Ten of the Greatest Groups Left within the Champions League

This may have been a distinct kind of article final yr. Let’s simply start by saying that. Then, writing a chunk on the ten finest groups left within the Champions League after the group stage might solely have been subjective. That’s not totally the case within the new format. There’s now a league desk to seek the advice of, one that can actually inform you the perfect groups from one to 10.

But, the desk lies typically. It should, proper? How might Actual Madrid, a workforce that has received 5 of the eight editions, together with the final one, actually be eleventh? They beat the workforce they’re straight beneath, Borussia Dortmund, 2-0 in that remaining and 5-2 on this season’s competitors. See? The desk lies, however that’s a part of the enjoyable of the format. Let’s start with Los Blancos.

Actual Madrid

One of the best workforce in Europe added Kylian Mbappé to their ranks final summer time, ending probably the most protracted switch sagas of the century within the course of. It took the Frenchman a number of months to correctly settle, however he already has greater than 20 objectives to his identify a bit of previous the midway mark of the marketing campaign. In that approach, he’s a Madrid man, coming into kind on the proper moments. Carlo Ancelotti’s aspect have a troublesome process in qualifying for the final 16 after they face Manchester Metropolis in that play-off, even when it’s removed from a classic Pep Guardiola aspect. No person can dismiss Metropolis, however that is Actual Madrid, and in terms of Champions League betting, they’re at all times favourites.

Liverpool

Below new administration, Liverpool are flying. Okay, there was the FA Cup defeat lately, however that was with the youngsters. They received seven of their eight Champions League group video games, scoring 17 objectives within the course of. The longer term is unsure with a trio of star gamers probably exiting without spending a dime in the summertime. However even when that’s the case, the query must be requested, how a lot can Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold obtain earlier than then? Their motivation is one factor that definitely received’t be questioned.

Barcelona

Probably the most attacking workforce within the competitors by a distance, Barcelona are again to scoring objectives, with 28 in eight matches. It’s value mentioning that in addition they conceded 13. It is a Barcelona aspect that isn’t afraid to commerce punches, satisfied that regardless of what number of they concede, they’ll at all times rating extra. It’s additionally sustain the nice Barcelona custom of attacking trios. As soon as there was Messi-Henry-Eto’o, then Messi-Suarez-Neymar. Now? It’s Lewandowski-Raphinha-Yamal. They usually’re decided to write down their names within the historical past books.

Arsenal

The almost males of North London have seemed extraordinarily strong for many of this season. A extra rugged method to video games outlined the early a part of their marketing campaign, with a good portion of their objectives coming from set-pieces. Nevertheless, a number of accidents to key gamers over the previous few months have highlighted the thinness of the squad. Whereas wonderkids like Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly have benefitted from this, it fuels the talk about Arsenal’s want for attacking reinforcements. If something is their undoing, will probably be that.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa’s European marketing campaign has been magnificent. Underdogs all season, they’ve performed some balanced soccer. The mid-season departure of Jhon Duran was a blow in idea however they managed to usher in expertise like Marcus Rashford. Whether or not he’s in a position to return to his outdated kind is anybody’s guess however a cameo in opposition to Spurs provided promise. It’s unlikely that Villa will go all the best way, however it might be foolish to doubt Unai Emery in Europe.
 

Bayer Leverkusen

One of many standout sides of 2024, Xabi Alonso’s males solely misplaced one sport final season, the ultimate of the Europa League. The concern for his or her followers was that they’d be the victims of their very own success and that the vultures would circle that summer time. Nevertheless, they managed to retain most of their squad, largely all the way down to the choice of Alonso to remain in Germany. His aspect have the standard to beat anybody on their day, however, as final season confirmed, might lack the expertise to recover from the road on the most important events. In the event that they’ve discovered from that chastening night, they may go all the best way. 

Inter Milan

Among the best groups in Europe, Inter most likely don’t get the credit score they’re due for his or her exploits at house and overseas. They ran Metropolis very shut within the 2023 remaining and have the road smarts to go all the best way once more. There isn’t an apparent weak point throughout Inter’s workforce, and 6 wins from eight video games exhibits how ordinary victory in Europe has turn into for the Nerazzurri. A primary Champions League title since 2010 isn’t out of the query.

Atletico Madrid

Atletico had a wobbly begin to this Champions League marketing campaign, dropping two of their first three matches, earlier than closing out with 5 wins on the trot, beating the likes of PSG and Leverkusen within the course of. Diego Simeone has come so near successful the Champions League so many instances, nevertheless it’s now been 9 years since his workforce final reached the ultimate. Are they prepared to finish that drought? Spectacular shows on large events, like a league victory at Barcelona final yr, counsel they’re, as does a stacked squad that includes a frontline of Griezmann, Alvarez, and Sorloth.

Lille 

Successful story of the brand new format, Lille have stunned Europe again and again this season, with a string of eye-catching outcomes, together with victories over each Madrid giants. The French aspect have many proficient gamers, however the undoubted star is Jonathan David, their Canadian ahead who has 20 objectives in all competitions already this season.

Atalanta

Put some respect on Gian Piero Gasperini’s identify. Severely, why isn’t this man talked about extra? The Atalanta supervisor has carried out miracles since taking on the membership in 2016, culminating of their Europa League victory final yr. That was Atalanta’s first main trophy, lower-division titles however, in 61 years. Their gung-ho method has loads of substance behind it. They missed out on automated qualification for final 16 by one level and are on the coronary heart of the Serie A title race. Doubt them at your peril.