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The 2019-20 Champions League group stage is just a shade past its half-way mark and normal service seems to have been resumed with several fancied sides finding themselves at the perch of their respective groups.
The usual suspects, despite not being at their best at all times, have managed to post victories to ensure a relatively hassle-free penultimate match-day as qualification for the knock-out phases gains steam.
However, akin to many a time before, the group stages have been glittered with its fair share of surprises and upsets with Club Brugge’s 2-2 draw against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu arguably the most incredible result so far.
Thus, with the round-robin stage set to embark on its home stretch, the time seems ripe to delve into a deeper analysis and unfurl the five teams who have been a cut above the rest.
Without further ado, here is a look at them.
#5 Juventus
Over the past couple of seasons, a Champions League triumph has become an obsession for Juventus. To that end, they acquired a certain Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2018 off-season as they hoped to end their European hoodoo. However, their fortunes on the pitch painted a similar picture as they were dumped out by Ajax in the quarter-final.
Subsequently, Massimiliano Allegri lost his job, courtesy of his failure to make palpable shockwaves on the continental front. Maurizio Sarri was appointed in his stead at the start of the current season as the Old Lady proceeded on another European sojourn.
And, while the Bianconeri have stuttered and stumbled a touch, they’ve still managed to garner 10 points from 4 games, a tally that would, in all likelihood, ensure them a Round of 16 spot and more importantly, enable them to finish as group winners.
Having said that though, there are still quite a few flaws that need to be ironed out before the knock-out stages dawn upon them. Juventus’ twin encounters with Lokomotiv Moscow portrayed that the former could be frustrated when confronted with a deep defensive block whereas their recent propensity to let leads slip came to the fore against Atletico Madrid on match-day 1.
Yet, with the individual quality at their disposal, the Old Lady seems well equipped to ride over those troughs and negotiate a way into the latter stages of the competition.
Also check out:Champions League table Champions League Schedule Champions league top scorers
#4 Manchester City
Before game-week 4, Manchester City boasted a spotless record as they swatted aside every opposition kept in its path. However, against Atalanta on the road, the Sky Blues came unstuck, courtesy a combination of the hosts’ bravery and the visitors’ lacklustre performance.
To compound their woes, Ederson went off injured whereas his replacement, Claudio Bravo was shown a straight red card, meaning that Kyle Walker had to deputise in goal for the final few minutes. However, they showcased enough resolve to ensure their unbeaten record stayed intact.
Apart from the away game in Italy, the Cityzens have looked formidable as they scored 10 goals and conceded just a solitary goal in their previous three fixtures.
Moreover, the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero seem to have hit their straps, thereby sending alarm bells ringing through opposition defences.
And, there’s the added incentive of Pep Guardiola wanting to win his first Champions League title since 2011; an achievement that could perhaps cast the Spaniard as the greatest manager to have ever graced the sport.
Thus, there are plenty of positives for the Cityzens to draw inspiration from, despite them not particularly covering themselves in glory in Italy. Consequently, it wouldn’t be too astonishing if they go deep into the tournament.
#3 RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig have been the surprise package of the current season as the German side has propelled itself to the top of Group G. Though they’ve faced tricky opposition in the form of Benfica, Lyon and Zenit St. Petersburg, they’ve passed those tests with flying colours, notching up 9 points in 4 matches.
More impressively though, they’ve not baulked at the sight of the UCL and have persisted with their effervescent brand of football. Under Julian Nagelsmann’s stewardship, the German outfit has rarely taken a step back and has fought fire with fire.
Additionally, their intense and coordinated pressing tactic has been refreshing to witness, especially considering most sides are content to retreat into their shell in Europe. Furthermore, their star players, namely Emil Forsberg, Timo Werner and Yussuf Poulsen look in fine fettle, thereby contributing massively to their upturn in fortunes.
Over the years, the Champions League has been home to some astounding underdog narratives, where unheralded teams upset the apple cart and provide lasting memories.
And, while it could be a little too premature to jump to conclusions, Leipzig certainly boast the requisite ingredients to script a fairy-tale of their own in 2019-20.
#2 Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich have endured a topsy-turvy start to their season. The Bavarians are languishing in 4th position in the Bundesliga and were thrashed 5-1 by Eintracht Frankfurt recently. Consequently, the axe fell on Niko Kovac as the Croatian was given the sack, after weeks of speculation.
On the European front though, Bayern have been pretty good as they’ve secured qualification, despite playing only 4 encounters. The German side has won each of its games and has scored 15 goals in the process.
Moreover, their run has included a 7-2 annihilation of Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a result that strengthened the Bavarians’ credentials enormously.
In addition, Bayern seem to possess a much better-attacking unit this term, courtesy of the coming of age of Serge Gnabry. The acquisition of Ivan Perisic and Philippe Coutinho has also added firepower whereas Robert Lewandowski has been doing his bit rather splendidly.
Thus, the Bavarians could better their Round of 16 performance last season and contest a few crunch fixtures come April and May 2020.
#1 Paris Saint-Germain
Over the past few seasons, no team has been hyped quite as much as Paris Saint-Germain. However, they’ve not lived up to that billing as they’ve failed to make the semi-final of the UCL.
A couple of summers ago, in order to correct that deficiency, they broke the bank to sign Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. Yet, they were consigned to a similar fate as they capitulated against Real Madrid in 2018 before going down to Manchester United in 2019.
Subsequently, not many touted them for success this term, considering their propensity to wilt under the slightest bit of pressure. Rather surprisingly though, they’ve enjoyed their unfancied status and have quietly been excelling.
In four matches, PSG have scored 10 goals and have conceded none, thereby being only the second side to maintain a 100% record. More encouragingly though, these performances have come about despite them missing the services of their famed front three.
Edinson Cavani and Mbappe have only featured intermittently whereas Neymar hasn’t yet appeared in the Champions League. Yet, they’ve looked a side capable of ruffling feathers; a sight that would be pleasing for Thomas Tuchel.
Thus, despite PSG sliding under the radar this season, they seem as well-prepared as any term previously, thereby enabling them to harbour hopes of a continental conquest.
