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The UEFA Champions League is arguably the biggest and the most prestigious of all competitions in terms of club football. It ranks almost on the same levels as the FIFA World Cup if the level of competitiveness is considered, and is the most coveted trophy in Europe; a prize every club wants to get their hands upon.
Last season, Real Madrid scripted their name in the history books as the only team to have won a hat-trick of UCL titles, thereby stamping their superiority over all other clubs in the continent. However, things have changed radically at the Santiago Bernabeu since then and things have gone downhill this season for Los Blancos. Other teams are threatening to break their dominance and lift the trophy this time out.
There are many strong title contenders alongside Real Madrid this time out - Manchester City, Juventus, Liverpool, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. Out of all these teams, one team does stand out because of the overall quality of its players on the pitch and the coordination between them. Manchester City were among the title favourites last season and they look like genuine contenders this time out.
However, things have changed slightly after the transfer window last summer. Another team whose eyes are lurking on the big trophy is Juventus. In addition to that, their current form in the Champions League and in the Italian Serie A suggests that they can be a serious threat to all other superclubs that are fighting for the top spot.
Manager Massimiliano Allegri has been at the helm for the last five years and has slowly built a team that can go all the way and lift the trophy at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid on the 1st of June, 2019. Here are the 5 reasons why Juventus will win the UEFA Champions League in 2018/19.
1) The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo
The beautiful game has given birth to so many legends but not everyone has managed to impact the game quite as much as Cristiano Ronaldo has done. Alongside his long-time nemesis Lionel Messi, he has dominated the game like no other player in the history of the game. The five Ballon d'Or won by him are a testament to Ronaldo's greatness.
It can be said that Cristiano was one of the major reasons in the rise of Real Madrid as the elite club of the world and ever since he joined Juventus in the summer, Real Madrid have been searching for the spark and zeal.
However, the Portuguese captain is still growing by leaps and bounds and even at the age of 33, there is no slowing down the goal-machine. He has already hit the ground running for Juventus this season having scored 10 goals and bagged 6 assists so far.
He is going to be pivotal to the Old Lady's chances of winning the Champions League. With Ronaldo in the starting XI, nothing is impossible.
2) Attack at its best
Juventus possess a really dangerous forward line, almost rivalling the likes of Manchester City, Barcelona, Paris St. Germain and Liverpool. The players in this attacking setup can tear down oppositions on their day with their techniques and skills, and they are the reason why Juventus is sitting at the top of the Serie A table.
Cristiano Ronaldo is partnered in the attack by the poacher Mario Mandzukic, who has a bad habit of scoring goals at crucial moments, often breaking the heart of opposition fans. These two players share a really good understanding between them. Paulo Dybala is another masterpiece himself, with his ability to read the game and score at will.
Juan Cuadrado is a dependable winger at the right wing along with Federico Bernardeschi, who is another exciting young player. In addition to that, Juventus possess the supremely talented Douglas Costa whose work-rate and capability to turn the game single-handedly, makes him indispensable to the team.
3) A solid defensive backbone
Juventus have the privilege of having two of the best centre-backs in world football at the moment. The captain of the Bianconeri, Giorgio Chiellini, is partnered by Leonardo Bonucci, and the understanding between these two is second to none. They can start attacks by playing the game from the back and chip in vital goals whenever necessary.
In Andrea Barzagli, Juventus have a veteran warhorse who can seamlessly fit into a back two or back three whenever he is called upon. Daniele Rugani is another promising centre-back who has the potential of becoming the very best and he is set to inherit the mantle from Bonucci-Chiellini. Medhi Benatia's experience as a centre-back comes in handy on a lot of days.
Alex Sandro is one of the best left-backs on the planet and his capability of changing the game in an instant is the very reason why so many clubs are running to sign him. The young Portuguese right-back Joao Cancelo has been playing really well of late. Left-back Leonardo Spinazzola and right-back Mattia De Sciglio are really good players who can be entrusted with the duty of getting the job done.
4) A midfield full of energy
What does a manager do when his midfield has a player like Miralem Pjanic? He sits back at ease and watches the game. Undoubtedly the most important player in Allegri's system, Miralem Pjanic has become even better than what he was at Roma, a couple of seasons ago.
His ability to read the game, playing as the pivot and control it with his vision, is almost exemplary. Besides that, he can score amazing goals from set pieces too. Sami Khedira is a veteran who knows very well how to open up defences with his long passes.
Juventus bagged the bargain of the transfer market when they signed Blaise Matuidi last season from PSG for only £18 million. Matuidi was instrumental to the French team which won the World Cup earlier this year and his energy, coupled with his work rate, makes him really difficult for the opposition to handle. Emre Can, the new recruit from Liverpool, is also an exciting prospect to watch whenever he is on the ball, however, he has not been playing due to health issues.
Rodrigo Bentancur is the new sensation of the Bianconeri. He can change the game within the blink of an eye and he sits deep, allowing Matuidi to go forward and Joao Cancelo to overlap. He will be very vital to the team's run up to the title.
5) The X-factor of Paulo Dybala
The heir to Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala is a sensation in himself. He is one of the most important players of the team and it is because of his ability to link the defence and the attacking units of the team. Blessed with a sharp vision, he can score screamers from outside the box or even assist a teammate in spectacular fashion.
Dybala hasn't been an active goalscorer this term. He has so far managed only 6 goals this season and isn't able to replicate his last season performances in front of the goal when he scored 22 goals in the league.
However, coach Massimiliano Allegri is not concerned with his lack of goals because he believes Dybala is the player who contributes the most to the team. Even if he is not scoring, he remains one of the most talented young players in Europe and who knows, he may get much better and reclaim his scoring touch as the season progresses.
