By: Omachonu Kelvin
The UEFA Champions League has reached the knockout rounds after six rounds of fixtures in the group stage. Of course, the excitement has been at sky-high levels, with clubs displaying mouth-watering performances.
Clubs like Atletico Madrid flattered to deceive- their huffing and puffing saw them finish fourth in a group that had Porto, Club Brugge, and Bayer Leverkusen. Neighbours Barcelona were hugely disappointing despite signing ‘strong’ reinforcements in the summer.
As the competition reaches a crucial stage- the knockout rounds, the teams would look to bring their best to the table. At this point, every detail matters, down to the letter.
The Round of sixteen begins in February 2023, and ahead of that time, we take a look at some clubs that are the frontrunners to become kings of Europe this season.
Real Madrid
Los Blancos are the undisputed masters of the UEFA Champions League with 14 trophies. The current holders of the title, Real Madrid have not soft-peddled this season. In fact, coach Carlo Ancelotti looks like he is building a dynasty at the Spanish, as they look more balanced than they were last season. In the absence of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro who joined Manchester United in the summer, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga have come into their own.
The protagonists of last season’s triumph are still very much fit and in form. Vinicius Junior has been firing on all cylinders this season, he has four goals and one assist in six games. Balon d’Or winner Karim Benzema’s quality is still undoubted even though he has struggled with niggling injuries in recent months.
This season, Real Madrid’s only loss came against RB Leipzig in an inconsequential game. Los Blancos have the quality, and experience to navigate their way through their fixtures. Only a few teams in Europe can match whatever Los Blancos table at the moment.
Manchester City
The Cityzens have been knocking on the door of the UEFA Champions League for the last two years but the door is yet to be opened. Manchester City have almost monopolized the English Premier League, winning four of the last five. However, Pep Guardiola is yet to find the correct combination to unlock a Champions League triumph.
Last season, Manchester City were just a few minutes away from the final, but a glitch against a ruthless Real Madrid sent them packing. Two seasons ago, they were defeated by Chelsea in the final.
This season, Manchester City have continued with their usual blistering play, leaving opponents for dead. New signing Erling Haaland has been a beast in front of goal, the Norwegian hitman has scored five goals in four Champions League games.
Haaland’s addition has given Manchester City a new dynamic unlike in previous seasons when they were playing with a false nine. Cancelo could also be a game-changer for the Cityzens.
More important for Manchester City is the fact that most members of the team are experienced campaigners, they have experienced the agony of narrow losses in previous seasons, and that should give them a strong push.
However, what could count against Manchester City is Haaland’s injury problems. Towards the end of his time at Borussia Dortmund, the 22-year-old strike spent a lot of time on the sidelines because of niggling injuries.
Nonetheless, Guardiola would look to manage his team well and ensure his best legs are available at crucial times.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich were the only team that won all six of the games in the group stage. The Bavarians have already established their dominance in Germany over the years, but they would be looking to claim their first Champions League title in three years.
The Bavarians already have the fear factor. Their high-octane press and ability to open up even the tightest of defence has been a useful tool over the years, and it could come to the fore again this season.
Bayern Munich lost talismanic striker Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona in the summer, but Cameroon international Eric Maxim Chopou-Moting has been blazing hot in recent weeks, and he seems to be making a niche for himself already.
They parade one of the most ruthless frontlines, with Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman, and Thomas Muller always ready to do the damage. Even youngster Jamal Musiala is blossoming under Julian Nagelsmann.
Bayern Munich have also shown that they can hold their own in defence when opponents come knocking. What also counts in Bayern’s favour is their experience. Most members of the team already have a Champions League gold medal, as such they know how to navigate game situations.
