The European leagues and clubs are among the best and best-supported in the world. But who will lift the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy?
By Brandon Era
Perhaps the most lucrative and the most exciting championship in the world, the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) Champions League truly is a must-watch every season.
The teams that are in the knockout stage of the Champions League are already among the best in the world, and it’ll be really exciting to see the greats battle it out for the top prize, and bragging rights, as the undisputed champions of Europe.
The Favourites
Every tournament has its favourites as well as the ever-popular dark horse. The Champions League is no different. Here are my top three picks to win the trophy.
1. Bayern Munich
The German giant, Bayern Munich, has been a force to be reckoned with since time immemorial but this current squad has further been touted as the best team we’ve ever seen in the world.
Being the first team to win five trophies in a season, Bayern Munich is definitely the clear favourite.
With international stars such as Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Thomas Mueller, the team has plenty to offer. Fresh from his nomination for the Ballon d’Or award (for FIFA’s best player in the world), Ribery will be looking to humble Arsenal in their first game on Feb 19, when they travel to The Emirates Stadium.
I know it’s a tall order to defend the Champions League title but if there’s a team out there that can do it, it has to be Bayern. I really don’t see any team beating them on a good day, especially with the maestro Pep Guardiola (formerly of Barcelona) at the helm.
2. Manchester City
I know this isn’t a common pick, nor is the team favoured, but given everything I’ve seen about Manchester City in this football season, I just have to list City among the top contenders.
The style of play and philosophy that the team has adopted under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini has been nothing short of phenomenal.
With a tremendously impressive home record, as well as goal-scoring record all season, and the likes of Sergio Aguero and David Silva, I think Pelligrini’s main purpose for coming to City is to make sure “the Citizens” stamp their name in European history.
Will they finally step out of the shadow of their noisy but faltering neighbours (Manchester United)? Watch them open their knockout phase by hosting Catalan giants Barcelona on Feb 18. That promises to be a true test of mettle.
3. Barcelona
You never count Barcelona out. Never. With the ever-present danger of Lionel Messi (Ballon d’Or winner from 2009 to 2012), Neymar, Alexis Sanchez and rising star Cristian Tello, Barcelona have a formidable strike force capable of dismantling any defence in the world.
Oh, did I forget to mention Xavi Hernandez and Andreas Iniesta? Sure, Xavi may be getting on in years but his pass completion rate and vision of the game is still incredible. Barcelona has an abundance of players that can strike fear into the hearts of the opposition.
The Dark Horse
This may come as a surprise to many, but my dark horse pick for the remainder of the tournament has to be Manchester United. I know the faith of the fans, players and critics alike have been dragged through the mud this season, along with the club’s English Premier League standing.
Still, you can usually count on the Red Devils for a comeback. Need I remind you of Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solksjaer in the Champions League final of ’99 against Bayern Munich?
With Juan Mata recently added to the mix, who knows what could happen?
Who do you think will lift the Champions League trophy? E-mail your views and predictions to general@weekender.com.sg!
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