3 favourites to win the UEFA Champions League this season

Real Madrid have won the Champions League trophy for three consecutive years, but they are going through a transition right now. Zinedine Zidane has left the club, and their new manager is Julen Lopetegui.

Cristiano Ronaldo has also left, and Real Madrid now don't have a certified goal getter. It will take time for Real Madrid to play in the way Lopetegui wants. Because of that, many people don't see them as the favourites to win the Champions League.

Barcelona have started the Champions League campaign very well. However, their squad doesn't look as strong as yesteryears. Their performance mostly depends on Messi, and he can't win the trophy alone. Bayern Munchen are also in a decline because Niko Kovač doesn't look like the best solution for their bench.

The semi-final of the Champions League is probably unimaginable without these three teams. However, it looks like they aren't capable of winning the Champions League this season. And that brings us to the question - who are the real favourites?

Here are the top 3 contenders for the trophy this season.

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#3 Atletico Madrid

Los Rojiblancos: Now or never?

Atletico Madrid definitely have their best chance of finally ending their long, frustrating wait to become champions of Europe. Surely, they are motivated because the final match will be played at their Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

This summer, Atletico Madrid had one of the best transfer windows in the past few years. They bought some excellent players. Thomas Lemar, Gelson Martins, Santiago Arias, and Rodri are four young promising and very high quality signings.

Their key player, Antoine Griezmann signed a new long-term contract. Keeping Griezmann means that they are going to be a real powerhouse this season.

Cholo Simeone has proven many times that he is a world class manager. His team has talent in abundance, and they now look very capable of winning the Champions League trophy this season, especially with so much change going on at the top European teams.

#2 Liverpool

No excuses for Jurgen Klopp anymore, he must deliver trophies this season

The second favourites to win the Champions League this season are Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp has splashed the cash, and there are no excuses for him anymore. It's time for him to start delivering trophies to Liverpool. The pressure will come from the fans and journalists.

Last season Liverpool finished fourth in the Premiership, and they also reached the final of the Champions League. Jurgen Klopp now has the best squad since his time at the club. Their squad looks very good and they will surely battle for the Champions League trophy.

Another reason why Liverpool are one of the hottest candidates to win the Champions League is their good form in the knockout competitions. It is not a secret that Klopp's teams play better in knockout competitions than in the league.

#1 Juventus

Ronaldo's transfer to Juventus has made the Italian club the favourites for the Champions League title

And finally, Juventus are the top favourites to win the Champions League this season. They already had a really strong squad, and Cristiano's arrival has made them even stronger. They have started their European campaign tremendously well with two wins against Valencia and Young Boys. In the next two matches, they will play against Manchester United, and it will be a real test for them.

In the last 4 years, Juventus played two Champions League finals. In the 2014-15 season, they lost against Barcelona. Two years later, they lost against Real Madrid.

The last time Juventus won this trophy was in 1996, 22 years ago. They may never have a better chance to end this wait. With Cristiano Ronaldo in their squad, the sky is the limit.