UEFA Champions League - Top 5 Favorites

The most prized title which signifies one as “The King of Europe” is one that every top side in Europe fights for. Champions League has had several winners with Real Madrid leading the race with 9 titles. The Champions League, with its current name and logo, was founded in 1992.We saw an unexpected winner last season in the form of Chelsea. They tormented every opposition from Benfica to Barcelona, to Bayern Munich in the Munich final. Sadly, they cannot repeat their magic this season as they were knocked out in the group stage. So, with the defending champions out, who can be the proud winner of this title this season?

The top teams in the round of 16 are Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund. The dark horses are PSG, Milan and Malaga. So, who among these favorites are most likely to emerge as the winner of this season’s Champions League? Here’s the breakdown.

5. Manchester United

This slot had a tough pick between Juventus and United. But clearly, with the form shown by the old lady in the group stage and losing its momentum in Serie A, they are no more a top pick to win the illustrated crown. Rather, its the English Warhorse – Manchester United. They are the favorites to win the Premier League and had a great start to their European campaign this season. Going past Madrid will be very tough in the upcoming round but if they do so, it will then require one tough effort to stop them. Sir Alex and Van Persie have the potential to deliver one more European crown.

4. Borrusia Dortmund

The Bundesliga Champions of last season haven’t got a good start in Germany this time round. However, eyeing Champions League is not a bad option either. They are rated as the most feared team in this competition to pull off an upset. Beating everyone in their territory and having a fair time in opposition’s home has been their story. Even the great Real Madrid couldn’t beat them in Westfalenstadion and won a very tough game in the Bernabeu 2-1.

3. Bayern Munich

The finalists of this competition last year are not just a mere team to be remembered as “the falter ones”. Munich are in great form this season and have almost captured the Bundesliga crown from Dortmund. When it comes to Champions League, they have been ruthless. All their players are in great shape and are clearly one tough team anyone would like to ignore before the finals. If they can recreate the magic of last season in the upcoming rounds, Munich will be my pick for Wembley.

2. Real Madrid

No other team than Madrid has had so many ups and down in recent football. The champions of Spain and semi finalist of Champions League last season started their La Liga campaign in a shocking manner. Though they are out of the title race in Spain, Mourinho and his boys are still strong competitors in Europe. Mourinho and Ronaldo have promised to deliver one big fish to the Madristas – the UEFA Champions League. Mourinho is a strong tactician and being occupied with this tournament is his aim this season. They have been phenomenal in Champions League but their biggest scare is the upcoming clash with United. If they beat them and proceed further, Wembley is the only destination waiting for them.

1. Barcelona

The most successful club in recent period with the best players in the world both liked and hated by the fans in world football. They have the best player in the world, shortly followed by other great players. The media and the fans have already hailed them as this season’s LA Liga Champions, after they secured 55 points in 20 games. They have Milan as their next opponent and are regarded as this season’s favorite to win the European crown. Barca has a habit of winning this crown every alternate year of late. There’s no doubt that Barcelona will be one of the Wembley finalists. The question is, who will be their opponent!