By Harvey Muldoon

Reigning Champions Paris-Saint-Germain may have a better chance to win the Champions League again than what you might think.

Paris-Saint-Germain shocked the world last UEFA Champion’s League campaign, as they won the prestigious trophy for the first time in their club’s history, with a factually weaker squad compared to previous seasons - with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Neymar Jr. once leading their attack.

Mbappe, Messi and Neymar Jr by Franck Fife via Getty Images

PSG dominated the knockout stages last season, stamping their place in the final by eliminating every single top English club remaining post the league phase. But travelling to the present, PSG have once again missed out on a top 8 position in the league phase but have successfully qualified for the first round of the knockouts once again.

Looking at the Paris club’s league phase form this season, they recorded four wins, two draws and two losses in eight games played. This is a general improvement over their record from last season, where they recorded four wins, one draw and three losses.

The most staggering result from the 2025/26 season for them was a phenomenal 7-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen, away from home. The Parisians held 71% possession across 90 minutes, with 24 total shots to Bayer Leverkusen’s six.

PSG’s win over Bayern Leverkusen by ANP via Getty Images

PSG’s only losses came from a home fixture against Bayern Munich, who have been extremely dominant both domestically and nationally, along with a 2-1 loss to dark horses Sporting Lisbon.

Both losses weren’t enough to set them back, as last night they took a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United, after Newcastle scored an equaliser just before half-time. This point against Newcastle was enough for PSG to finish 11th overall, four places higher than their previous tournament winning season.

Going into the knockout stage, before the draws are seeded tomorrow, being aware of the format we know PSG will have to play either familiar French side AS Monaco, or Azerbaijan outfit Qarabag FK.

PSG vs Newcastle by George Wood - UEFA via Getty Images

If they advance, the next step will involve a Round of 16 fixture against either FC Barcelona or Chelsea. Assuming PSG face Chelsea, this would be the second H2H between them since the FIFA Club World Cup, where they lost in the most pivotal game, being the final.

Beyond that, the draw remains unseen. However, big teams like Liverpool and Arsenal were shocked by the form of the Paris club. With a tournament where upsets could happen at any point in time, PSG should anticipate anything but strive for the similar success to last season.

Champion’s League holders PSG could be favourites to win again