Paris Saint-Germain - FC Arsenal
30 May 2026, Hungary, Budapest: Soccer, Men: Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) - FC Arsenal, Final, Puskás Aréna, the Champions League trophy is presented in the stadium before the match. Photo: Tom Weller/dpa (Photo by Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images)
CSmith1919 Chuck Smith is the site manager for Bavarian Football Works, where he began writing in 2017. He is the author of The Daily Schmankerl, the longest-running daily Bayern Munich column in English, and also writes The Weekend Warm-Up. In addition to covering Bayern Munich news and providing commentary on Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga, and the German national team. He brings more than 30 years of sports-writing experience to the site. Over the course of his career, he has written for numerous newspapers and websites.
Paul Lambert knows what it takes to win the Champions League. The former Scotland international was part of Borussia Dortmund’s 1997 European Cup-winning side, starting in the final against Juventus.
Looking at the current Champions League field, Lambert sees Bayern Munich among the familiar heavyweights — with Harry Kane playing a major role. Speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offers the latest football odds, Lambert, gave his assessment on where things stand.
“When I look at the Champions League teams now, I think there are a number of teams that can win it. Bayern Munich are always going to be up there, especially with Harry Kane. I still think you’ll get all the usual suspects that qualify—the Bayerns, the Dortmunds, Barcelona, Man City, Real Madrid, and Arsenal,” Lambert said. “You may get one or two that might break into it that nobody expects, but the big clubs are always going to be around it. Whether Bayern can win it, I don’t know. PSG look fabulous, but if they go and do three in a row, that’s just phenomenal. Luis Enrique has done a great job.”
Lambert’s comments reflect just how open the Champions League picture can be, with the traditional European powers joined by clubs capable of making an unexpected run.
And while he stops short of predicting a Bayern triumph, he clearly expects the German giants to be part of the conversation — particularly with Kane leading the line.
PSG, meanwhile, have caught Lambert’s attention after their recent success. A third straight Champions League title under Luis Enrique would, in his words, be “just phenomenal.”
For everyone else he mentioned? Well, not so much.
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
Comment