Joe Cole doubts Arsenal’s Champions League hopes, backs Real Madrid

Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole told that, despite Arsenal entering the Champions League as joint‑favourites, he does not believe the Premier League champions will lift the trophy this season, instead backing Real Madrid to claim the title again.

On the opening night of the competition, Cole was asked for his prediction. “I’ve gone for Real Madrid,” he said, adding that the presence of José Mourinho and the fact the final will be at Atlético’s ground make the Spaniards a strong contender. He praised Mourinho as “a walking Hollywood story” and argued that Real need only solve the Kylian Mbappé issue and keep Vinícius Júnior firing. Picture:

Cole’s prediction and its backdrop

Many pundits expect Mikel Arteta’s side to go one better after reaching the Champions League final last term. The Gunners, who clinched their first Premier League title since 2004, went ahead in May’s final but failed to hold the lead, losing to PSG on penalties. Cole’s scepticism therefore comes amid a narrative that Arsenal have already tasted European disappointment.

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Arsenal’s European outlook

Domestically, the Gunners have yet to put a foot wrong, beating Coventry City, Aston Villa and Chelsea in their opening three Premier League games. Over the summer Arteta bolstered the squad with Brazil star Bruno Guimarães, England international Ezri Konsa and Greece winger Christos Tzolis. Despite being installed as joint‑favourites alongside Barcelona and PSG, Cole believes the wait for a European trophy will continue.

Real Madrid’s early edge

Real Madrid kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 2‑1 win over Inter Milan on Tuesday night. Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde gave Los Blancos a first‑half lead, while Inter’s Carlos Augusto scored on 77 minutes but could not find an equaliser. The Spaniards had lost to Real Betis the previous weekend, slipping three points behind La Liga champions Barcelona, yet Cole sees them as the team to beat.

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Arsenal’s group‑stage opener comes on Wednesday night against Napoli, a match that will test whether the Gunners can translate their domestic dominance into European success. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s momentum suggests they could fulfil Cole’s forecast, adding intrigue to the early stages of the tournament.