The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season promises to be an intriguing spectacle with a completely revamped format. But as the competition kicks off, football fans are left wondering: is this really a new dawn for European football, or just another chapter of the rich clubs maintaining their iron grip on the most prestigious tournament in the world?

The New Format: What’s Changed?

UEFA has overhauled the traditional group stage format, replacing it with a league-style phase involving 36 teams. Each club plays eight matches—four at home and four away—against different opponents, and the top eight teams in this league automatically qualify for the Round of 16. The next 16 clubs battle it out in a playoff round to secure their spot in the knockout stage (The Guardian, BBC). 

While the new format offers more games and excitement, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the structure still heavily favors Europe’s elite. Clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich continue to lead the charge, with City and Madrid being the odds-on favorites to lift the trophy. Despite these changes, many believe the established powerhouses will maintain their dominance (Paddy Power, Racing Post).

Manchester City and Real Madrid: The Teams to Beat

Manchester City, fresh off their Premier League triumph and a powerhouse under Pep Guardiola, are tipped as the favorites to win their second consecutive Champions League title. Erling Haaland, refreshed after a summer break, is expected to lead City’s charge once again, and the team’s depth makes them a formidable force (The Guardian, BBC). However, Guardiola faces the challenge of balancing domestic and European ambitions, something that has historically troubled even the best teams.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, remains Europe’s most decorated club with 15 Champions League titles under their belt. The additions of Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham have further bolstered their squad, with manager Carlo Ancelotti looking to lead them to a record-extending 16th title. Despite the retirement of key players like Toni Kroos, Real Madrid’s ability to produce magic on the big stage makes them a perennial threat.

The Underdogs: Can Anyone Break the Dominance?

While the big clubs hog the spotlight, there’s always hope for a surprise package in the Champions League. Bayern Munich, despite losing the Bundesliga crown last season, look strong under Vincent Kompany, with Harry Kane adding a lethal edge to their attack. Clubs like Barcelona, Arsenal, and Liverpool also have the pedigree to challenge, but breaking the dominance of City and Real will be no easy.

Lautaro Martinez, who shone for Inter Milan last season, is tipped by many to win the Golden Boot. With Inter’s deep squad and Martinez’s red-hot form, the Italian giants could be dark horses in this year’s competition (Betfair).

Betting Odds and Predictions

If you’re placing bets, City and Madrid are the safe picks, but Bayern and Barcelona offer great value as well. Lautaro Martinez, despite being an outside pick, could surprise many as the top scorer of the tournament, especially if Inter manages a deep run (Racing Post, Betfair).

Is This Really a New Dawn?

While the new format brings more games and excitement to the Champions League, it’s hard to shake the feeling that the richest clubs will continue to dominate. The league phase may create more opportunities for mid-tier teams to reach the knockout rounds, but when the dust settles, it’s likely that the established giants will be the ones vying for the trophy. 

The new format is exciting, but whether it can usher in a new era of competitiveness remains to be seen. For now, it looks like the Champions League will remain a playground for Europe’s wealthiest clubs.

For more stories and insights, visit It’s On.

Instagram:@itson.ie

TikTok videos and information:@itson.ie