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The UEFA Champions League is into the knock-out phase now, as the first leg of the round of 16 matches has been completed. Teams like PSG, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Real Madrid have almost secured qualification for the quarter-finals, whereas Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool would have to wait anxiously till the first week of March to know their fate.
The Champions League has been dominated by the triumvirate of Real, Barca and Bayern for the last 5-6 years and Real have actually won three successive trophies from 2016 to 2018. However, we might see a shift in the balance of power this year, as some of the less fancied teams have a strong possibility of winning the ultimate prize in club football.
We would now take a look at the 3 reasons why the Champions League might have a new winner this year:
1. Man City and PSG are two wonderful attacking sides:
City and PSG have scored the highest number of goals in the Premier League and French Ligue 1 this season so far, and have the attacking prowess to go all the way in the Champions League. City have scored 127 goals in 43 matches in the ongoing season so far, and arguably have the best midfield in the world.
City’s attack consisting of Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling is also very strong and those two have been consistently fed by their midfield. They also have splendid attacking midfielders like David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez, and can score against any opposition in the world on any given day.
However, City’s away form has been a concern this season, as they have lost to teams like Newcastle United and Lyon. Still, with Pep Guardiola at the helm, City can definitely hope to won their maiden Champions League title. Guardiola has inculcated the philosophy of passing football successfully in this City team, and they remain a joy to watch.
PSG arguably have the best attack in the world with the likes of Neymar, Edinson Cavani, Angel Di Maria, and Kylian Mbappe. They have beaten teams like Liverpool, Napoli and Manchester United, and can be a dangerous opponent for any team in the world.
The sensational Mbappe has scored 24 goals this season so far and remains the best young player in the world. Although Neymar has been suffering from an injury problem and Cavani is past his prime, PSG can still realistically hope to win the Champions League this year. They comfortably beat Manchester United 2-0 in the first leg of the Round of 16 at Old Trafford, and are almost sure of making it to the quarter-final.
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2. Atletico and Tottenham are very strong at home:
Atletico Madrid stunned Juventus 2-0 at the Wanda Metropolitano last night, and continue to be quite a force at home. They have lost only one home match in the ongoing season so far, and that defeat came against the mighty Real Madrid. They have some very good players in Antoine Griezmann, Diego Godin and Saul Niguez, whereas striker Alvaro Morata has been recently signed to score the elusive goals in big matches.
Griezmann has scored 18 goals so far this season, and continues to be Atletico’s talisman. Atletico are unlikely to surrender their 2-goal lead against Juventus, and should make it to the quarter-final. They might even prove to be third time lucky this year after having lost in two Champions League finals against Real Madrid in 2013-14 and 2015-16.
Tottenham Hotspur have also been very impressive at home so far, and their thumping win over Borussia Dortmund has almost ensured a place for them in the last 8. Son-Heung-Min and Christian Eriksen have been in great form for them, and with Harry Kane’s likely return from an injury, Mauricio Pocchettino’s team can dream big this time around.
3. Relative poor form of the traditional heavyweights:
Traditional giants like Real, Barca, Bayern and Juve have been relatively poor this season. Barca failed to score against Lyon, while both Real and Bayern have had a forgettable start to the season before recovering considerably.
Juve might find it difficult to make it to the last 8, and last year’s runners-up Liverpool also have their task cut out against Bayern in the second leg of their round of 16 tie. Barca are heavily reliant on Lionel Messi, but even the diminutive genius from Argentina cannot bail them out every time. Luis Suarez has struggled to find form in the last few matches, and Barca have found it very difficult to score at times.
Real are always a big threat in the Champions League, and remain one of the favorites to win the trophy this year too. However, they are still coping with the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo and might find it extremely tough to win their 4th consecutive Champions League trophy.
The relative poor form of the traditional heavyweights has made the job easier for the likes of City, Atletico, Tottenham and PSG. Each of them has a realistic chance of winning their maiden Champions League title this year, and we can definitely look forward to getting a new winner.
