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The UEFA Champions League round of 16 is promising fireworks as top European sides lock horns in search of glory.
Real Madrid is the most successful team in Champions League history, having won the competition 13 times. Los Blancos have dominated the competition in the last three seasons under departed French manager and club legend Zinedine Zidane who guided them to three consecutive victories.
Manchester United has been resurgent under the leadership of interim manager Olé Gunnar Solskjaer, but they still head into the round of 16 as underdogs when they face French giants PSG in a career-defining moment for the Norwegian manager.
Ajax & FC Porto were impressive in the group stages, but they face a huge task ahead of them in the knock-out stage, as they will be facing Real Madrid and AS Roma respectively.
Here is a look at 5 clubs with the potential to go all the way and win the trophy.
#5 Manchester City
Sheikh Mansour's ambition when taking over Manchester City was to make them the best team in the world by conquering England and Europe. The Cityzens have conquered the English Premier League and are currently the best team in the division.
Manchester City's appointment of Pep Guardiola was a statement to the rest of the top European sides on their intent to win the UEFA Champions League. The Spaniard won the competition twice at Barcelona but failed to repeat the feat with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
Guardiola has assembled a talented squad at Manchester City which is capable of taking over Europe, with Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings in the midfield alongside Fernando and Ilkay Gundogan.
Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane, & Raheem Sterling form a formidable attack for the Cityzens. Their squad depth allows them to compete comfortably in both the English Premier League and the Champions League.
Pep would be relishing to win his first UEFA Champions League trophy since leaving Barcelona, in order to cement his legacy as one of the greatest managers of all time and to deliver the prestigious trophy to Manchester City owners and fans.
#4 Real Madrid
Los Blancos will be looking to make history this season by defending their UEFA Champions League title, winning it for the fourth consecutive time.
The Spanish giants surprisingly lost their Champions League specialist - Zinedine Zidane who resigned five days after guiding them to their 13th Champions League, a third consecutive victory for Los Blancos.
Despite a turbulent start to the season, Real Madrid now looks like a stable team able to compete against top European sides.
The loss of 5-time Ballon d'Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, in the summer could reduce their firepower in the competition, but the emergence of Brazilian youngster, Vinicius Junior, could give them hope of proceeding further.
Real Madrid's Champions League experience could play a big part in their title defence as they are always motivated in the competition.
#3 Liverpool
Liverpool is the most successful English club in the UEFA Champions League, having won it 5 times, two more than their bitter rivals Manchester United, and could relish the chance of widening the gap further by lifting the trophy this season.
Jurgen Klopp's side would be looking to build on last season's Champions League run where they lost in the final against a Bale-inspired Real Madrid.
The Reds' front-line of Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane played an integral role in last season's Champions League campaign, and they have not shown signs of slowing down this season, as they have a combined total of 50+ goals and assists this season so far.
Virgil van Dijk's defensive masterclass along with Alisson Becker's impressive performances between the sticks has solved the Reds' defensive crisis, and they are going to play an important role in the pursuit of Champions League glory this season.
#2 Barcelona
La Blaugrana will be looking to win their first Champions League trophy since 2015 to break the dominance of their bitter rivals Real Madrid who have been prolific in the last three seasons.
Their talisman Lionel Messi has been back to his brilliant best this season, scoring 29 goals and 17 assists in all competitions this season so far, with 6 goals in the Champions League. The Argentine seems to be inspired by the Ballon d'Or snub and is showing why he is regarded as one of the greatest players in football history.
The resurgence of Ousmane Dembele presents Barcelona with a plethora of attacking options alongside Leo Messi, Luis Suarez, Philipe Coutinho, & Malcom. The French youngster is finally showing why Barcelona paid a mammoth transfer fee to acquire his services from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.
In addition, Barcelona has a star-studded squad depth that will play a very vital role for them in the push for Champions League glory this season.
All stats via transfermarkt
#1 Juventus
Cristiano Ronaldo joining Juventus in the summer, strengthening an already strong Juventus squad, making the Old Lady favourites to lift the Champions League trophy this season.
The Italian giants have reached two Champions League finals in the last five seasons, falling short to Spanish counterparts, Barcelona and Real Madrid. The addition of Cristiano Ronaldo - a five-time Champions League winner, gives them an edge over other teams in the competition.
The Portuguese had starred for Real Madrid in the Champions League during the last three seasons and takes his winning mentality to Juventus' dressing room as the Bianconeri will be looking to end the Spanish team's dominance of the Champions League.
Despite recently turning 34-years, Cristiano Ronaldo is showing no signs of slowing down as he tops the Serie A goalscoring chart with 17 goals, with 19 goals in all competitions for the Bianconeri.
Juventus' defensive masterclass in the Champions League during the past couple of seasons still remains their main strength, and a key weapon as they head into the round of 16.
Cristiano Ronaldo's big match performances will be key to the Old Lady's Champions League triumph this season.
