The Champions League is very much in the business end of proceedings for this season and what a competition it has turned out to be. We are currently in the last 16 stage of the tournament and all of the 1st legs have been played. I watch the games with my good friend Louis Hernandez Jr and recently we have been locked in conversation and debate as to who the eventual winner of the tournament will be, and who will make it to the final stages, let’s take a look.
Barcelona
Not enough people are talking up Barca’s chances of another Champions League trophy this year and I believe that Messi and Co. could go all the way to the final. Barcelona haven’t hit the dizzying heights that they did in the days of Guardiola’s Tiki-Taka but they are grinding out results and scoring very well. Barca struggled against Lyon away but back at the Nou Camp they are sure to advance. This Barca team comes alive under pressure so expect them to do well.
Joint Prediction: Semis
Manchester City
This has to be the year that Manchester City eventually finish off the project that Sheikh Monsour started all those years ago, and go on to lift the Champions League title. City have it all and they are on a great run of form at the moment which will certainly spill over to the CL. An early scare against Schalke saw a 10-man City team come back to win 2-3 in Germany, a game which they will surely finish off back at the Etihad.
Joint Prediction: CL Winners
Liverpool
Last season’s finalists will be looking to go 1 step further in the tournament this year but they will first need to beat a Bayern Munich side away from home after drawing 0-0 at Anfield. Liverpool are defensively far more solid than last year with the inclusions of Van Dijk and Alisson, but their front 3 haven’t been in the electric form which we have become accustomed to. If Liverpool can sharpen up in attack, they could certainly get past Bayern.
Joint Prediction: Last 16 Knock Out
Atletico Madrid
This spot was reserved for Juventus but after Atletico turned hem over 2-0 at home, they are surely favorites to see out their 2 goal lead and advance. This Atletico team is strong and disciplined and they have some real goal scorers in there too. Diego Simeone and his players have been here before and they will know what it takes to win.
Joint Prediction: Semis
Real Madrid
Real’s 3 back-to-back trophies will be remembered for all of eternity, a breathtaking achievement. They are however in a stage of transition and their domestic form is evidence of that. We’ll keep this one brief, Real won’t win the Champions League this year.
Joint Prediction: Quarter Finals
What do you think? Have we missed out a contender? Tottenham perhaps? Bayern Munich? Let us know in the comments.
