Real Madrid, the 15-time Champions League winner, are the favorites to win the 2024–25 Champions League with the addition of former Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe.
The 2024–25 Champions League is going to have a new format with 36 football teams instead of the normal group stage matches.
These are the five likely clubs that can stop Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe in the 2024–2025 UEFA Champions League and why.
1. Inter Milan
The reigning champions of the Serie A, Inter Milan, will be going into the 2024/25 Champions League with a huge hope of beating all the teams to the trophy in May 2025.
Inter Milan are one of the teams capable of defeating Real Madrid and their star-studded team to the Champions League title. The football club have one of the strongest defenses in Europe.
Last season, Inter Milan conceded just 22 goals in 38 matches in the Serie A. Also, Simeone Inzaghi’s superior tactics are capable of helping Inter Milan succeed over the Real Madrid side.
In the 2022–23 Champions League final, Inzaghi tactically held the attack of the Manchester City attackers, which made it difficult for the Premier League giant to score a goal until Rodri came to the rescue.
2. Barcelona
The Catalonia have always wanted to defeat Real Madrid in any competition they meet because of the El Clasico Rivalry. The intense rivalry between the two teams can bring the best out of Barcelona.
The club currently have an experienced manager, Hans Flick, who dominated Europe during his reign at Bayern Munich. Barcelona have also signed one of the most talented players in Euro 2024, Dani Olmo.
These two individuals are capable of influencing the Barcelona game when they play against Real Madrid in the 2024-25 Champions League.
3. Paris Saint-Germain
The reigning champions of Ligue 1 are capable of stopping Carlo Ancelotti’s men and their former player, Kylian Mbappe.
Even though they no longer have their all-time top scorer in the squad, they still remain a better team compared to last season.
Paris Saint-Germain are heavily investing in their squad, with new signings coming in and more to come before the end of the transfer window.
Another reason they are capable of defeating Real Madrid is an attempt to prove themselves against Mbappe, who forced himself away from Paris Saint-Germain even though he was offered a new contract.
4. Bayern Munich
In the 2023–24 Champions League season, the Bavarians lost to Real Madrid in the semi-finals. The match was marred by the referee’s inconsistency in making decisions.
Bayern Munich will be extremely motivated to defeat the team that ended their hope of winning silverware last season if they cross paths again this season.
Bayern Munich have a new ruthless manager, Vincent Kompany, who wants to win at all costs. The manager is capable of creating a style of play that will put Real Madrid in their worst state.
The Bayern Munich side have signed extremely intelligent players who have always been a menace to different football clubs. One of the players that is likely to shine against any football club in the Champions League is Michael Olise.
5. Manchester City
The Pep Guardiola men are Real Madrid’s biggest rival in the Champions League. The Real Madrid team are always concerned about facing Manchester City at any stage of the competition.
Last season, Real Madrid were only able to eliminate Manchester City via penalties.
Manchester City’s ability to play under pressure, coupled with Pep Guardiola’s tactical creativity can stop Real Madrid’s attacker.
