Champions League bracket picks, predictions: Experts see Barcelona, Liverpool, Real Madrid as likeliest champs
Written by CBS SPORTS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED on March 3, 2025
For the 16 teams left standing in the Champions League, their path to the final in Munich is clear. Or, it’s at least as clear as it can be in a competition that rarely lacks for upsets and drama in its closing stages.
Their thrilling win over Manchester City in the knockout playoffs marked Real Madrid out as the bookmakers’ favorites despite their challenging draw with crosstown rivals Atletico. They may not be the only La Liga giants the holders have to come, if the brackets break right the 2024-25 Champions League could conclude with its first ever Clasico final.
Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain might have something to say about that, whichever one of them comes out of their round of 16 tie will feel they can go all the way. The same is true of Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, while an injury-addled Arsenal and ageing Inter might feel they have a chance too.
Who, then, will be hoisting the trophy on May 31? Our experts make their picks below.
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James Benge
Champions League bracket
Champions League quarterfinalists
 James Benge |  Roger Gonzalez |  Francesco Porzio |  Chuck Booth |  Pardeep Cattry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Arsenal | Arsenal | Arsenal | Arsenal | Arsenal | |
 Real Madrid | Real Madrid | Real Madrid | Real Madrid |  Atletico Madrid | |
 Liverpool | Liverpool | Liverpool |  PSG | Liverpool | |
 Aston Villa | Aston Villa | Aston Villa | Aston Villa | Aston Villa | |
 Barcelona | Barcelona | Barcelona | Barcelona | Barcelona | |
 Borussia Dortmund | Borussia Dortmund | Borussia Dortmund |  Lille | Lille | |
 Bayer Leverkusen | Bayer Leverkusen | Bayer Leverkusen | Bayer Leverkusen | Bayer Leverkusen | |
 Inter | Inter | Inter | Inter | Inter |
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Pardeep Cattry
Champions League semifinalists
James Benge | Roger Gonzalez | Francesco Porzio | Chuck Booth | Pardeep Cattry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Real Madrid | Real Madrid | Real Madrid | Real Madrid | Atletico Madrid | |
Liverpool | Liverpool | Liverpool | PSG | Liverpool | |
Barcelona | Barcelona | Barcelona | Barcelona | Barcelona | |
Bayer Leverkusen | Bayer Leverkusen | Inter | Inter | Inter |
Champions League finalists
James Benge | Roger Gonzalez | Francesco Porzio | Chuck Booth | Pardeep Cattry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liverpool | Real Madrid | Liverpool | Real Madrid | Liverpool | |
Bayer Leverkusen | Barcelona | Barcelona | Barcelona | Barcelona |
Champions League winners
James Benge | Roger Gonzalez | Francesco Porzio | Chuck Booth | Pardeep Cattry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liverpool | Real Madrid | Liverpool | Barcelona | Barcelona |
The post Champions League bracket picks, predictions: Experts see Barcelona, Liverpool, Real Madrid as likeliest champs first appeared on OKC Sports Radio.
