Preseason form, squad strength, and past European pedigree all point toward a small group of teams ready to challenge for the crown. If you’re looking to predict who lifts the trophy next May, here’s the real deal.

Who’s Hot Before Kickoff?

• PSG: After their treble last season and Chelsea shocker in the Club World Cup final, PSG remain one of the Champions League favorites 2025‑26. Luis Enrique’s side survived late scares in the last Champions League semis—expect them to come back even stronger.
  

• Arsenal: After dismantling Real Madrid in the quarters, Opta models list Arsenal as the outright Champions League favorites with their attacking form and defensive resilience making them a real threat.

• Barcelona: Despite a heartbreaking UCL exit, Barcelona’s late-season brilliance, under Hansi Flick, makes them dark horses. If their preseason cohesion holds, they’ll be in the mix for those Champions League favorites 2025‑26 lists.
  

Others Worth Watching

• Real Madrid: History says never count them out. But after a turbulent end-of-season and shock UCL exit, their preseason form seems shaky. Still, always part of the Champions League favorites 2025‑26 conversation.

• Liverpool: As reigning Premier League champs, they skipped the Club World Cup and now arrive fresher. Bookies rank them strong pre-season Champions League favorites 2025‑26, especially after smart signings in midfield and defense.
  

• Bayern Munich & Leverkusen: Bayern’s still rebuilding after a UCL quarter-final exit. Meanwhile Leverkusen’s new boss Erik ten Hag brings fresh energy and Bundesliga success. Both sneaky picks among the favorites underdogs category.

Preseason & Pulse Check

Premier League sides are hitting the pitch early. Liverpool, Arsenal, and Man City dominate the news—CS2 are strong in friendlies, while Chelsea shine post-Club World Cup thanks to youth and Maresca’s tactics. PSG, Barca, and Leverkusen are ramping up cohesion in European training camps.

Who’s Best Placed?

Among the Champions League favorites, Arsenal and PSG stand out—Arsenal for momentum and recent tactical growth, PSG for experience and squad pedigree.

Barcelona’s explosive playstyle keeps them in the conversation.

Liverpool has freshness and depth; Bayern and Leverkusen bring Bundesliga muscle. Real Madrid remains a wild card—heavyweights with work to do.

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