What is the Champions League?
The Champions League is one of the most prestigious football competitions in the world. It is organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), hence the name, UEFA Champions League. This annual club football competition features 32 teams from various European countries. A new format will be introduced in the 2024/25 season that will see 36 teams in a league phase format.
There are over 40 participating countries. Notable mentions include England, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Portugal, Netherlands, and Belgium. Others include Scotland, Austria, Denmark, Serbia, Greece, and Poland. Countries like Israel, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan, whose lands span more than a continent, also participate.
Since its introduction in 1995 and its rename in 1992, the competition has attracted an enormous global audience. It is currently the most-watched club competition globally. The competition operates on a round-robin group stage. Group stage winners then proceed to a double-legged knockout format, ending in a single-leg final.
Which Teams are in the Champions League?
As mentioned previously, the Champions League welcomes 32 teams every year. The lineup for the 2023/2024 season includes the big guns from top European leagues. We have categorised the teams according to their countries below:
- England: Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United.
- Spain: Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Real Sociedad and Sevilla.
- Italy: Inter Milan, Lazio, AC Milan and Napoli.
- Germany: Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Union Berlin.
- France: Lens and Paris Saint-Germain.
- Portugal: Benfica, Braga and FC Porto.
- Netherlands: Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven.
- Austria: Red Bull Salzburg.
- Scotland: Celtic.
- Serbia: Crvena zvezda (Red Star Belgrade).
- Ukraine: Shakhtar Donetsk.
- Belgium: Antwerp.
- Switzerland: Young Boys.
- Denmark: Copenhagen.
- Turkey: Galatasaray.
Bettors can consider any of the 32 teams at the start of the competition for their Champions League predictions.
Which Team Won the Last Champions League?
Manchester City, from England, won the UEFA Champions League title in the 2022/2023 season. City’s journey to conquering Europe was interesting. The team dominated the group stages with 14 points from six matches and proceeded to the knockout stages.
They defeated RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich (both from Germany) in the round of 16 and quarter-finals. These wins set up a historic 4-0 two-leg victory over Real Madrid from Spain. Finally, they secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Inter Milan in Istanbul. It was the club’s first-ever Champions League title.
Who are the Favourite Teams for the Champions League this Season?
Several strong contenders are vying to become European Champions for the 2023/2024 season. These include Barcelona (from Spain), Bayern Munich (from Germany), and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) (from France). Others are Real Madrid (from Spain) and last year’s winner, Manchester City (from England).
These teams have a rich history and talented squad capable of delivering excellent performances at the highest stage. However, it remains to be seen which team will lift the trophy. The final will be held on June 1st at London’s historic Wembley Stadium.
What are the Odds for the Top Goal Scorer?
The top goal scorer award in the UEFA Champions League acknowledges a player’s goal contributions. While this is a personal award, it often reflects team performance and chances. Punters can also make their Champions League predictions for the top scorers.
This year’s edition of the competition boasts a tight but interesting list of top goal-scorers. The top four players on the top scorers’ chart have six goals each just after the round of 16. These include Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Antoine Griezmann (Atlético de Madrid), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), and Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-German).
Where to Bet on the Champions League?
Besides the excitement and entertainment, punters bet on Champions League games for the quality of teams the competition offers. The competition brings together the best teams from various leagues, allowing bettors to explore elite football predictions. The odds are also competitive, as in any high-profile competition.
Our experts have shortlisted the best betting sites in Nigeria for your predictions of the Champions League. Each site offers players an excellent betting experience. Check out our comparison in the table below to see which bookmaker is best for you.
