventus. Under Cesc Fabregas, Como aims to make an impact, echoing its rapid rise from the fourth tier just a few years ago.

Fabregas returns to Barcelona with Como in late January, before facing Paris Saint-Germain in the league phase. PSG, the back-to-back champions, have rarely left themselves needing a playoff to reach knockouts, often finishing in the top four of the league phase.

PSG’s reputation fluctuates. Some doubt their dominance as they sometimes struggle in the league phase. In recent seasons, they have impressively retained the Champions League title despite early domestic challenges.

With Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp stepping back, PSG’s Luis Enrique is currently Europe’s top manager. He transformed Ousmane Dembélé into a Ballon d’Or winner, with five PSG players in last year’s top ten. Despite a shaky Ligue 1 start, PSG remains a formidable team capable of achieving a third consecutive title.

PSG’s efficient business includes buying and selling talents strategically, highlighted by the sale of Gianluigi Donnarumma and acquiring Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for a relative bargain.

Aside from PSG, Arsenal seems poised for success, reaching deeper stages in the competition each year. Despite missing out on top talents like Vinícius Júnior, Arsenal’s depth continues to grow.

Manchester City’s transition under Enzo Maresca raises questions. Significant departures, including Rodri and Bernardo Silva, have transformed the team’s core. City’s new signings, like Donnarumma and Enzo Fernández, must adapt to keep the club competitive.

Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, face challenges with significant summer departures. Despite not securing key targets like Julián Álvarez, they start strong in La Liga, finding hope in a resurgent Raphinha.

Real Madrid spent considerably, bringing in talents like Yan Diomande. Kylian Mbappé, last season’s top scorer, continues to impress. José Mourinho leads the new era, aiming to recreate past successes.

Bayern Munich also pose a threat, breaking Bundesliga scoring records last season. They are bolstered by Harry Kane and remain competitors alongside PSG. The squad’s minor adjustments reflect readiness for another challenge.

Outsiders Atletico and Inter target Champions League redemption. Barcelona’s robust recruitment and team’s dynamism provide more intrigue as the season begins its long march toward the finals in Madrid, with the final on June 5.