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The UEFA Champions League group stage is set and is looking exciting already. During the past couple of months, world football has seen a lot of unbelievable, unpredictable and according to some, unacceptable changes taking place.
Whether it be the departures of some big players and managers from their clubs or the hot debate over the introduction of VAR (Video Assistant Referee), it’s quite obvious that club football from all over Europe is now seeing a revolution take place as new systems are being adopted everywhere in football.
With the start of the Champions' League and the groups decided, the top clubs from Europe will be eyeing to lift the biggest glory in club football, the UEFA Champions League.
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In the past 5 years, Spanish teams have been very dominant in Europe as 4 of the last 5 UCL's have been won by Real Madrid and the remaining one was won by their arch-rivals, FC Barcelona. Now with Zidane gone from their side, Real Madrid will still look to continue their European domination.
Meanwhile, Sevilla had played some outstanding football in Europe as they won 3 Europa League titles and shockingly eliminated Manchester United in the latest edition of Champions League. Sevilla was accompanied in their good performances at UEFA campaigns by Atletico Madrid who’ve reached 2 finals only to be beaten by their city rivals, Real Madrid. However, they managed to win the Europa League title in 2017/18 season and would be looking to outperform Real Madrid to clinch the UEFA Super Cup in August.
After the departure of arguably the best manager of Real Madrid's history, Zinedine Zidane and their goalscoring giant Cristiano Ronaldo, it is highly unlikely that Real Madrid would win the trophy for the fourth time in a row. Julen Lopetegui would have a tough task ahead of him to rebuild the legacy of Real Madrid which seems under threat after the 4-2 loss to Atletico in UEFA Super Cup.
Now, let's have a look at some best teams from Europe who are expected to win the Champions league in 2017-18 season:
#4 Manchester City
After having completed one of the most successful Premier League seasons of all time, the citizens would be high on confidence and are expected to add the title which is missing from their trophy cabinet.
Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, Manchester City has been playing some exceptional attacking football and scoring tons of goals which helped them clinch the Premier League 2017-18 title quite easily.
The citizens already had what we call a 'perfect squad' and they’ve added a cherry on top in the form of Riyad Mahrez. De Bruyne's injury may not be a concern for the defending EPL champions as they have a good squad depth. After learning from the mistakes they made against Liverpool past season in UEFA Champions' League, Pep Guardiola's men are expected to win the Champions League 2018-19.
#3 Juventus
Juventus has been a top threat in Champions League in the past years reaching 2 finals in the past 4 UCL campaigns and reaching the semi-final in the 2017-18 season, only to be knocked out by Real Madrid.
The Italian giants had a good transfer window as they permanently signed Douglas Costa and signed Joao Cancelo and Cristiano Ronaldo. Real Madrid talisman Cristiano Ronaldo was the top scorer against Juventus in UEFA competitions and surprisingly is now the main man of Juventus who signed him for 4 seasons for 117 Million euros handing him a contract of 30 million per year over the span of 4 years.
Cristiano Ronaldo has finished being the top scorer in UCL for the sixth season running and having him in the squad is surely an asset for any team. With the trio of Douglas Costa/Mario Mandzukic, Ronaldo and Dybala it is highly expected that the UCL trophy might be going to Turin.
Defensively, Juventus has been superb and with the return of Leonardo Bonucci, their back line looks rock strong. Their midfield is looking well composed with Pjanic being the main man and with a top quality finisher like Ronaldo, they can be the most feared team in Europe.
#2 FC Barcelona
With the pressure of the brilliant performances of their arch-rivals in UCL, FC Barcelona will be willing to do the unthinkable and turn the tables in their favours as they’ll waiting eagerly to reduce the gap of 8 UCL titles with their rivals.
FC Barcelona looks a complete threat under Valverde and with the addition of Philippe Coutinho in their midfield who got fewer minutes during the time of Iniesta, it will be a great chance for Leo Messi and company to reclaim the European glory after a couple of unsuccessful seasons.
Dembele, Suarez, Messi are looking in good touch. The arrivals of Malcom, Arthur and Arturo Vidal have strengthened their midfield and attack which looks unstoppable.
They were knocked out by AS Roma in the previous edition of UCL which left the world football in a state of shock.
Ousmane Dembele, Luis Suarez and Leo Messi are set to form a deadly trio which will be supported by the creativity and precision of Coutinho. FC Barcelona are clearly the big guns in world football and are considered to be the top favourites to clinch the UCL trophy.
#1 Liverpool FC
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side is one of the top threats in world football right now. The Premier League giants reached the final of the UCL 17/18, though, Salah's injury and Karius' disastrous performance cost them the UCL title. However, later it was revealed that Karius had a concussion.
Liverpool are doing wonders ever since signing Mohamed Salah from AS Roma. The 17/18 Premier League top scorer has formed a good trio with Firminho and Sadio Mane.
Liverpool had a brilliant transfer window as they signed Naby Keita, Fabinho, Shaqiri and their most expensive goalkeeper, Alisson Becker.
The English giants have started off their season in style as they comfortably sit on the top of the table after collecting 9 points from 3 games and their defence looks very strong as they are yet to concede a goal in the EPL. Salah is back into his top form scoring 2 goals and having an assist to his name. Liverpool is expected to be one of the top contenders for the UCL title this season.
