The biggest club tournament has always got a surprise or two to offer. Bringing in the best of players, the giants of Europe leave no stone unturned to lift the coveted trophy. Although no team has successfully defended the title, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Juventus are genuine contenders.
However, a few other teams are capable of stealing the limelight and make a mark. With the best teams from the top European teams participating in the competition, even the clubs that have never won the competition or are struggling for form, pose a threat to bigger teams.
Some teams don't have a remarkable pedigree in the tournament but have a strong enough squad to topple any team in their way. The underdogs always have the x-factor in them which the big teams fall prey to.
With the round of 16 draws already decided, we take a look at some of the teams that can cause an upset if they fulfil their potential:
#5 Arsenal
As has been the hallmark of Arsene Wenger, Arsenal display the most attractive football. But sometimes, that is simply not enough to win the tie and qualify. Add to that their ominous knockout fixture ever and ever again, fans are often left stranded.
However, on their day, they can upset any big team with their pace and creativity. With Bayern next, their UCL journey is on the edge, but Alexis Sanchez and co. can deliver it this time.
Their talented squad is finally showing consistency in the Premier league. In Europe, too, they were phenomenal in the group stage. With rumours of Wenger’s departure from the club at end of this season, he will be desperate to add the trophy he came so close to winning in 2006.
A good January signing and a bit of luck can really prove to be vital for the Gunners to see off Bayern and keep their hopes alive.
#4 Paris Saint-Germain
The Ligue 1 champions are one of the heavyweights of European football but are not among the elites. In the Champions League, they have never gone beyond the quarter-final stage. However, no team can underestimate them at any stage.
Finishing second to Arsenal in the group, and just like the Gunners, they have a mammoth task at hand – they have Spanish giants Barcelona in the next round. Their dominance in the domestic league has been challenged this season but they have been impressive in the UCL so far.
Manager Unai Emery achieved a lot with his limited Sevilla squad in the Europa League. With PSG, he will now hope to achieve the next target and win the Champions League. The departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hit them hard but they have a quality squad to steer them through.
On the other hand, the Barcelona midfield hasn’t been impressive recently, and they rely a lot on Messi, Suarez and Neymar. If PSG play their best football, they have the talent to put aside any team in Europe.
#3 Leicester City
Leicester City surprised everybody with their incredible run of form in the group stage. Having achieved four wins from five matches, out of which they had four clean sheets as well, they were the first team to qualify.
The only loss, a 5-0 demolition, came against Porto after they were assured qualification. If there is any team who can replicate Porto’s 2004 triumph, it has to be The Foxes.
They realistically have no chance to win the EPL and can solely focus on the Champions League. The defending EPL champions have a pretty strong squad which is capable of springing up a surprise. Considering the two-legged knockout tie, their ability to score on the counter will make them a team to watch out for.
They are almost an unknown entity on the European stage but manager Ranieri has all the experience to guide them through. Four wins and they’ll be the champions of Europe.
#2 Borussia Dortmund
The Bundesliga outfit are one of the most exciting teams to watch out in the UCL. Having missed the previous edition, manager Thomas Tuchel has smartly reshaped the squad and the team is now a force to be reckoned with. Although they have failed to make a mark in the domestic circuit, Dortmund have been phenomenal in the UCL so far.
With 21 goals in 6 matches, they are in the record books for the most goals in the group stage. They even went on to dethrone Real Madrid from the top spot in the group.
On their day, the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Mario Gotze and Marco Reus are capable enough of destroying any defence. Add to that, the presence of one of the best strikers in the world, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, makes them a dangerous side.
The round of 16 match against Benfica will be a tricky affair but Dortmund is expected to win it and reach the quarter-final. Provided luck is on their side, they might just clinch the coveted trophy they missed narrowly in 2012-13.
#1 Manchester City
The meteoric rise of Manchester City a few years ago took the Premier league by storm. However, their much-cherished dream to conquer Europe is still an ongoing project. Over the last few years, their record in Europe has been average, at best, but they have an accomplished squad, which can make it big.
With Pep Guardiola in the dug-out, City will be tactically more prepared to battle past their knock-out fixtures.
The way they defeated Barcelona in the return tie at the Etihad after being humiliated at the Camp Nou, is enough to justify that they are a potent force in the UCL this year. If their defence can keep the opposition’s attackers at bay, their frontline has the potential to do the rest.
The addition of 19-year old Brazilian sensation Gabriel Jesus will only boost their chances in the Champions League. The Citizens remain a genuine threat for the big teams and can bring home the title this year.
