The Champions League is officially underway for another season, with Paris Saint-Germain looking to defend their crown and contenders emerging to steal ahead of Luis Enrique’s side. Matchday one already gave us plenty to break down, including another late show at Anfield and Bayern Munich’s comfortable victory against Chelsea.

But let’s start with the holders. Just like they were in last season’s 5-0 dismantling of Inter Milan in the final, PSG were in a ruthless mood as they played host to Serie A side Atalanta. Within three minutes, it was unlikely goalscorer Marquinhos who broke the deadlock, before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes and Goncalo Ramos sparked a 4-0 rout.

It’s difficult not to see a world in which the French giants go all the way for a second year running, but Liverpool may have something to say about that.

It took the Reds just six minutes to race into a 2-0 lead against Atletico Madrid, courtesy of Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah. Everything, in that moment, seemed to click just as Alexander Isak made his debut for the club.

Yet, in a familiar story, Arne Slot’s side soon found themselves level and forced to seal victory in the dying embers. This time, it was Virgil van Dijk who stepped up late on, but there’s no doubt that a similar collapse against a side of PSG’s calibre may not end so kindly for those at Anfield.

There were also notable wins for Barcelona at Newcastle United, Bayern Munich against Chelsea and Manchester City against Napoli – three clubs that will also be vying to dethrone PSG. As strong as all of those are, however, none of those entered David Beckham’s thoughts when he was asked to predict this season’s winners.

David Beckham snubs PSG in Champions League prediction

Speaking on CBS’ Champions League show, Beckham revealed that he believes that Real Madrid will win the Champions League ahead of PSG. The former Galactico has backed his old club to secure the historic trophy for a 16th time and for the first time under new manager Xabi Alonso.

“I think PSG will go close again this year, but I’m going to go with Real Madrid.”

Whilst PSG were getting their campaign underway in dominant fashion, Real Madrid were forced to defeat Marseille with 10-men courtesy of a late Kylian Mbappe penalty. Coming from behind after Timothy Weah’s opener, the Spanish giants were rescued by their French star from the spot twice in the same game.

That said, Beckham’s prediction is far from absurd. There’s a reason why Madrid have won the Champions League 15 times. This is their stomping ground. There isn’t many tougher games in football than a European night at the Santiago Bernabeu and Alonso will be looking to prove that this season.

With PSG, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Barcelona and others all looking strong, we’re in for quite the spectacle no matter who lifts the trophy in Budapest come May.