The Champions League has long been the pinnacle of European football, but this season’s competition has taken on a new edge thanks to the revamped Swiss-style format. A new fresh wave of optimism has been instilled for teams outside of the traditional Champions League meritocracy, and that has been reflected in some shocking results that have stunned sports betting odds.
With the group stage providing thrilling unpredictability and the knockout rounds set to pit the world’s best against each other, the stakes are higher than ever.
As the tournament enters its latter stages, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will lift the trophy in Munich?
Teams must navigate not only an extended league phase but also a gruelling knockout stage, where every fixture is a potential defining moment.
The importance of strongly finishing the league phase cannot be overstated, as rankings now play a critical role in determining opponents in the final two sets of games.
With just a few matches left before the knockouts, we assess the top contenders to claim this season’s Champions League crown.
Barcelona
Hansi Flick’s first season at Barcelona has been nothing short of transformative. While they’ve faltered domestically, the Catalans have found their groove in Europe, blending experienced pros like Robert Lewandowski with the next generation of La Masia talents.
Having already secured the Supercopa de España, Barcelona looks revitalised under the German, with a free-flowing attack and a defensive solidity that has returned the fear factor to Catalonia.
Throw in the return to Camp Nou later in the year, and the Blaugrana are real contenders for their first Champions League title since 2015.
Liverpool
Arne Slot’s arrival at Liverpool raised eyebrows, but he has silenced the doubters by turning the Reds into a disciplined, composed side.
Though he is not screaming and shouting in the way many were accustom to under Klopp, the Dutchman has instead exuded calmness and control at Anfield, boasting one of the best win rates of any Reds boss.
Sitting at the top of the Champions League table at the time of writing, Liverpool have made a strong case for their seventh European crown. Wins against the likes of AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, and Real Madrid underline their pedigree.
With their squad firing on all cylinders, the Reds are proving they have the resilience and quality needed to conquer Europe once again.
Inter Milan
The reigning Italian champions have been a defensive fortress in this season’s Champions League, conceding just one goal during the league phase.
Simone Inzaghi’s team have demonstrated they can dig deep and grind out results, making them a nightmare to face over two legs.
With their sights firmly set on Munich, Inter have all the tools to go the distance and play in a Champions League final for the first time since their treble victory under Jose Mourinho in 2010.
Real Madrid
It would be unwise to write off the reigning champions Real Madrid, even after a rocky start to the group phase. Carlo Ancelotti’s wealth of experience ensures that Los Blancos will be a formidable force in the knockout rounds.
The La Liga champions boast an attacking trident of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappe is arguably the most devastating in Europe on their day, capable of dismantling any defence on their day.
With a rich history in the Champions League and an unrivalled winning mentality, Madrid are more than capable of adding another title to their collection at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
