5 teams who surprised everyone at the UEFA Champions League group stages this season (2021/22)

#3 Sporting CP

Sporting CP v Borussia Dortmund: Group C - UEFA Champions League

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

Borussia Dortmund v AFC Ajax: Group C - UEFA Champions League

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

FC Barcelona v SL Benfica: Group E - UEFA Champions League

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.