Real Madrid and Man City Favourites for Champions League Glory

Real Madrid, the current holders, and Manchester City are widely considered the frontrunners for the 2024/25 Champions League title. The two European giants have dominated the competition in recent years, winning the last three editions between them.

While the expanded format and new entrants could bring unexpected contenders, the spotlight remains on the two titans. Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, two of football’s most esteemed coaches, are set for another epic clash.

Despite Real Madrid’s victory over City last season and the addition of Kylian Mbappe to their ranks, City are surprisingly favored by the oddsmakers, with a 7.1% stronger chance of lifting the trophy.

Inter Milan (10.9%) are the only other team to receive significant backing, having reached the final in 2022/23. Arsenal (6.3%), on the back of their quarter-final appearance last season, have an outside chance of securing their first Champions League title.

Bayer Leverkusen (5.4%), Europa League finalists in 2023/24, are considered more likely winners than Barcelona (5.2%), Liverpool (4.2%), and Bayern Munich (4.1%), despite the latter boasting a combined 17 European Cups.

With Mbappe’s departure, Paris Saint-Germain (4.1%) face an uphill battle for a first ever Champions League title. However, their potential dominance in Ligue 1 could allow for greater rotation and a strong push in the knockout stages.

Borussia Dortmund (2.4%), Atletico Madrid (2.2%), and Juventus (1.1%) are given slim chances despite their past successes. Atalanta (1.7%), the reigning Europa League champions, are considered unlikely to repeat their feat, while Aston Villa (0.2%) and Celtic (0%) are given virtually no hope of winning the prestigious trophy.