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This year, UEFA Champions League was absolutely unpredictable and had bagful surprises. From shocking upsets to breathtaking comebacks, we fans witnessed it all!
Teams like Ajax and Tottenham Hotspur showed that it is not necessary to possess a team with big names to perform well, while Liverpool shrugged off favourites like FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich to win the most prestigious club trophy. The success of these ‘dark horses’ is what made this edition of Champions League special for the fans around the world.
While it is difficult to predict if the same will happen next year, we certainly can't rule out that the underdogs for next year may have a similar impact in the Champions League. Without further ado, let's look at the 3 teams that can prove to be the dark horses and have a telling impact in the upcoming edition of the UEFA Champions League.
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#3 Borussia Dortmund
From sitting comfortably at the top of the table with a nine point gap in January to losing the Bundesliga title to their arch-rivals, Bayern Munich, it has been a season comprising of unforgettable and forgettable moments for Borussia Dortmund.
Dortmund’s title collapse may imply a season of failure, but there is more to this than what is looks like. Favre's men showed amazing form in the first half of the season with 13 wins and 4 draws in 17 games, but it was only due to injuries to crucial players and lack of squad depth that things took a disappointing turn for them.
Despite their title collapse and difference between the resources compared to Bayern Munich, Dortmund are determined to strenghten their squad and bolster quality players required to come back stronger next season. The German club has sent a strong statement of intent with impressive signings of Thorgan Hazard, Julian Brandt, and Nico Schulz. Moreover, according to reports, the club isn’t quite done yet and may further sign players in the summer.
Even though Dortmund have not repeated their heroics of 2012/13 in the Champions League, with an evidently improved squad and desire to prove themselves, they can give the elite clubs a tough run for their money in the Champions League next season.
#2 Inter Milan
2018/19 season has been a rollercoaster ride for Inter Milan with an equal share of highs and lows. In a season where their big-name players like Mauro Icardi and Ivan Perisic underperformed, the likes of Samir Handanovic, Milan Skriniar and Marcelo Brozovic stepped up, with the former even winning the accolade of the best Seria A goalkeeper.
Apart from the problems on the pitch, the Italian giants dealt with off-field grievances particularly associated with Mauro Icardi, which created further hindrance in the team’s morale and performance.
Despite qualifying for the upcoming season's UEFA Champions League, stagnancy and inconsistent performances resulted in the sacking of Luciano Spalletti. However, things look to move in the positive direction at the San Siro as the Nerazzurri have appointed former Chelsea and Juventus manager, Antonio Conte, as their new boss. The astute Italian manager comes with a brilliant record in Italy, having achieved a lot of success with Juventus.
The Italian has made it clear that he wants to bring the club back where it belongs: at the pinnacle, in Serie A as well as UEFA Champions League. The ex-Chelsea manager is known for his tactical acumen and emphasis on the defence of the team. Moreover, with Inter possessing a strong back line with the likes of Milan Skriniar, Stefan de Vrij and rumoured signing Diego Godin, Conte will be longing to start working.
All in all, Inter is definitely a team to keep an eye out for in next year’s Champions League.
#1 SL Benfica
This season, Ajax proved that a team with talented youngsters and a drive to prove themselves can give a tough competition to the ‘big boys’ and go the distance in the Champions League and if there is a team that can replicate what Ajax achieved this season, it is SL Benfica.
The Eagles had an excellent domestic campaign and won the Primeira Liga title, finishing ahead of tough competitiors in FC Porto and Sporting Lisbon. Moreover, they caught the eyes of many with their impressive free-flowing style of football throughout the season, and even managed to score a whopping 130 goals in all competitions. The fearless trio of Pizzi, Rafa, and the young sensation Joao Felix have been in amazing form, contributing to a majority of these goals.
Although, there is speculation that their young superstar, Joao Felix, will be leaving this summer, there is a higher probability of him staying with Benfica for another season.
Other than their fiery attackers, Benfica’s squad is filled with quality players in other areas as well, with the likes of Gedson Fernandes, Alex Grimaldo, and Ruben Dias having already shown their quality to become world class players. Furthermore, they also have other young exciting prospects such as Florentino Luis and Ferro, who are looking to break into the first team plans.
While many may even not consider Benfica dark horses, Ajax was also met with a lot of doubts in the start of the season, and there is no doubt that Benfica has the quality players to have an impact in the UEFA Champions League.
