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The first week of the UEFA Champions League 2018 has come to an end. With plenty of goals, dramatic saves, shocking upsets, and some late drama, the audience is left wanting for more. While heavyweights like Real Madrid and Barcelona cruised, fellow title challengers PSG and Manchester City stumbled at the initial hurdle.
While the Champions League has become a monopoly of some so-called "favorites" for years on end, the upsets in the first week itself suggest that this year, we might finally have a new claimant to the throne of the "Best in Europe". We take a look at five such teams who are capable of going all the way if they play their cards right.
Odds courtesy Betstars
#5 Ajax (1/200)
Ajax's glory days are long behind them, and the historical reputation of the club has been replaced by an aura of mediocrity at the European stage. Despite historically being one of the most successful clubs in Europe with four Champions League trophies, the Dutch outfit has continually failed at the big stage in recent years. The lowest stage came three years ago in 2015 when Ajax failed to even qualify for the Champions League.
However, the club finally seems to be heading in the right direction. The recent signings of Dusan Tadic and Daley Blind from the Premier League have added some much-needed experience to a squad which already boasts some of the brightest young talents in football. They currently sit second in the Dutch League behind PSV. However, their comprehensive 3-0 victory in their opening game against AEK coupled with the fact that they have a favourable group means that they would fancy their chances of making it through to the latter stages of the competition.
Whether they can rekindle their former glory remains to be seen, but one thing is sure; this Ajax side has what it takes to spring a surprise or two.
#4 Napoli (1/90)
Napoli's last season was surprising. Under Sarri, they produced a remarkable title challenge to much-fancied Juventus and almost won the Serie A. However, they also dramatically failed in Europe as their group stage exit in the Champions League was followed by a heart-breaking loss to RB Leipzig in the Europa League on away goals.
Now with serial winner and master tactician Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, Napoli seem capable of finally getting what they deserve- a piece of silverware. New signings including Fabian Ruiz, Simone Verdi and David Ospina(on loan) overshadow the departure of star man Jorginho. Napoli currently sit second in the Serie A table, three points behind Juventus.
Despite a dull goalless draw away to Red Star Belgrade, Napoli would fancy their chances of making it through a tight group comprising PSG and Liverpool. If Napoli somehow scrape past this 'Group of Death' (which they are capable of), there's no telling how far they can go.
#3 Lyon (1/75)
Lyon showed the world what they are capable of as they dispatched off heavily-favoured title contenders Manchester City with relative ease in their opening game this year. Their blistering attack comprising the likes of Fekir, Depay and new signing Moussa Dembele is capable of ripping apart any defence. Though they have been a bit weak at the back in the past few games (they have underperformed domestically), their attack has more than made up for that.
Historically never considered as able challengers for the Champions League title, Lyon are on the process of changing that. Their current squad is one of their best teams ever, and under manager Genesio, they are capable of surprising everyone, just like they did in Manchester.
#2 Dortmund(1/66)
Perennial underachievers Dortmund go into another Champions League season with lofty expectations. Their first game was almost a disaster but a late Pulisic goal salvaged three points against a Club Brugge side they were expected to dominate.
Dortmund haven't quite managed to hit the standards set by Jurgen Klopp since his departure to Liverpool and the departure of key players every year hasn't helped their cause. However, they did manage to keep hold of their stars this season and also signed a few big names including Witsel and Alcacer. The latter should fill the void in the striker position while the former would add some much-needed stability and creativity to the midfield.
The fact that Dortmund are still unbeaten this season adds weight to their hopes of mounting a sustained title challenge this year. If Dortmund can grind out results against an out-of-sorts Atletico Madrid and a mediocre Monaco side, they can undoubtedly dream high.
#1 Inter Milan (1/50)
At one time, Inter were a force to be reckoned with, but the departure of club legends coupled with a few scandals that rocked Italian football left them rooted in mid-table, unable to even qualify for Europe. A few shining stars such as Mauro Icardi were all that was left as the team struggled for silverware.
However, fortunes finally seem to be changing for Inter. Their business in the transfer market this season was sensational as they signed a host of big names including Nainggolan, Lautaro Martinez, Vrsjalko and Stefan De Vrij. The new signings took time to gel into the squad as Inter were weak in their first few league games, but Inter roared to life in their first Champions League game as they outplayed Tottenham 2-1 with a sensational late winner.
The club looks formidable on paper and the players showcased their winning mentality in their first game. If there is any club capable of the biggest upsets, it's Inter.
