Gerard Piqué, Former Spanish Star, Makes Early Champions League Prediction

The 2024/25 Champions League will feature a new competition format, shifting from the familiar group stage to a league system. UEFA has increased the number of teams from 32 to 36 and revamped the competition to involve 8 randomized matches, drawn based on club coefficients across four pots. Each club will play 4 home and 4 away matches against opponents from different pots. Here's Piqué's prediction—a man who has won three Champions League titles with Barcelona and one with Manchester United—brought to you by V9Bet.

Who is Gerard Piqué?

Piqué is a legendary Barcelona defender who helped the club win numerous titles, including 9 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Reys, 6 Supercopa de España titles, 3 Champions League titles, 2 UEFA Super Cups, and 3 Club World Cups. He was also a key part of the Spain national team that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 Euros. He retired from professional football in 2022 and has since focused on business ventures outside the sport.

Piqué Predicts a Liverpool vs Real Madrid Champions League Final in 2024-25

Despite the Champions League draw just being completed, Piqué believes that Liverpool and Real Madrid will face off in the final. Liverpool, returning to Europe’s biggest competition after some time, has seen a major managerial change from Jürgen Klopp to Arne Slot. Meanwhile, reigning 15-time champions Real Madrid are undergoing a squad rebuild but have struggled with away performances. Piqué, however, believes their latent strength and passion for victory will help Madrid reach the final at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. He expects a rematch of the 2021/22 final, where Madrid narrowly defeated Liverpool 1-0.

Piqué Trusts in Liverpool’s Potential Under Arne Slot

Despite the managerial change from Klopp to the relatively unknown Arne Slot, Liverpool’s progress remains steady. The Dutch coach has chosen to maintain much of Klopp’s squad while only bringing in Federico Chiesa as a summer signing. This consistency leads Piqué to believe Liverpool, with their rich European history, is a strong contender. As six-time European champions, Liverpool has the most continental success of any English club, meaning experience won’t be an issue for them. 

Read more >> Liverpool signs Federico Chiesa from Juventus

Although a Barcelona Legend, Piqué Trusts Real Madrid

Though a long-time rival of Real Madrid, Piqué admits that they are the favorites to win the European crown. With 15 Champions League titles—the most in history—Madrid's expertise in continental success is unmatched. Unlike Barcelona, who are in a rebuilding phase, Madrid's relatively stable squad under Carlo Ancelotti is primed to build on last season’s triple domestic and European success. The free transfer signing of Kylian Mbappé only enhances their attacking threat, combining his prowess with Vinícius Júnior's agility.

Another Team to Watch: Manchester City

Aside from Liverpool and Madrid, Piqué also sees Manchester City as serious contenders under the tactical genius Pep Guardiola. Having won their first Champions League title in 2022/23, City is now a favorite in every competition. Although Guardiola has only spent £23 million this summer to strengthen the squad, including signing Savinho and Ilkay Gündogan, their formidable attack led by Erling Haaland remains intact.

Piqué Does Not Overlook Paris Saint-Germain

Despite losing Kylian Mbappé to Madrid and investing €170 million in young players, Gerard Piqué still sees Paris Saint-Germain under Luis Enrique as a formidable force. Their squad, though not filled with superstars as before, remains packed with quality, including key players like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marquinhos, and Randal Kolo Muani.

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Conclusion

These are Piqué’s insights into the 2024/25 Champions League season. As the competition kicks off in its new format, expect even more intensity. Don’t miss a moment—join V9Bet for the latest updates, free live-streams, and insightful football content.