Champions League favourites - who is set to win the trophy?

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FT Desk

The final four of the Champions League has been decided; Bayern Munich, PSG, Arsenal, and Atletico Madrid. Bayern worked hard to overcome Real Madrid on aggregate while PSG easily swept aside Liverpool across the two legs.

We’ve got four different countries represented; France, England, Spain and Germany. But how are the contenders for the crown shaping up? If you’re looking for a bet, consider this sportsbook offer using bet 365’s promo code and take note of our advice below, as we rank the four remaining teams based on their chances of claiming the title.

Bayern Munich

Bayern’s argument is straightforward. They have the most complete attack in the group, the deepest squad and the kind of European know-how that usually matters when the stakes rise. They can win games in different ways, whether through sustained pressure, quick transitions or moments of individual brilliance in the final third. That gives them a consistency many rivals lack. Harry Kane has 50 goals for the season and a Champions League winners’ medal would be vindication for his move to Germany. Michael Olise has become one of the world’s best wingers and Jamal Musiala is back from long-term injury.

Yet Bayern are not without flaws. Their attacking ambition can leave space behind the defence, and against a team with pace and precision on the break, that can become a serious problem. Manuel Neuer is capable of brilliance but is 40 now and, as he showed versus Real Madrid, can also make blunders. Bayern look like favourites, but only just.

PSG

Paris Saint-Germain remain perhaps the most unpredictable of the contenders. On their day, they can overwhelm almost anyone with speed, technical quality and the ability to break lines in a flash. Their attacking ceiling is as high as any team left in the competition, and that alone makes them a threat. Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele, with Desire Doue in tow, represent unbelievable attacking options.

The issue is consistency. They blew everyone away to win this competition last season but would they be able to handle this Bayern Munich attack? PSG can be devastating when matches suit them, but they are more vulnerable when opponents slow the game down and make it a tactical battle - like Arsenal or Atletico Madrid like to do. There are still questions about how comfortable they are when they do not dominate possession or rhythm. If they keep the game open, they can go all the way. If not, they may find themselves exposed.

Arsenal

Arsenal arrive with a different kind of case. They may not have the raw firepower of Bayern or PSG, but they have one of the clearest tactical identities in the competition. Their defensive organisation is strong, their pressing is disciplined and they are usually excellent at reducing the number of dangerous moments they allow. In knockout football, that counts for plenty. Gabriel and William Saliba are a formidable defensive duo and keeping it tight won’t be a problem.

But their weakness is also clear: can they do enough at the other end against elite opponents? Arsenal can control games without always killing them off, and that leaves room for doubt in tight two-legged ties. They are good enough to win the tournament, but they may need everything to go right in order to do it. Viktor Gyokeres was signed for moments like this but has yet to deliver. Will this be his big moment?

Atlético Madrid

Atlético Madrid are the outsiders, but they are never a comfortable opponent in Europe. Diego Simeone’s side remain masters of awkward, tense knockout football. They defend with intensity, manage games superbly and know how to drag stronger teams into difficult, frustrating contests. If the Champions League rewards nerve and game management, Atlético will always be in the conversation. The manner of the victory against Barcelona was everything we expect from an Atleti team, and more.

Their problem is depth and fluency. They can strangle a match, but they are less convincing when they have to chase it. Against Bayern or PSG, that could be costly if they fall behind early. Still, Atlético should never be discounted, and though defence is their main attribute, with Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez in their side, they can hurt teams, too.

Verdict

Bayern Munich look like the most complete team and the safest pick to win the trophy. PSG may have the highest ceiling, Arsenal the strongest structure and Atlético the best chance of upsetting the order, but Bayern combine quality, depth and experience better than anyone else. Whatever happens, we’ve got two mouth-watering semi-finals in store.