Jack Buckard
Staff Writer
The world’s most watched and richest competition, the UEFA Champions League, is back for another season. Prestigious teams from countries such as England and Spain, including the likes of players such as Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr., are back to take home the trophy. Back-to-back champions, Real Madrid, who have another world star in Cristiano Ronaldo, look to defend their title once again this year.
The Champions League, which runs from the group stages in September to December, then the Knockout Stages from February to late May, than the competition ends with the Final in early June to millions of viewers from around the world. Also, just because well-known domestic champions are seen in the competition, doesn’t mean smaller teams from smaller nations don’t make a big impact. A Manchester City midfielder, Kevin de Bruyne, said to an ESPN reporter after the game, “I definitely think this was not my best game, but it is the way it goes. It was hard graft tonight but this team can play.” De Bruyne played against a lesser-known Ukrainian side, so it seems anyone can do well in the Champions League.
Most people in the United States believe that the Super Bowl is the most watched sporting event of the year, but it is actually the Champions League Final. Over 350 million people worldwide watched 2017’s final, however only 3 million from America are in that total. The Super Bowl only got 175 million people worldwide to watch the Patriots come back and beat the Falcons. Furthermore, the Champions League is the world’s richest competition, with each club earning millions of dollars with each advancement.
So far this year, two matchdays have been completed, with reigning champions Real Madrid winning both of their games. Other teams including Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, FC Barcelona, and Manchester City have started off well too, with each club gaining 6 points through two games. The top scorer so far is Harry Kane who has 5 goals, with Anthony Martial grabbing 3 assists to lead that category. Finally, it’s got one sweet anthem as well. So on October 17, when Matchday 3 comes on TV at 2:45, turn on Fox Sports 1 and watch Real Madrid take on Tottenham. It will be more exciting than you think.
