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The UEFA Champions League (UCL) was founded 64 years ago and still remains the biggest and most prestigious tournament in the world. It has always amused fans with the quality of football it delivers.
Now, halfway down in the tournament, we are in a better situation to predict the teams that could get their hands over the prestigious trophy.
The UCL and Real Madrid always have great chemistry. Los Blancos are the most decorated club in the world. They have always dominated this tournament. Madrid has played 16 finals and emerging as winners on 13 times, the most by any club.
This time around it seems Madrid have the least chances to get hold over the trophy. They are struggling in all areas after Ronaldo's departure.
Following are the top three contenders that could win the Champions League 2018-19.
#3 Manchester City (England)
This Premier League side, under Pep Guardiola, is playing brilliant football this year. The three-time winners of the Premier League have never won this prestigious tournament.
Last year, under attacking tactics of Pep, Man City recorded a spectacular season by winning the league and achieving 100 points. While achieving this feat, they also scored a record-breaking 106 goals in the 2017-18 season. They were also favorites alongside Barcelona to win the UCL last season. But were destroyed by Liverpool in quarters by a 5-1 aggregate. So, this time around they will be more determined to not let it slip.
City's strength lies in their attacking options with forwards like Sterling, Aguero, Sane and Jesus who scored 106 goals last year. This year they have already scored 56 goals in 21 games. The recent scoreline of 7-0 and 9-0 against Rotherham and Burton respectively shows capabilities of their attack. They also have good attacking midfielders like De Bruyne and Silva.
City's only problem relies on their defense with Otamendi, Kompany getting slower with age and other defenders are inexperienced. Pep has spent a lot last year on defense but cracks appear in their defense which is hidden by their outstanding attacking.
With Good attack, midfield, a decent defense and a world-class goalkeeper in Ederson, all this combined with City's form and Guardiola's attacking tactics, The Machester Blues could win it this time around.
#2 Liverpool F.C (England)
Liverpool were the last year's runner-ups in the Champions League. They are the second most successful club in the English League football with 18 trophies. They are also the most successful English club in European championship (UCL). These all this happened a few decades ago as they won their last league title in 1989-90.
Their last UCL trophy was won about 13 years ago in 2005 defeating Milan 3-0 in Istanbul. They need something for their fans to cheer for this time around and also to forget the controversial night of 25 May against Madrid at Kiev.
In the past two years under the mind of a good tactician Jurgen Klopp, the Reds have turned it around playing inspiring and attacking game.
Liverpool's power lies in its deadly attack with the trio of Mo Salah, Mane and Firmino. They have scored a combined 28 goals in UCL 2017-18 which is more than some teams like PSG, Real Madrid, Bayern, and City who scored 27, 26, 23 and 20 respectively. Defensively also the club is more stable and Van Dijk has been in sensational form.
Individually, Salah has been in incredible form for Liverpool. Also, the club is leading the league with four points. Liverpool will look to win the Champions League having missed the last one by a whisker.
#1 F.C. Barcelona (Spain)
Blaugrana is one of the most decorated clubs in the world with 25 La Liga, 30 Copa del Rey titles and five Champions League. However, Barcelona lost to Roma in the Quarter Finals last season due to their defensive frailties. They would be keen not to repeat the same mistake this time.
Barca, after their initial struggles in defense, has hit the form at the right moment. They are leading the La Liga table comfortably with five points above 2nd placed Atletico Madrid. They are also unbeaten in the Champions League finishing at the top.
Barca's strength lies in attack with the main man Lionel Messi alongside him Suarez and Dembele they have the ability to get past defense easily and they are in sensational form right now. Messi is the top scorer and assist-provider in the league and performing quite well in UCL too. Barca's Midfield is good at tiki-taka and possession with big names like Coutinho, Rakitic, Busquet, Vidal and promising Arthur Melo.
So with their magnificent form, good tactics, Messi's magic, teams hunger, Barcelona seems to be more inspired to win this prestigious Champions League trophy.
