Champions League: 3 Dark horses to look out for in the competition this season

32 teams will battle it out for European club football's biggest prize
32 teams will battle it out for European club football's biggest prize

The new season of the UEFA Champions League is just around the corner and football fans across the globe can't wait for Europe's elite club competition to begin, especially after what transpired last term.

The 2018/19 Champions League will go down as one of the most incredible seasons in the ever as it saw some of the greatest comebacks and improbable upsets in the history of the game. Hence, many will be hoping to see a repeat of last season when the competition begins next week.

Every year, underdog clubs in the UCL exceed expectations and surprise the world with their performances, reaching the business end of the competition by upsetting some of the 'big boys' of Europe.

And, this season might not be any different in that regard as there are plenty of teams that could throw up a few surprises. So without further ado, let's take a look at three sides who could be the dark horses in this season's Champions League:


#3 RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig would hope to make an impact this time round
RB Leipzig would hope to make an impact this time round

Despite being fairly consistent in the Bundesliga in recent seasons, RB Leipzig have failed to impress in Europe. They were knocked out in the group stages of the Champions League when they last played during the 2017/18 season and failed to qualify for the competition the following season.

However, with Julian Nagelsmann at the helm, Leipzig look a totally different proposition this season and could put an end their European woes. The 32-year-old enjoyed a terrific spell At Hoffenheim and led them into the Champions League on a couple of occasions during his 3-year spell at the club.

Since his arrival, the German has deployed a fast-paced, possession-based style of football at Leipzig and is getting the best out of players like Timo Werner and Marcel Sabitzer. Leipzig have made a flying start to their Bundesliga season and will be full of confidence going into the Champions League campaign.

And, with the brand of football they are playing this season, they could surprise many in this season's competition.

#2 Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund have several talented players in their ranks
Borussia Dortmund have several talented players in their ranks

After their title-collapse last season, Borussia Dortmund showed great ambition during the summer and significantly bolstered their squad by bringing in Julian Brandt, Thorgan Hazard, Nico Schulz and Mats Hummels.

Moreover, the development of Jadon Sancho in the past couple of seasons has left them with a gem at their disposal. Dortmund seems a perfect blend of youth and experience and look like a team capable of competing for major honours this season.

Lucian Favre's men find themselves in the group of death alongside Barcelona, Inter Milan and Slavia Praha, and might face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout phase of the competition.

However, with Favre at the helm and the quality of players at their disposal, Dortmund will be one of the dark horses in this season's Champions League and could ruffle a few established feathers.

#1 Napoli

Napoli were dumped out in the group stages last year
Napoli were dumped out in the group stages last year

Napoli was one of the most unlucky teams in last season's Champions League. Despite beating European Champions, Liverpool at home and drawing both games against Paris Saint Germain, Carlo Ancelotti's side failed to qualify for the knockout phase of the competition.

However, the Gli Azzurri have shown that they can compete against the best sides in Europe and will be one of the sides to watch in this season's Champions League. They managed to keep hold of their best players and have further strengthened their squad by bringing in Hirving Lozano, Kostas Manolas, Alex Meret and Fernando Llorente.

Napoli's group comprises of Liverpool, Genk and RB Salzburg. The Italian side will be vying with Liverpool for the top spot in Group E and their two games against the Reds will show if they have progressed since last term.

Carlo Ancelloti's side have the quality and experience to succeed in Europe and can emulate Tottenham Hotspur from last season.

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Edited by Shashwat Kumar