2) BARCELONA
The other side of the Spanish coin who never seem to be far away whenever fierce rivals Real Madrid are mentioned. They, of course, tipped Madrid to the La Liga title last season as they blew away all competition, showing no signs of complacency.
An uncharacteristically lacklustre display against Roma in the quarterfinals proved to be their undoing last season as their hopes of breaking the Real Madrid domination came to a plummeting fall.
Having had a full season under his belt, Valverde would now be looking to steal the title from their domestic rivals, and he has possibly the strongest weapon he could hope for to spearhead his conquest in Leo Messi. He would also be encouraged by the fact that Philippe Coutinho is now eligible to play in the Champions League, having signed in the winter transfer window last summer.
The fact that Dembele is finally starting to live up to the promise he has shown previously, and that Suarez is also starting to rediscover his sharpness will also be crucial for Barcelona in the Champions League this season.