UEFA Champions League: The predictions

DISCLAIMER – This article reflects the opinions of the author, and not those of the site.

The round of 16 of the Champions League just ended and left us with just 8 teams left in the coveted tournament. The final 8 teams in the competition are listed below and also their chances of getting their hands on the prestigious trophy.

1. Real Madrid [40%]

The Spanish giants are the most favoured team left in the competition, due to numerous reasons. First, they are done and dusted in the La Liga and have no chance of winning it. So their full concentration would be on winning the Champions League. Second, they have a pretty strong team, Diego Lopez is in inspired form, and Casillas is also expected to return soon. Apart from that, other key players like Ronaldo, Benzema, and Ozil are fit and performing well.

2. Bayern Munich [20%]

The Germans are second on the list because of their fantastic run in both their domestic league and the Champions League. They were unbeatable for 29 games until recently, when they lost to Arsenal 2-0 at the Allianz Arena in the second leg of the round of 16 tie. Previously, in the first leg, they put up a great show when they defeated Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates. They have a pretty strong squad and are expected to challenge Real Madrid for the trophy.

3. FC Barcelona [15%]

Barcelona showed us their full potential when they beat AC Milan 4-0 at the Nou Camp, but there were signs of worry in their squad in the first leg when they lost 2-0 at the San Siro. They also lost against Celtic in the group stage. These results show that they have been poor in away matches but fantastic in home games. If they want to go ahead and win the tournament, they will have to improve their away record. Despite this fact, they are still one of the favourites to win the tournament.

4. Juventus [8%]

The Italians have a pretty good squad, and are also on a good run, but still are not one of the favourites as there are a few better teams in the competition. Though they were pretty impressive against Celtic, they will have to work really hard if they have to beat the likes of Madrid, Barca and Bayern in pursuit of the championship.

5. Borussia Dortmund [7%]

The second German team in the competition has a relatively younger squad as compared to other teams, along with a few experienced players in their squad, which can be a plus point. But their squad still lacks some talented players, which could be their undoing. They can be the dark horses in the competition, as some of the opposition teams are unaware of their quality.

6. Paris Saint Germain [5%]

The moneybags PSG have two or three great players in the team who can make the difference, but still aren’t one of the favourites to win the competition. The above listed 5 teams are much better than them, and are expected to outclass the French club in terms of squad quality and form. They can still be a threat if they play to their full might.

7. Galatasaray [3%]

The Turkish champions signed Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder in January, which has really strengthened their squad. Apart from these two, Burak Yilmaz is in great form and is currently the highest goalscorer in the competition along with Ronaldo. Other than these 3 players, they don’t have any other players who can change the game, so they have a very small chance of winning the tournament, as there are many other teams more deserving than them.

8. Malaga [2%]

The Spanish outfit are the least favoured to win the competition because of many reasons. Their squad isn’t as good as the others, and they also don’t have much experience in the competition, with this season being their first time with the big fish of Europe. It would be a big surprise if they were able to even reach the semi-finals.