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The European club football season is on its way, with the domestic leagues getting underway in exciting style, as the favorites stamped their authority over their respective leagues with thumping wins against their opponents.
As the Ligue 1 began, defending champions Paris Saint Germain trounced Caen 3-0 even without their star player Kylian Mbappe in the opening match. The storyline didn't change on the second match-day as well with another win, this time over Guingamp with Mbappe scoring a brace after coming on as a substitute.
The Premier League had a similar story as well, with five of the top six clubs, barring Arsenal registering comfortable victories over their opponents on the opening matchday. This weekend though was different from the first as Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham won but Manchester United succumbed to a shock defeat at the hands of Brighton.
The Serie A and the La Liga began this weekend but before that, football fans had their eyes on the UEFA Super Cup between the Madrid Clubs. Atletico Madrid defeated city rivals Real Madrid 4-2 and clinched the victory.
As the Domestic season kicks off this weekend, it will be a great trailer for what to expect for the upcoming European season. The equations in Europe are bound to change this season, courtesy the busy transfer window that most of the leading clubs in Europe had this summer.
We look at the 4 clubs who have the best chance of winning Europe's premier club football competition, the UEFA Champions League in the 2018-19 season.
#1 Juventus
The six time defending Serie A Champions are definitely the favourites for the crown after a busy summer transfer window, acquiring some of the best players in the world.
Juventus have strengthened their squad with some big names. The first amongst all is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese legend moved from Real Madrid to the Old Lady in what was arguably, the most spectacular transfer of the decade.
Along with the 5-time Ballon D’or winner, Juventus have strengthened their midfield with the German Emre Can and experienced defender Leonardo Bonucci making a controversial return to the Turin based club.
With the competition's record goalscorer on their side, the Italian outfit will have an edge over their rivals that Real Madrid enjoyed for the past few years and which helped the Los Blancos win three Champion's League in the last three seasons.
An experienced defense, a settled midfield and a star studded attack with proven players makes the Le Zebre the best contender for club football’s premier competition.
#2 Liverpool
At #2 on our list is Liverpool. The last season's runners up are the best bet from England to win the title. With a busy transfer window, Liverpool have strengthened their squad with midfield options as well as backups for the attack.
It's hard not to mention the signing of the Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker as he looks to solve Liverpool’s long time issues at the position.
With a versatile Fabinho in the team and Guinean Keita, Liverpool are the team to beat this season with Dutch player Wijnaldum and an experienced Swiss campaigner Shaqiri probably being the super subs for the Merseyside club.
#3 Real Madrid
The Defending champions of the tournament are at the third place and not at the first, only because of one reason and that’s the departure of their talismanic striker Cristiano Ronaldo and manager Zinedine Zidane.
Zidane's replacement Julen Lopetegui will have a lot of work to do if Real Madrid want to make it 14 titles this season. Though the defence and the midfield will be the same, losing the 5-time Ballon D’or winner means they have lost their most important player.
Irrespective of the exit of either of the two legends, the Madrid outfit have the kind of players who can help and still defend their crown. Inspired performances from stars Modric and Bale, coupled with brilliant attacking youngsters such as Asensio could still make Real Madrid the toughest opponent around.
#4 FC Barcelona
Three consecutive quarter-final exits in the past three seasons and FC Barcelona find themselves in an unfamiliar position. The Catalans last season, were an exquisite side in the domestic competitions and won the domestic double and almost went unbeaten throughout the league season.
But in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, there was a shocking upset. After winning the first leg comfortably at home, Roma stunned Barca in Italy as they completed a memorable comeback.
This season the fans will expect the club to win their 6th Champions League title after the club has strengthened their bench strength with impressive signings like Malcom, Arthur, Lenglet and an experienced Vidal.
With an experienced core of Messi, Suarez, Busquets and Pique and a group of talented young players, the Spanish outfit are an automatic entrant in this list as they look to end Real Madrid’s domination in the competition.
