Although league football may have kicked off for the 2026/2027 season, fans of European football have had to wait a little longer to get their fix of footy magic. Thankfully for those chomping at the bit to enjoy European football, the wait is almost over, as the Champions League is set to return later this week.
Last season’s tournament will packed full of excitement and was arguably closer than ever before. For a long time, it looked like Arsenal could return to their former glory and lift the trophy, though with Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane looking unstoppable in front of the net, it looked like the Champions League trophy could be returning to the Bundesliga.
Ultimately, it was Paris Saint-Germain who won the tournament for the second time on the bounce, and with the French side clearly desperate to make it a hat-trick, we’re in for an exciting 9 months or so.
Best Bookmakers Offers For The Champions League
-
Puntit
€100
T&Cs Apply >> -
bet365
CLAIM
T&Cs Apply >> -
Kwiff
€50
T&Cs Apply >> -
Novibet
€70
T&Cs Apply >> -
Ladbrokes
€30
T&Cs Apply >> -
Tonybet
€100
T&Cs Apply >> -
BOYLE Sports
€100
T&Cs Apply >> -
Livescore Bet
€50
T&Cs Apply >> -
Coral
€30
T&Cs Apply >> -
Betgoodwin
€15
T&Cs Apply >>
Wondering who to back? Here’s what bookies in Ireland think as they rank their Champions League favourites.
PSG
Despite getting off to what can only be described as an abysmal start to France’s Ligue-1 season, PSG are still currently favourites with Irish bookmakers to win the Champions League once more.
PSG may not have found their form in the league so far, as they are yet to win a match, but there’s just something about European football that seems to suit the squad. The tournament always brings the best out of players such as Dembele, and this tournament will likely be no different.
Irish favourites BOYLE Sports and Ladbrokes both currently have PSG at 5/1 odds, which is not bad at all, and well worth a punt in our opinion.
Barcelona
PSG may be struggling in their national league, but La Liga’s Barcelona don’t have that problem, as they’ve got off to an absolute flyer in Spain.
Currently in La Liga, the Catalan Giants are top of the table having won 4 out of 4, including a 5-0 trouncing of Valencia over the weekend. Lamine Yamal netted two of those goals, which is obviously going to be a huge boost for the side, as he was hampered with an injury late on last season.
Thinking of backing Barca? If so, BOYLE Sports and Ladbrokes both have them at 11/2.
Arsenal
For a long time last season, it was The Gunners who were favourites to win the Champions League. Mikel Arteta’s men almost secured the double as well, as they met PSG in the final, with the game ending 1 – 1.
Eventually, The Gunners last 4 – 3 on penalties, so will be looking to hopefully go a step further this time around and secure victory in Europe for the first time in decades, especially after winning the EPL last season.
Arsenal will likely be bolstered by a back-in-form Bukayo Saka, which is why you can enjoy 6/1 odds with both Ladbrokes and BOYLE Sports.
Bayern Munich
Despite Bayern Munich possessing a number of quality players, the simple fact of the matter is that Harry Kane is the difference maker, much like Cristiano Ronaldo was for Real Madrid, and Lionel Messi was for Barcelona.
Last season alone, the Englishman found the net 14 times in the Champions League, on top of the 36 goals he scored in the Bundesliga. If he stays fit, he scores goals, it’s that simple.
Currently, Bayern Munich are also 6/1 for the Champions League, with both Ladbrokes and BOYLE Sports.
Real Madrid
Finally, you can’t talk about Champions League football and not talk about Real Madrid.
Since bringing back ‘The Special One’ Jose Mourinho for a second stint at the Bernabeu, Real have looked extremely impressive, with both Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham both shining.
They may have faltered over the weekend, after suffering a 1-0 loss to Real Betis, but if there’s one thing that Mourinho knows, it’s how to win in Europe, having won the trophy twice previously with Porto and Inter Milan.
Ironically, Real get their Champions League campaign started on Tuesday against Inter, so that’ll surely be a cracking game.
Think Jose can add a third CL trophy to his cabinet? If so, BOYLE Sports and Ladbrokes are both offering 13/2 odds if you back Real Madrid now.