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We’re only at the Quarter Finals but the 2018/19 Champions League has already brought a ton of intrigue and excitement. We’ve seen some incredible last-minute winners, late comebacks, and some spectacular goals.
Whilst many of Europe’s elite sides still remain, some of the top dogs were sent home packing early this season. The most notable of these was definitely Real Madrid, having suffered a shock 4-1 home loss to Ajax in the Round of 16.
PSG also blew a 2-0 lead to falter at home against Man United, whilst Bayern Munich suffered a home loss to bow out against Liverpool. This has set up four very intriguing quarterfinal matchups that will have huge ramifications for the remainder of the season. With just 8 sides remaining, this article will break down which 5 sides are most likely to win the 2019 Champions League.
5. Tottenham Hotspur
Having survived a relatively difficult group, Tottenham faced a strong Borussia Dortmund side in the Round of 16. This was a definite test for Spurs, one which they passed with flying colours, winning 4-0 on aggregate. An impressive 3-0 win at Wembley was followed with a gritty 1-0 win at Signal Iduna Park.
Whilst this Spurs group is yet to win a trophy, they are still a very talented collection of players. Harry Kane is a world-class centre-forward and is capably supported by creative outlets like Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli. With constant speculation of a move away, manager Mauricio Pochettino is also one of the world’s best.
In many seasons, Spurs would be higher on this list. However, a daunting quarterfinal draw against league rival Manchester City awaits. Even if they manage the upset there, a tough semifinal against Juventus would await.
#4 Liverpool
Having made the Final last season, Liverpool have had success in both the Premier League and Champions League this season. They successfully negotiated a very difficult group featuring PSG and Napoli to make the Round of 16.
It was here where they thrived against a veteran and battle-tested Bayern Munich side. After drawing 0-0 at Anfield, they delivered a road masterclass to win 3-1 in Germany, with Sadio Mane delivering an insane performance.
There is some clear elite talent on this team in the form of Virgil Van Dijk, Sadio Mane, and Mo Salah. Jurgen Klopp has also shown his proficiency as a Champions League manager, previously reaching the Final with both Dortmund and Liverpool.
With a relatively easy draw against Porto, Liverpool look poised to at least make the semis. Whilst a tough matchup with Barcelona would likely await, the Reds have the talent to beat them on their day.
#3 Juventus
Whilst they’re on pace for another Scudetto this season, the main motivation for Juve to acquire Cristiano Ronaldo was the Champions League. They faced a rather easy group which they managed to top despite a few scares.
This led to a somewhat unlucky matchup against Athletico Madrid in the Round of 16. After falling 2-0 in Madrid, many fans and pundits thought it was over for Juventus this season. As always, Ronaldo stepped up when it mattered most and delivered a scintillating hattrick to win the tie.
This set up a somewhat fortunate quarterfinal draw for Juve in the form of Ajax. Whilst they did knock off Real Madrid last time out, I’m not sure they’re cut out to beat this veteran Juve side. Should they advance through, they’ll likely face a tough Semi-Final opponent in the form of Man City or Spurs.
#2 Barcelona
It’s tough to knock the quality season that Barcelona is having, particularly in the Champions League. They overcame a tough group featuring Spurs and Inter Milan to defeat a surging Lyon side in the Round of 16.
With Ronaldo’s departure, Messi has re-established himself as the best player in La Liga and could lead his side to the treble this season. This is a talented and star-studded Barcelona side with experience all over the pitch. Players like Messi, Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba all know what it takes at this level.
Given their extreme likelihood of a league title this season, Barca can also afford to rest players and focus primarily on the Champions League. Whilst they should get through Man United comfortably, a potentially tough Semi against Liverpool awaits.
#1 Man City
Whilst the English media won’t give them the credit they deserve, Man City have been the best team in world football these past two seasons. They’ve got an incredibly deep and balanced team, matched by the world’s best manager in Pep Guardiola.
Having had an astonishing season both domestically and in Europe, City have a chance to pull off the unparalleled quadruple. They breezed through the group stage against Lyon, Hoffenheim, and Shakhtar Donetsk.
This was before an exciting Round of 16 tie with Schalke. Despite falling behind 2-1 in the first leg, they went on to score 9 straight goals to end the tie 10-2 on aggregate. Whilst they’ve got a tough draw the rest of the way, this is the most talented team left with the best chance of lifting their maiden Champions League trophy.
