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The UEFA Champions League, Europe's elite competition is set to resume this month as we prepare to watch our favorite teams go head-to-head in the prestigious tournament once again. The competition promises to be an interesting one this season, with recent developments suggesting nothing but entertainment and great intensity.
Spanish giants Real Madrid claimed the coveted trophy last term with a 3-1 victory over Liverpool in the final, becoming the first side to win the tournament in three consecutive seasons and they will be keen to continue with their European dominance this season.
However, their reign on the European throne could come to an end this term, with other clubs also coming with rigid determination to claim the Champions League during the campaign. Therefore, lets quickly take a look at 5 teams that could overtake Los Blancos in the European race during this season:
#5 Bayern Munich
Considering Real Madrid's performances in the UEFA Champions League for the past few years, only a handful of clubs could stand a chance of stopping them in the competition. However, Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich remain one of the few outfits that could really hinder them from winning the trophy for a fourth consecutive time this season.
The Bavarians have been one of the elite performers in the European tournament for the past few years, typically reaching the semifinals of the competition during the previous edition and the quarterfinals during the preceding one.
The German champions have proved to be at the same level with the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and Atletico Madrid with their consistent performances in the competition and they pose a serious threat to Los Blancos' hopes of winning the tournament again this season.
#4 Paris Saint Germain
One of the most threatening teams in Europe at the moment, French Champions Paris Saint Germain also have a great chance of stopping Real Madrid from going home with the UEFA Champions League trophy this season.
After dominating the Ligue 1 for the past few years, the Parisians have set their sights on conquering Europe and they have invested heavily in their squad as they aim to return the prestigious trophy to the French soil.
With a great squad made up of world-class superstars including the likes of Neymar Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Edinson Cavani, Marco Verratti, Angel Di Maria, Dani Alves, and Thiago Silva, there is no doubt the French champions have a decent team that is capable of dominating Europe this season.
#3 Liverpool
Premier League outfit, Liverpool shocked everyone with their impressive performances in the UEFA Champions League last season. The Reds upset the odds and made it to the final of the tournament for the first time in over 10 years, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino running riot throughout the competition.
Once again, Jurgen Klopp's men will fight for the chance to claim the prestigious trophy this season and they remain one of the few clubs that could actually stop Real Madrid from dominating the continent for another consecutive campaign.
Having reinforced their squad by signing the likes of Alisson Becker, Fabinho, Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri as well as beginning the new Premier League campaign in an electrifying form, there is no doubt the Reds are one of the few teams to be wary of in the European tournament this term.
#2 Juventus
Only a few teams can claim to be at the same level with Juventus in the UEFA Champions League at the moment. The Bianconeri have been one of the top performers in the European competition for the past few years, evidently reaching the final of the tournament in both 2015 and 2016.
Considering their incredible performances and amazing consistency in Europe during the last few campaigns, it is quite evident that the Seria A giants have what it takes to dethrone Real Madrid in the Champions League this season.
Having signed Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid recently, the Old Ladies have emerged as one of the favorites to overtake Los Blancos in the European tournament and their capturing of the Portuguese superstar from their biggest rivals could make the task even easier.
#1 Barcelona
Considering the recent developments in European football, it finally looks like another club could break Real Madrid's monopoly in the UEFA Champions League this season and it could end up being their greatest rivals, FC Barcelona that will eventually end their reign as the European champions.
The last team other than Real Madrid to win the competition, Barcelona have emerged as serious contenders for the Champions League this season, with club legend, Lionel Messi recently promising that they would do everything to ensure that the prestigious trophy returns to the Nou Camp during the campaign.
The Catalan giants have been enraged by Los Blancos' success in Europe for the past few seasons and they will come all out to put an end to it this term. With the likes of Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembele, Ivan Rakitic, and Philippe Coutinho all in terrific form at the moment, the La Liga champions remain a big threat to Real Madrid's dominance in the Champions League this season.
