As the 2024-25 European soccer season just started, anticipation and excitement are a huge part for the continent’s top five leagues. With last season’s surprises still fresh in memory, fans and pundits of Ontario sports betting alike are speculating on potential champions in England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France.
Now, let’s analyze the perspective of every league considering the current state of affairs and looking at how things were in the prior year.
Premier League: Arsenal to Dethrone City?
Manchester City had edged closer to immortality last season by clinching the Premier League title for the fourth successive time. But, the change of guard could be coming in the course of the 2024-25 campaign as premier contenders Arsenal look ready to go one step further under Mikel Arteta’s management.
The Gunners have continued to reinforce the team and stay consistent. On the other hand, City has the challenge of having to find players to fit in their large vacancies. The 3rd strongest team – Liverpool, spearheaded by new boss Arne Slot, might find the going tough to wrest the title of the champions this season.
La Liga: Real Madrid’s Reign to Continue
La Liga should be very interesting for viewers and bettors alike. Atletico Madrid is making big moves this season like signing Julian Alvarez. They could be much more of a threat this year.
On the other side, Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, will also be interesting to witness, but the majority of the fanbase still thinks Real Madrid will continue to dominate as they are looking like one of the best teams on paper in Europe right now.
Bundesliga: Bayern Munich’s Return to Glory?
After the rather atypical season in which the team failed to win a single title, Bayern Munich seems to be ready to come back to the top of the Bundesliga this season. Despite initial skepticism surrounding new manager Vincent Kompany, the Bavarian giants have reinforced their squad with names like Michael Olise, João Palhinha, and Hiroki Ito now in their squad.
But last year’s unexpected champions Bayer Leverkusen cannot be overlooked, who can again defend their title and prove that they are not one-time champions. Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, has always been a title contender and will be no exception this season.
Serie A: Inter Milan Favored, but Competition Looms
Inter Milan will start the 2024-25 season as the favorites to lift the Series A trophy yet again. However, there is a resurgent Juventus waiting in the wings ready to pounce as well as an ambitious Atalanta team ready to challenge for the title.
Ligue 1: PSG Dynasty to Persist Despite Mbappe Departure
Although Kylian Mbappe is gone from PSG, the French champions are still positioned to continue their dominance in Ligue 1. Despite losing Mbappe, their additions of Piotr Zielinski and Mehdi Taremi have bolstered their roster to keep the PSG dynasty alive.
Marseille and Monaco will likely lead the chasing pack, but overcoming PSG’s financial might and depth remains a formidable challenge for the rest of the league.
Ultimately, while there are still some crowd favorites to win the respective five leagues in European soccer, the unpredictability of the sport keeps the fans on their toes in each match. What makes soccer truly special is its capacity to surprise and delight as every night carries the potential for an upset.
Holding our breaths for the season is not a bad idea as fans across the world anticipate intense action, shocking upsets, and impressive moments that double for European soccer’s ever-expanding popularity. New managers, new signings, and different approaches put in place mean that football fans around the continent are set for another exciting year of top-flight soccer.
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Featured Image: Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images
