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The UEFA Champions League is the most prestigious European club competition in football, with some of the best teams in Europe taking part.
Every player dreams of playing in the Champions League, but very few are able to do so. The quality in the Champions League is like no other competition, and winning it is regarded as one of the greatest achievements in a player's career.
Some of the best players representing some of the biggest clubs in the world are playing in the tournament this time around, as is the case every year. On that note, here's a look at the five teams most likely to win the UEFA Champions League this season.
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#5 Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) started the season as the favourites to win the Champions League, but are yet to hit top gear.
The Ligue 1 giants boast comfortably the best squad in Europe. Their attack consists of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, which, on paper, is the best in the world. They have talented players in every position, and a good mixture of experience and youth.
However, they have struggled to get going. They are top of the Ligue 1 table and their Champions League group, but their performances have been nothing to write home about. Messi is yet to hit his brilliant best, while Neymar has been disappointing as well. Manager Mauricio Pochettino is now under pressure, and one bad result could prove to be catastrophic for the Argentine.
#4 Chelsea
Chelsea will be keen to retain their Champions League trophy, having won the competition last season.
In Thomas Tuchel, they have one of the best managers in the world. The addition of striker Romelu Lukaku solved a problematic position for the club on paper, although the Belgian has struggled in recent games. Chelsea's defence under Tuchel this season has been world-class, though.
Chelsea are among the favourites to lift the Premier League title as well. Given the talent they possess, they should be in and around the conversation for both competitions as the season progresses. Owner Roman Abramovich is known to be trigger-happy, and Tuchel certainly knows he is walking on thin ice despite his previous achievements.
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#3 Liverpool
Liverpool are another contender for the UEFA Champions League title this season. They are brimming with confidence, having thrashed arch-rivals Manchester United 5-0 away in the Premier League.
In Mohamed Salah, Liverpool boast the best player in the world right now. Jurgen Klopp's men endured a disappointing season last time around. But they have bounced back strongly despite no major upheaval of the squad. They are top of their Champions League group, and will be keen to replicate their success in the competition in 2019.
Klopp's men were unlucky with injuries last season, and that could create some problems this time around as well. However, on current form, Liverpool look dangerous, and should certainly not be taken lightly.
#2 Manchester City
Much was made about Manchester City failing to sign a striker this summer to replace Sergio Aguero. However, Pep Guardiola's side continue to be an attacking force.
They are the favourites to lift the Premier League trophy, and will be keen to better their Champions League run, having lost to Chelsea in the final last season. Despite lacking a world-class striker, they are playing some excellent football.
Manchester City have the best manager in world football, Pep Guardiola, working for them. Guardiola has often been criticised for overthinking in big games, and the Spaniard's lack of Champions League trophies since leaving Barcelona has been pointed out regularly. The former Bayern Munich manager will be keen to change that, though.
#1 Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich deserve more credit for the way they are run, and for their continued excellence on the field. They have been an extremely stable organisation for some time now.
The club appointed young manager Julian Nagelsmann as their boss this summer to replace Hansi Flick, and the 34-year old has enjoyed an excellent start. They have won all three of their Champions League group-stage games, and are at the top of the Bundesliga table.
Bayern Munich won the treble in 2020, and are a ruthless and clinical side led by the world-class Robert Lewandowski. Their strong core of German talent, including Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Leroy Sane and Leon Goretzka, have all contributed to Bayern Munich's success in recent years. Right now, they are arguably the best side in Europe.
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