The Champions League once again delivers some of the biggest nights in European football, with the 2025/26 competition introducing even more heavyweight clashes under the new league phase format.

Europe’s top clubs have gone head-to-head throughout the season, with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Arsenal, PSG and Manchester City all involved in another campaign packed with high-level knockout football.

The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League final takes place on Saturday 30 May in Budapest, where Paris Saint-Germain face Arsenal at the Puskás Aréna.

PSG arrive as defending European champions after winning the competition for the first time in 2025. Luis Enrique’s side have continued to evolve into one of the most complete teams in Europe, combining attacking quality with much greater balance across the pitch.

Arsenal head into the final looking to win the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history. Mikel Arteta’s side have been one of the most consistent teams in the tournament and have impressed throughout the knockout stages.

Arsenal head into the final after one of the club’s most successful periods in recent years. The Gunners ended their long wait for a Premier League title under Mikel Arteta and have now established themselves again among Europe’s elite sides.

After several seasons rebuilding the squad, Arsenal have developed into one of the most organised and consistent teams in European football. Their blend of young talent, tactical discipline and experience has allowed them to compete both domestically and in Europe.

Winning the Premier League restored belief around the club, but a Champions League title would represent another major step in Arsenal’s modern era and one of the biggest achievements in the club’s history.

PSG have been one of the standout attacking sides in this season’s competition. Their route to the final included knockout wins over Liverpool, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, showing their ability to perform against elite opposition.

Players such as Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have all played major roles in PSG’s run to Budapest.

Arsenal’s Champions League campaign has been built on defensive organisation and control. The Gunners have consistently managed games well during the knockout rounds and arrive in the final as one of the tournament’s most difficult teams to break down.

Arteta’s side have shown they can compete in both open games and tighter tactical battles.

The central areas could decide the final. PSG will look to dominate possession and create overloads through movement and technical quality, while Arsenal are likely to focus on structure, transitions and limiting space between the lines.

One of the biggest changes under Arteta has been Arsenal’s ability to manage high-pressure matches. Earlier Arsenal sides were often associated with open, attacking football, but the current team combines control, defensive structure and tactical flexibility.

That balance has been especially important in the Champions League knockout rounds, where Arsenal have shown they can win different types of matches — whether through possession, pressing or defensive discipline.

Saka continues to be one of Arsenal’s most influential players in big matches. His movement, decision-making and ability in one-on-one situations make him a major attacking threat.

Rice has become central to Arsenal’s midfield structure. His defensive coverage and ability to control transitions have been key throughout the Champions League campaign.

The Arsenal captain brings creativity and tempo between the lines. His link-up play and vision are especially important against teams that dominate possession.

PSG came through several high-profile knockout ties on their way to Budapest.

• Beat Monaco 5-4 on aggregate in the knockout play-off.
• Defeated Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate in the round of 16.
• Beat Liverpool 4-0 on aggregate in the quarter-finals.
• Defeated Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate in the semi-finals.

Arsenal’s route has been more controlled but equally impressive.

• Beat Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 on aggregate in the round of 16.
• Defeated Sporting CP 1-0 on aggregate in the quarter-finals.
• Beat Atlético Madrid 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals.

William Hill offers a wide range of Champions League betting markets throughout the season, including:

• Match result.
• Both teams to score.
• Over/under goals.
• Correct score.
• First goalscorer.
• Anytime goalscorer.
• Corners and cards.
• Handicap betting.
• Outright winner markets.
• In-play betting.

Champions League matches can change quickly, especially during the knockout rounds. A goal, red card or tactical switch can completely alter the flow of a game.

Live betting allows fans to follow matches in real time while tracking stats, momentum and in-game developments throughout the 90 minutes.

The Champions League now uses a 36-team league phase instead of the old group stage system.

Each club plays eight matches against eight different opponents, with four home fixtures and four away matches.

The top eight teams qualify directly for the round of 16. Teams finishing between ninth and 24th enter a knockout play-off to complete the last-16 line-up.

The format has created more high-profile fixtures throughout the competition and increased the importance of every matchday.

Real Madrid remain the most successful club in European Cup and Champions League history with 15 titles.

Other historic winners include:

• AC Milan - 7 titles.
• Bayern Munich - 6 titles.
• Liverpool - 6 titles.
• Barcelona - 5 titles.

• 2025 - PSG
• 2024 - Real Madrid
• 2023 - Manchester City
• 2022 - Real Madrid
• 2021 - Chelsea
• 2020 - Bayern Munich

The 2025/26 Champions League final takes place on Saturday 30 May 2026 in Budapest.

Paris Saint-Germain will face Arsenal in the final.

No. Arsenal have never won the Champions League.

PSG won their first Champions League title in 2025.

Real Madrid have won the most European Cups and Champions League titles with 15.

The competition now features a 36-team league phase. Each team plays eight matches, with the top eight qualifying directly for the round of 16.