Opinion: 3 reasons why the Champions League might have a new winner this year
The UEFA Champions League is into the knock-out phase now, as the first leg of the round of 16 matches has been completed. Teams like PSG, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Real Madrid have almost secured qualification for the quarter-finals, whereas Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool would have to wait anxiously till the first week of March to know their fate.
The Champions League has been dominated by the triumvirate of Real, Barca and Bayern for the last 5-6 years and Real have actually won three successive trophies from 2016 to 2018. However, we might see a shift in the balance of power this year, as some of the less fancied teams have a strong possibility of winning the ultimate prize in club football.
We would now take a look at the 3 reasons why the Champions League might have a new winner this year:
1. Man City and PSG are two wonderful attacking sides:
City and PSG have scored the highest number of goals in the Premier League and French Ligue 1 this season so far, and have the attacking prowess to go all the way in the Champions League. City have scored 127 goals in 43 matches in the ongoing season so far, and arguably have the best midfield in the world.
City’s attack consisting of Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling is also very strong and those two have been consistently fed by their midfield. They also have splendid attacking midfielders like David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez, and can score against any opposition in the world on any given day.
However, City’s away form has been a concern this season, as they have lost to teams like Newcastle United and Lyon. Still, with Pep Guardiola at the helm, City can definitely hope to won their maiden Champions League title. Guardiola has inculcated the philosophy of passing football successfully in this City team, and they remain a joy to watch.
PSG arguably have the best attack in the world with the likes of Neymar, Edinson Cavani, Angel Di Maria, and Kylian Mbappe. They have beaten teams like Liverpool, Napoli and Manchester United, and can be a dangerous opponent for any team in the world.
The sensational Mbappe has scored 24 goals this season so far and remains the best young player in the world. Although Neymar has been suffering from an injury problem and Cavani is past his prime, PSG can still realistically hope to win the Champions League this year. They comfortably beat Manchester United 2-0 in the first leg of the Round of 16 at Old Trafford, and are almost sure of making it to the quarter-final.
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