The Champions League knockout phase is back; hosting the most elite teams in Europe, but who will take the crown? As always, there will be a wildcard team and in this article, we will analyse the smaller sides, who can provide some memorable upsets.
The first behemoth fixture in the knockout phase was PSG v Real Madrid, a game that could potentially be a final. Here at confirmbets, we made a prediction for that game, so take a quick look.
The obvious favourite to lift the trophy must be Manchester City. Their formidable form in the English Premier League is something special, but they were eclipsed by Chelsea last season in the UCL final. The only major honour missing from the city trophy cabinet is the Champions League and they must be very hungry to win it. Having easily demolished Sporting Lisbon 5-0 in their opening fixture, with Raheem Sterling playing out of his skin. However, there are some other terrific clubs that could stand in their way. Namely, holders Chelsea, Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, and German giants Bayern Munich. With star manager Pep Guardiola, who has won the Champions League twice in his time at Barcelona, Man City has all that it takes. On the other hand, Pep has struggled in recent years in the Champions League. Having an underwhelming time at Bayern and his best finish being runner-up with City.
For the first time in decades, Pep's old team Barcelona will not be competing in the knockout stage, having been eliminated in the group stages. They will instead be competing in the Europa League, which will be very strange seeing an elite club like Barcelona playing on a Thursday night. Their arch-rivals, Real Madrid are playing very well in La Liga, but lack the overall quality to go all the way.
Liverpool has looked very strong in the Barclays Premier League this season, but still, have a mountain to climb to eclipse City. They are a very impressive cup side though and can beat anyone on their day, especially with the firepower they have at the front. Jota has had an amazing season so far, and alongside Mane and Salah, every opposition's defence will be terrified. Write off Liverpool at your own peril.
A wildcard in the competition, that could make it to the semifinals and beat big sides along the way is Ajax. In the group stages, they won every game with some difficult opponents like Borussia Dortmund and Sporting Lisbon. Ex-West Ham flop Sebastian Haller has proved to be a steal at £25m, scoring 10 goals in 6 games so far in the competition. Moreover, the club also has a young, exciting manager Erik ten Hag. If Ajax faced a big team, they could put them out, which would provide a great betting opportunity. For extra tips and strategies and terrific welcome bonuses check out SBO. The platform’s experts rank operators on different factors like comparing odds and the quality of customer support.
No matter what happens in this year's Champions League, the quality of football will be off the charts. Furthermore, the drama in the second leg will be unforgettable just like in previous seasons. The holders - Chelsea must also have an honourable mention, playing exceptionally well in last season's tournament. Nevertheless, their form in the Premier League has been average at best, but after winning the FIFA Club Cup, it may galvanise their season. A very creative team that is solid at the back, Chelsea could go all the way again this time around.
Other teams that could take the crown are Bayern Munich or PSG. The Bavarian team has clinical striker Lewandowski and a superb side, both from an attacking and defensive perspective. At the knockout stage, there is seldom an easy draw, with most teams wanting to avoid Bayern in the latter stages. For PSG, they have been yearning for Europe's most coveted prize for years, with their closest finish being runner up in 2020. Many will fancy the most lethal attack in the world: Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe to cause havoc, and with world-class manager Pochetttino, it would be foolish to write them off.
Whatever happens, we are all in for a treat, the greatest club competition is back!