PSG Begins Champions League Defense Amidst Revamped Format and Increased Competition
BUDAPEST, Hungary – The Champions League group stage kicks off this week with heightened anticipation as the second year of the competition’s new format unfolds, promising a more dynamic and competitive path to the final on May 30, 2026, at the Puskas Arena in Budapest. Last season saw Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) emerge victorious, ending a long wait for European glory, but retaining the trophy-a feat onyl Real Madrid has achieved in the Champions League era-will be a formidable challenge.
the revamped Champions League format replaced the traditional group stage with a single 36-team league phase. Liverpool topped this initial phase last season, defeating teams like Madrid, AC Milan, and Bayer Leverkusen, but ultimately fell to PSG in the round of 16 despite a strong showing. PSG,which finished 14 places below Liverpool in the league phase and with eight fewer points,advanced to win the tournament.
This year’s competition features several high-profile matchups right from the start. Newly-crowned world champion Chelsea travels to Bayern Munich on Wednesday, while PSG begins its title defense against Atalanta. Liverpool faces a challenging home game against Atletico Madrid on the same night. Thursday’s schedule includes newcastle hosting Barcelona and Manchester City welcoming Italian champion Napoli.
The increased competitiveness is fueled by critically important investment from top clubs. Liverpool has spent approximately $500 million to bolster the team that won the Premier League last season. Manchester city has also invested around $500 million in new arrivals as January as part of a rebuild under Pep Guardiola. Real Madrid has appointed Xabi Alonso as its new coach, signaling a fresh approach to challenging PSG’s dominance.
PSG’s triumph last season, marked by a dominant performance against Inter Milan in the final, set a new benchmark for European soccer. However,rivals are persistent to dethrone the French giant,and the expanded format-designed to increase the number of competitive matches-adds another layer of complexity to the pursuit of the coveted trophy.
Liverpool coach Arne Slot described his team as “so, so, so unlucky” to face “one of the best teams in Europe” after losing 4-1 in a penalty shootout to PSG. “That’s the format we are in and we have to except it,” he said.
