Every year the Champions League has entertained us but there have always been favourites for the title. Whether it was Barcelona, Real Madrid or Juventus, pundits and fans alike always had some teams to bet on. This year, however, it’s hard to pinpoint an outright winner. With two great comebacks this week, the Champions League is very open.
Who’s Going to Win the Champions League?
Struggling Giants
With Real Madrid being knocked out yesterday after a stunning comeback from Ajax, it’s clear that this tournament is turning out to be a huge surprise. The transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo from Madrid to Juventus made the Italian giants favourites at the start of the season. However, they currently have to turn around a two-goal deficit against Atletico Madrid.
As for Liverpool, it doesn’t look any better. Last year’s finalists have to take a goalless draw to the Allianz Arena. While Bayern Munich seem to be the favourites for the tie now, they themselves don’t look as strong as they once were. Even though they’ve kept some of the 2013-winning squad, the players look like shadows of their former selves.
The Dark Horses of the Tournament
A fantastic result for Ajax has made them the prime dark horses this season. A 4-1 win at the Santiago Bernebau shouldn’t be looked at lightly, even though Madrid look to be struggling.
Meanwhile, two Premier league have surprised us. Tottenham Hotspur shocked league leaders Borrusia Dortmund. Harry Kane and co will be licking their lips in the hope they can squeeze into the final but after a bigger shock in France, Manchester United look strong. Solskjaer has turned things around at United and the revitalised Red Devils can continue to surprise doubters.
The tie between Roma and Porto may not look as glamorous as the others, but with the way the tournament has gone so far, Porto could go further than many once believed.
Best Chance to Finally Win It
Manchester City and Atletico Madrid are three teams that have proven to be domestic threats. However, neither of them have been able to take home club football’s biggest prize. This could be their best chance to win the trophy.
City have a chance to reach their first final. As good as they are their team is, they have struggled in the competition. This may be Pep Guardiola’s best chance to go far with a home game against Schalke.
Unlike City, Atletico Madrid have reached the final, but both times they were beaten by cross-town rivals Real. Should Madrid beat Juventus, they will be strong favourites for the trophy.
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