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Real Madrid have been fabulous in the Champions League, winning the coveted trophy four out of the last five times. However this season, things have changed. With Ronaldo having left Real Madrid, not to mention Zidane also resigning, Real Madrid no longer seem to be the dominant team in Europe. This season, the race for the Champions League is very open and a large number of teams are capable of winning it.
Whilst, the three Spanish teams of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, are always in contention to win the UCL, there are clubs from other parts of the world, who throw a considerable challenge as well. So, in this slideshow, we will look at the top three clubs who are capable of winning the UCL while excluding the three Spanish clubs.
#3 Juventus
Key Players: Paulo Dybala, Douglas Costa and Cristiano Ronaldo
A lot has changed in the Serie A this season. The quality of players that have come in this season has been much better and greater than the quality of players who have left the league.
All of this, makes Serie A a league that no one wants to miss this season. There are some really strong teams in the form of Napoli, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Roma, Lazio and of course Juventus.
This season, Juventus are again expected to win the Serie A but will face stiff competition. Juventus boast of a strong team and the addition of Ronaldo might just be what Juventus need in order to succeed in Europe. Ronaldo knows how to perform well and help his team win big matches, especially in the Champions League.
Juventus have always been solid in defence and this season they have a great attacking trio in Dybala, Costa and Ronaldo. The key for Juventus will be to bring out the best out of their front trio and for them to work and play together.
Another important thing for Juventus is to look for a new goalkeeper, unless Szczesny performs well and exceeds expectations. And if they can add a little more bench strength, there is no stopping them.
All in all, Juventus look like a side capable of winning the Champions League this season.
#2 Manchester City
Key Players: Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero and Benjamin Mendy
One of the reasons why both Manchester City and Juventus are second and third respectively, in this list is because they face tough domestic competition and it will not be easy to win both their respective leagues and the Champions League.
Manchester City, who broke many records last season lost to Liverpool in the QF of the UCL to Liverpool. City have always found it tough against Klopp's fast paced attacking football style. Yet, this season they have an even better squad and much better bench strength. Moreover, Pep's mentality and style of play has now set in and the team is used to it.
Even though city face tough competition domestically, their squad depth makes them capable of winning the Champions League.
#1 PSG
Key Players: Neymar, Buffon, Kylian Mbappe and Edison Cavani.
On paper, PSG are the strongest side in the whole of Europe. Yet, they have failed to do well in Europe mainly because of them not being able to play well as a team under Emery.
This season however, PSG have made some additions to their squad and have a new manager in Thomas Tuchel. The addition of Buffon is a great one for what PSG need is experience and someone who can hold the team together.
As such, PSG are expected to win the Ligue 1 with no significant competition, something that can allow them to focus on the Champions League. If PSG can play like a united team under Tuchel, they can surely win the Champions League with the immense quality that they have.
