UEFA Champions League 2016-17: 5 dark horses for the title
Despite the dazzling Barcelona contingent of the early 2010s, a Manchester United side blessed with talent at the turn of the century and the recent emergence of FC Bayern Munich as one of the most complete outfits in world football, the UEFA Champions League crown is still yet to be defended; no side has won the prestigious competition two years running.
Last season’s champions Real Madrid are well equipped to become the first side to achieve such a feat under the watchful eye of a hungry Zinedine Zidane and they, along with the likes of the Atletico Madrid, PSG and the aforementioned Barcelona and Bayern Munich, are among the favourites to lift the iconic trophy.
With the handful of obvious choices though, there is a selection of sleek and stable teams more than capable of pushing the big boys far in the contest, even though you expect them to be dumped out in the first knockout round. Here then is a look over five teams which could cause an upset and go the distance on Europe’s big stage this campaign...
#5 S.L Benfica
In Group B, Benfica, winners of the Primeira Liga three years running, are joined by the dangerous Dynamo Kiev, new-look Napoli and Besiktas. The group is tight and the three former sides will all fancy themselves to finish top, but Benfica’s regular experience of the competition coupled with a squad with depth should hand them the edge.
Last season, the Portuguese side pushed German giants Bayern to the very edge, only to lose out to the Bundesliga champions 3-2 on aggregate. On that occasion the Eagles held the Bavarians 2-2 at the Estadio Da Luz and home form will be just as crucial this time around.
Even with the losses of Renato Sanches and Nicolas Gaitan this summer, the side is overloaded with quality in every department and the tip of the iceberg is prolific forward Jonas, who made an impressive return of 32 league goals last season.
If the Brazilian frontman hits the ground running, and provided the team can put together a run of winning results at home in the group stages, the momentum could be with them and we could witness the first Portuguese champions since Mourinho’s triumph with Porto in 2004.