BBC’s Champions League preview puts Arsenal at the front of the race, with Opta giving them a 20.4% chance of winning the competition, just ahead of Bayern München on 20%. Julien Laurens also backs Arsenal to win it. The preview says the trophy will be decided in Madrid on 5 June next year, with five English teams trying to stop Paris Saint Germain.

Arsenal's case for the title

Laurens did not leave much room for doubt about where he stands. “To win it, I'll go for Arsenal. They have the best defence in Europe by far and that's what wins you titles.”

That view is backed up by the way BBC frames Arsenal’s recent run. They are described as the favourites to better last year’s runners-up slot, and their perfect 8 wins, 0 draws and 0 losses in the 2025 Champions League gives the prediction some heft. Guillem Balague’s take lands in the same place, saying Arsenal have found a way to win regularly and that the release from that run can help the squad play better.

The number of rivals around them also tells you this is not a runaway call. Bayern are only a fraction behind in Opta’s model, and Balague still has them among the likely teams to reach the latter stages.

PSG's three-peat bid and the chasing pack

PSG are not being dismissed, but the preview is cooler on their chances of a third straight title. Laurens says: “If PSG do the three-peat, it would be an incredible achievement. I don't think they will do it.” He also thinks they can go close and reach at least the semi-final, which is a fairer read than any broad claim that they have faded.

Balague points to an irregular start to the season and says that is part of what makes repeating the level so hard. PSG’s 4 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses in the 2025 Champions League is solid, just not the kind of record that makes a repeat feel inevitable.

Barcelona and Bayern remain the other big names in the preview. Balague says Barcelona are flying, while Laurens sees Bayern as one of the finalists. Bayern’s 7 wins, 0 draws and 1 loss in the 2025 Champions League is a reminder that they are not just present in the conversation, they are very much in it.

The BBC piece does not treat the Champions League as Arsenal’s to lose, but it does make them the headline pick. Opta’s 20.4% edge over Bayern’s 20%, Laurens’s vote, and Arsenal’s perfect run are enough to separate them from the pack before the final in Madrid on 5 June next year.

FAQ

Why are Arsenal BBC’s pick to win the Champions League?

BBC’s preview puts Arsenal top of the race because Opta give them a 20.4% chance, narrowly ahead of Bayern Munich on 20%. Julien Laurens also tips Arsenal, saying they have the best defence in Europe by far. The piece points to their perfect 8-0-0 Champions League run and describes them as the favourites to better last year’s runners-up finish.

Can PSG win the Champions League three years in a row?

The preview treats PSG’s three-peat as a live possibility, but not one the experts back confidently. Julien Laurens says, “If PSG do the three-peat, it would be an incredible achievement. I don't think they will do it.” Guillem Balague adds that PSG have had an irregular start to the season, even if he still expects them to get very close.

Who are the main challengers to Arsenal in BBC’s Champions League forecast?

Bayern Munich are the closest challenger in the Opta model, only marginally behind Arsenal at 20%. Guillem Balague also says Barcelona are flying, while Julien Laurens thinks Bayern can reach the final. PSG remain in the mix too, but the preview does not treat their repeat bid as the most likely outcome.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →