3 dark horses to watch out for in UEFA Champions League 2019/20

#1 SL Benfica

Benfica v Eintracht Frankfurt - UEFA Europa League Quarter Final : First Leg

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.