The group stage of the UEFA Champions League is nearing its end, and soon, the knockout phase will start. It was evident from the outset that some major European clubs would reach the next round.
However, it’s the underdogs who have taken over this prestigious competition by storm. A few clubs have surprised everyone, and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that they’re in a pole position to win the Champions League (Ellos están en una posición de polo para ganar la Liga de Campeones).
Nonetheless, I’ll discuss five teams that have performed exceptionally well in this year’s Champions League and analyze their chances of lifting this esteemed trophy.
Without further ado, let’s get started:
Arsenal
This English club is the dark horse in the Champions League. They have a better group stage record than any other team in the Champions League. And, the Gunners are also the table topper in their domestic league, the English Premier League.
Having said that, Arsenal is heavily dependent on Saka, and he must play to his potential to help his club lift this prestigious trophy. So far, Saka has played some excellent football and has also scored some important goals (También ha marcado algunos goles importantes).
I usually stream the Champions League matches. I couldn’t afford to miss Saka’s beautiful passes and crosses into the box, which is why I switched to one of the best internet service providers (ISPs) in my area. I called Spectrum servicio al cliente and subscribed to their fastest internet plan.
Anyway, considering Arsenal’s recent hot form, it would be no surprise if they go all the way and become the European champions.
Real Madrid
It would be a mistake to exclude Real Madrid from this list. Los Blancos might be going through a rough patch, but we all know how they bounce back.
Given that this is Xabi Alonso’s first season as Real Madrid’s manager, he might need some time to settle in and implement his tactics (y poner en práctica sus tácticas). With the likes of Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Bellingham, and Rodrygo, Xabi must find a perfect formation to play field these superstars together.
Needless to say, if Real Madrid somehow manages to win the Champions League and La Liga, Mbappe or Vinicius Jr. might also win their maiden Ballon D’Or.
So, despite the fact that Real Madrid is not playing their best football, I still rate them as potential contenders to lift the Champions League trophy this year.
Paris Saint-Germain
It shouldn’t be difficult for the current Champions League winners (PSG) to retain their title this year. Ousmane Dembele has won the Ballon D’Or this year, and PSG’s midfield looks in sublime touch.
However, one major hurdle in PSG’s way might be the different manager. It’s a fact that, besides the collective effort of players, Luis Enrique played an instrumental role in PSG’s success last year (Luis Enrique jugó un papel decisivo en el éxito del PSG el año pasado).
Luis Enrique is still one of the best soccer managers and has the experience of multiple Champions League campaigns. And, although I will not debate whether ousting him was the right decision or not, PSG must hope to get the same results that Luis Enrique got for them.
Manchester City
The second English team that I believe is the favorite to lift the Champions League is Manchester City. Just like Real Madrid, Man City’s recent form doesn’t reflect the potential of its manager or squad.
Pep Guardiola is one of the most decorated football managers in recent times. On the other hand, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Erling Haaland are the potential candidates for the Ballon D’Or.
That said, Pep might’ve failed to find the perfect replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, the iconic player who controlled the game for City.
Anyway, Manchester City’s success is tied to the performance of the three players I mentioned above, and obviously, Pep’s tactical masterclass. We’ve seen Pep doing wonders by playing unorthodox formations and getting favorable results.
But Pep must come up with something the soccer world has never seen before. Simply because, with time, other managers have found some really creative ways to outdo Pep’s tactics.
Barcelona
We all know that Barcelona, unlike their arch-rivals, always underperforms in the Champions League. And, I could’ve chosen Liverpool or Bayern Munich for this spot, but I truly believe that Barcelona, with their current squad, can win the silverware.
Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s manager, doesn’t need to prove his worth. He had a successful stint with Bayern Munich and Germany, and given the youngsters in Barca’s squad, like Lamine Yamal, Gavi, and Pedri, Hansi should know how to utilize them effectively.
Other than this, Barcelona’s success also depends on its injury list. Barca’s medical staff must ensure that their key players remain fit for crucial knockouts (que sus jugadores clave se mantengan en forma para eliminatorias cruciales).
So, these are the five teams that I believe have the potential and skills to lift the Champions League this year. Plus, as a soccer fan, I know that clubs like Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich cannot be underestimated.
However, let these clubs qualify for the round of 16 first, and then I’ll reassess which club has the best chance to become the champions of Europe.
