3 dark horses to watch out for in UEFA Champions League 2019/20
This year, UEFA Champions League was absolutely unpredictable and had bagful surprises. From shocking upsets to breathtaking comebacks, we fans witnessed it all!
Teams like Ajax and Tottenham Hotspur showed that it is not necessary to possess a team with big names to perform well, while Liverpool shrugged off favourites like FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich to win the most prestigious club trophy. The success of these ‘dark horses’ is what made this edition of Champions League special for the fans around the world.
While it is difficult to predict if the same will happen next year, we certainly can't rule out that the underdogs for next year may have a similar impact in the Champions League. Without further ado, let's look at the 3 teams that can prove to be the dark horses and have a telling impact in the upcoming edition of the UEFA Champions League.
#3 Borussia Dortmund
From sitting comfortably at the top of the table with a nine point gap in January to losing the Bundesliga title to their arch-rivals, Bayern Munich, it has been a season comprising of unforgettable and forgettable moments for Borussia Dortmund.
Dortmund’s title collapse may imply a season of failure, but there is more to this than what is looks like. Favre's men showed amazing form in the first half of the season with 13 wins and 4 draws in 17 games, but it was only due to injuries to crucial players and lack of squad depth that things took a disappointing turn for them.
Despite their title collapse and difference between the resources compared to Bayern Munich, Dortmund are determined to strenghten their squad and bolster quality players required to come back stronger next season. The German club has sent a strong statement of intent with impressive signings of Thorgan Hazard, Julian Brandt, and Nico Schulz. Moreover, according to reports, the club isn’t quite done yet and may further sign players in the summer.
Even though Dortmund have not repeated their heroics of 2012/13 in the Champions League, with an evidently improved squad and desire to prove themselves, they can give the elite clubs a tough run for their money in the Champions League next season.