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PSG Bid for Three Champions League Titles in a Row

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

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  • Paris Saint-Germain begin the new Champions League league phase seeking a third consecutive title, a feat achieved by only four clubs in the competition’s history.
  • PSG have struggled in the league phase under the new format, finishing outside the top eight in each of the past two campaigns and facing another demanding draw.
  • Arsenal are among the leading English contenders after progressing from the quarter-finals to the semi-finals and then the final over the past three seasons.

Paris Saint-Germain are chasing a place in an exceptionally small group as the Champions League returns this week. After defending their title last season by beating Arsenal on penalties in Budapest, Luis Enrique’s side now want to win the competition for a third consecutive year.

Only Real Madrid, Ajax and Bayern Munich have previously managed that feat. Madrid won three straight European Cups under Zinedine Zidane from 2016 to 2018, while Ajax did so from 1971 to 1973 and Bayern from 1974 to 1976. Madrid also won the first five editions of the European Cup, from 1956 to 1960.

“Our objectives are clear. I want to win important trophies and there are none more important than the Champions League,” Luis Enrique said. The coach, who also led Barcelona to the title in 2015, has already guided PSG to back-to-back triumphs, matching an achievement previously reached only by Real Madrid since the modern Champions League began in 1992.

The French champions face a tougher route through the league phase than their recent titles might suggest. Under the new format, 36 teams play eight matches against eight different opponents. PSG finished outside the top eight in both of the last two campaigns and needed an extra play-off round to reach the last 16. This time they will meet Manchester City, Barcelona and Aston Villa.

Arsenal remain among the most closely watched challengers. Mikel Arteta’s team have lost in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final over the past three seasons, while they topped last season’s league phase with a perfect record. Their campaign begins away to Napoli. Five English clubs are involved, including Manchester City, Liverpool, returning Manchester United and Aston Villa. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid also feature among the teams seen as capable of challenging, with Atletico hoping to reach a final held at their own stadium. Newcomers such as Como will add fresh names to the competition.

Our objectives are clear. I want to win important trophies and there are none more important than the Champions League.

· Luis EnriqueThe PSG coach stated his ambition before the new Champions League campaign.
About this summary

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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