The UEFA Champions League is the most prestigious club football tournament in the world. Every year, the best teams from across Europe compete for the coveted trophy. With the first leg of Round of 16 matches completed, we are now getting a clearer picture of the favourites for this year’s Champions League.
Current Favourites
1) Manchester City:
Manchester City is currently the favourite to win the Champions League this season. The team has been in good form in the Premier League, and they have carried that form into the Champions League. City topped their group, winning four out of six games. They only secured a 1-1 draw with RB Leipzig in the Round of 16 first leg. Pep Guardiola has a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal, with players like Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, and Phil Foden all in fine form. City also has a solid defence, with Ruben Dias and Natahn Ake forming an impressive partnership at the back. The Champions League has eluded Manchester City over the past years and is the one trophy that has always got away from them. Will this year finally be their year?
2) Bayern Munich:
Bayern Munich are 6 time holders of the Champions League, and they are looking to add a 7th to their impressive collection this season. The team topped their group, winning six out of six games, and they secured a 1-0 victory over the footballing powerhouse PSG in the Round of 16 first leg. Bayern has been in great form in the Bundesliga, and they have been scoring goals for fun, even with the departure of their talisman Robert Lewandowski. The team has a lethal attack, with Leroy Sane, Thomas Muller, and Serge Gnabry all capable of scoring goals. Bayern also has a solid defence, with players like Matthijs De Ligt and Dayot Upamecano providing experience and leadership at the back.
3) Real Madrid:
Real Madrid is a perennial contender in the Champions League, and they are looking to retain their trophy again this season after putting in an outstanding campaign last season, beating PSG, Chelsea, Manchester City and then eventually Liverpool in the final. The team topped their group, winning four out of six games, and they secured a shocking 5-2 aggregate victory over challengers Liverpool in their own backyard in the Round of 16 first leg. Real Madrid has a wealth of experience and talent, with players like Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos all capable of making an impact. The team also has a solid defence, with players like new recruits Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba providing stability at the back, with arguably the best goalkeeper in the world Thibaut Courtois, who put in a man of the match performance in the previous seasons final.
4) Napoli:
Napoli is one of the dark horses in this year’s Champions League. The team finished first in their group, in front of Liverpool, but they have the potential to cause upsets in the knockout rounds. Napoli has a talented squad, with players like Victor Osimhen and upcoming superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who are on fire and scoring an insane amount of goals at the minute. The team also has a solid defence, with Kim Min-Jae providing leadership at the back. Napoli’s manager, Luciano Spalletti, is a winner himself and knows what it takes to succeed in the tournament. If Napoli can continue their good form and get a bit of luck in the draw, they could be a team to watch in the later stages of the competition.
We can now have a look at the teams and their odds from this list of new betting sites as well as recent form going into the second legs of the Champions League:
| Team: | Odds: | Current Form: Last 5 Matches (Left -> Right) | Round of 16 First Leg Results |
| Manchester City | 2/1 | W W W D D | 1-1 Vs RB Leipzig |
| Bayern Munich | 7/2 | W W L W W | 1-0 Vs PSG |
| Real Madrid | 11/2 | L D W W W | 5-2 Vs Liverpool |
| Napoli | 13/2 | L W W W W | 2-0 Vs Eintracht Frankfurt |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 20/1 | W W W L L | 0-1 Vs Bayern Munich |
| Chelsea | 20/1 | W L L L D | 0-1 Vs Borussia Dortmund |
| Benfica | 22/1 | W W W W L | 2-0 Vs Club Brugge |
| Inter Milan | 25/1 | W L W W D | 1-0 Vs Porto |
| Tottenham | 28/1 | L L W W L | 0-1 Vs Ac Milan |
| Borussia Dortmund | 33/1 | W W W W W | 1-0 Vs Chelsea |
| AC Milan | 40/1 | L W W W W | 1-0 Vs Tottenham |
| RB Leipzig | 80/1 | L W D W L | 1-1 Vs Manchester City |
| Liverpool | 100/1 | W W D L W | 2-5 Vs Real Madrid |
| Porto | 100/1 | W L L W W | 0-1 Vs Inter Milan |
| Club Brugge | 750/1 | L W D L D | 0-2 Vs Benfica |
| Eintracht Frankfurt | 750/1 | D L L W L | 0-2 Vs Napoli |
You can have a look at all the stats in the world, but football is football and anything can happen. Major upsets can take place and some results can prove to be really shocking and surprising, which is why we love the game, and why the Champions League is the best competition in the world.
In conclusion, the Champions League is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and prestigious competitions in world football. Each year, the tournament brings together the best teams from across Europe, pitting them against each other in a battle for continental supremacy. From the group stages to the knockout rounds, the drama, tension, and excitement of the Champions League never fails to captivate fans around the globe.
