UEFA Champions League betting preview & top picks – UCL 2023-24

The UEFA Champions League field is almost set, and while the groups haven’t been announced, the unknown can be beneficial for future bets. Manchester City took home the trophy last campaign and are heavy favourites for this coming season, but there hasn’t been a repeat winner since Real Madrid claimed three straight titles from 2016-2018. Here are our top Champions League betting picks for the season ahead.

Real Madrid to win UCL 2023-24

Real Madrid have the most Champions League trophies of all time and they are set up to grab their 15th title. Real have added Jude Bellingham into their already stacked midfield alongside Fede Valverde, Aurelian Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga, with all four players under 25 years old. The Spanish giants also still have veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, and they are still playing at a high level.

Beyond their midfield, Los Blancos also possess one of the best defences in the world, and in congruence with their midfield, it will be hard to create chances on them. That’s not even mentioning Thibaut Courtois, who is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

The key for Real Madrid will be scoring — especially after prolific striker Karim Benzema left for Saudi Arabia this summer. Although Benzema is a club legend and one of the most gifted scorers of his generation, he was 35 years old and a declining talent. Brazilian attackers Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo will be expected to take a step up this season, and considering they are both under 24 years old, they should improve.

At +900 with the top UCL betting sites, Real Madrid are in a great position to assert themselves as the best European club yet again.

PSG to win UCL 2023-24

Paris Saint-Germain have been quite disappointing over the past few years in the Champions League, but they are still one of the most talented teams in Europe. The big news of the summer transfer window, beyond the drama with striker Kylian Mbappe, was Lionel Messi leaving the French giants for Inter Miami, but that may not be a bad thing for PSG.

While Messi is still one of the great players in world football, he, Mbappe and Neymar couldn’t deliver on huge expectations in France and his absence could concentrate this attack more. Mbappe and Neymar still provide PSG with the most dynamic strikeforce across all of Europe, and Messi’s absence won’t hurt them too much.

And PSG have drastically improved in other areas. Lucas Hernandez and Milan Skriniar will join the PSG backline, and the depth they provide should go a long way towards assuaging the defensive issues that have plagued them in past seasons. Also, defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte has joined from Sporting Lisbon and is expected to make an immediate impact. If he can play to his €60 million price tag, this team will be more defensively focused than past campaigns, which is what it takes in the Champions League.

With the new additions, it appears PSG have only improved what was already one of the most skilful teams across Europe. Messi’s departure is big, but it is also reflected in the odds and +1400 is great value for one of the perennial contenders.

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