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UEFA Champions League is the biggest stage for European clubs to showcase their might. While the group stage matches might not be as high voltage as the knockouts, the fixtures are still enthralling enough for fans across the globe.
With the final round of the Champions League group stage almost over, European teams now have a clear picture of their strengths and weaknesses. It goes without saying that six matchdays produced some high voltage clashes with some underdogs pushing above the limit.
The Champions League has had its fair share of shocks in the group stages.
Several European heavyweights have been shown the door from the Champions League group stages. While teams like Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund have underperformed, some underdogs have surprised everyone with their performances.
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Without further ado, let's take a look at five of the biggest Champions League teams that surprised everyone in the group stages.
#5 FC Red Bull Salzburg
With all four teams in contention for the Champions League knockouts, Salzburg came into the final matchday in dire need of a win. Salzburg became the first Austrian team to reach the knockout stages in the tournament's history, after defeating Sevilla by the narrowest of margins.
It goes without saying that Red Bull Salzburg had bleak chances to qualify from the group stages with teams like Sevilla, Wolfsburg and Lille all in group G. But the Austrian side proved everyone wrong, bagging three wins and a draw while losing twice in six matches.
Salzburg could have bagged the top spot in the group, which they missed by just a point. Overall, they will undoubtedly be happy to surprise fans and critics alike with their performance.
#4 FC Sheriff Tiraspol
Sheriff Tiraspol will not entirely be disappointed even after missing out on the Champions League knockout stages. The Moldovan side came onto the European circuit with low expectations but managed to surprise everyone in their maiden Champions League campaign.
Sheriff made a stellar start to their European campaign that kept them at the top of their group after two matchdays. They produced a huge upset when they defeated 13-time European champions Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, Sheriff lost their form as the tournament progressed which saw them end up in the third place in Group D. Despite their exit, the small Moldovan team will take huge heart from their superb performance in their debut Champions League campaign.
#3 Sporting CP
Sporting CP was part of a relatively tough Champions League group which had the likes of Ajax, Borussia Dortmund and Besiktas. The Portuguese side showed immense mettle to qualify for the knockout stages which saw German giants Dortmund fall into the Europa League.
Sporting CP under Ruben Amorim's tutelage finished second in Group C of the Champions League. With Pedro Goncalves proving to be the club's talisman, Amorim's men won three while losing three in six Champions League matches.
Sporting registered two victories in their first two games, which helped them qualify for the knockout stages. Dortmund had similar points with three wins and three losses but lost out due to poor goal difference to finish third in their group.
With less ammunition but a huge heart, Sporting really pushed above their weight to qualify for the Champions League knockouts. It will be interesting to see whether they can continue their superb run till the end.
#2 Ajax
Ajax are a traditional big club who have been known to play superb football over the years. But their radiant football under Erik ten Hag's guidance took the European circuit by storm and proved to be a force to be reckoned with in the Champions League.
Ajax have undoubtedly been one of the best teams in Europe this season and their majestic displays are a testament to that fact. The Dutch giants managed to win all six of their group stage matches in the Champions League, joining a league of elite teams who have won all of their group stage games.
With their talisman Sebastien Haller breaking records, Ajax played some fearless football. They scored 20 goals while conceding just five in the group stages. Considering their scintillating performance, Ajax will surely be one of the teams to beat in the Champions League this campaign.
#1 Benfica
Very few people thought Benfica would qualify for the Champions League knockouts from a group that had Barcelona and Bayern Munich. The Portuguese side surprised everyone by qualifying for the knockout stages of the tournament against all odds.
With two wins, two draws and two losses, Benfica racked up eight points to finish in second place in Group E. The Portuguese side remained unbeaten against Barcelona, racking up a 3-0 win on Matchday Two while securing a point from the Nou Camp on Matchday five of the Champions League.
Had Barcelona beaten Benfica, they would have already booked their ticket for the Round of 16. Instead Jorge Jesus' men shocked the world by sending the Catalan giants into the Europa League and qualifying for the Champions League.
