Mikel Arteta will be determined to go the distance in the UEFA Champions League this season, but Arsenal face tough competition from Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur
12:04, 04 Nov 2025
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti of Brazil is seen prior to the international friendly match between Japan and Brazil at Tokyo Stadium on October 14, 2025 in Chofu, Tokyo, Japan
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Carlo Ancelotti has named his favourites to win the Champions League(Image: Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images)
Carlo Ancelotti has named his favourites to win the UEFA Champions League this season. The Brazil boss, who won the competition five times as a manager and twice as a player, has been watching from the stands this season as he gears up for the World Cup next year.
Arsenal have enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign, winning each of their first three games. The Gunners began by cruising past Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames Stadium before defeating Olympiacos at the Emirates Stadium.
The north London outfit upped the ante when they locked horns with Atletico Madrid, putting four past Diego Simeone's side. As it stands, Arsenal are one of five teams to have won each of their opening matches.
The Gunners are also just one of two clubs to have not yet conceded. Meanwhile, Chelsea have won six points from a possible nine, enjoying wins over Benfica and Ajax at Stamford Bridge after losing to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.
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Tottenham Hotspur, however, have had a shaky start to the campaign. While the Lilywhites remain unbeaten, they've picked up just five points, having drawn to Bodø/Glimt and Monaco.
Speaking recently to Italian outlet Tutto Sport, Ancelotti named his favourites to win the Champions League. The Italian sided with a couple of his former employers, naming just one contender from the Premier League and snubbing the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool.
"Seen from the other side of the world, the Champions League has the usual favourites," said Ancelotti. "Real Madrid, PSG, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich."
Manager of Real Madrid Carlo Ancelotti arrives down the tunnel during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Arsenal Stadium on April 08, 2025
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Carlo Ancelotti at the Emirates Stadium(Image: Photo by Julian Finney - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Taking aim at UEFA for shifting away from the traditional group stage format, the former Chelsea and Everton boss said: "In these first few matchdays, we've seen matches with high goals, and such sensational results make us lose interest.
"This first phase has been expanded to make it more interesting, yet it's not turning out that way. We have to accept that."
While Ancelotti overlooked Arsenal, in particular, as a favourite, he's previously backed Mikel Arteta's side to go all the way. Speaking to Movistar after the Gunners defeated Real Madrid in the quarter-finals last season, the Spaniard claimed he had the Italian's support.
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"He’s been very affectionate," said Arteta. "He has told me that he hopes we win it and that he is happy for us."
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