Champions League returns - who are favourites and players to watch?

The Champions League is one of the most highly anticipated and widely viewed sporting events in the world, and its return is a significant milestone in the football calendar. As teams compete for the top prize, fans and pundits alike are eager to know who the favourites are to lift the trophy. The competition is always fierce, with top-tier teams from Europe's leading leagues battling it out for supremacy.

This season's contenders are likely to include perennial powerhouses such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, who have consistently performed at a high level in the tournament. However, other teams have also been strengthening their squads and may pose a threat to the traditional favourites. The experts' predictions will provide valuable insights into the teams and players to watch, helping fans to make informed assessments of the competition.

As the Champions League resumes, fans will be keeping a close eye on standout players such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Robert Lewandowski, who have consistently delivered impressive performances on the biggest stage. To watch next will be how these star players and their teams navigate the challenges of the group stages and beyond, and whether any surprise contenders emerge to shake up the established order.

Originally reported by bbc.co.uk. MyNews adds analysis for general news readers.