The Champions League Round of 16 starts on Tuesday, and among the 16 teams, only a few have a strong chance to win it this year.
However, no team stands out as a clear favorite. Last year’s finalists, Inter Milan, have already been eliminated, and clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and PSG are not at their best.
Here’s a ranking of the top eight teams as we head into the Champions League matches this week.
8. Chelsea
Few consider Chelsea strong contenders right now. They recently lost to Arsenal and struggled against Wrexham in the FA Cup.
However, with Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer back from injury, they can be a threat. Their experience in defeating PSG in the Club World Cup Final shows they can compete with anyone.
7. Liverpool
Liverpool have not met expectations, appearing out of Champions League contention in their league. Mohamed Salah’s form has dipped, and several new signings have underperformed.
Nevertheless, players like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike have impressed. If some midfielders, like Ryan Gravenberch, regain their form, Liverpool could make a significant impact in the Champions League.
6. Real Madrid
On paper, Real Madrid should be among the top contenders, as they usually are, especially after a strong win against Benfica. However, the team seems disunited, and recent La Liga results have been disappointing.
Missing Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham for the first leg against Manchester City could be a major setback, highlighting the struggles of many role players this season.
5. PSG
PSG just managed to beat Monaco but lost to them in Ligue 1 recently. They seem to have lost their edge compared to last season, reminding everyone how difficult it is to maintain success year after year.
4. Barcelona
Lamine Yamal is back to full health and has been a standout performer recently, demonstrating his skill and productivity. The defense, however, is a concern under Hansi Flick, and Ferran Torres has been inconsistent, wasting scoring chances.
Barcelona nearly reached the Champions League Final last year, and they appear to be slightly stronger this season thanks to Fermin Lopez’s emergence.
3. Manchester City
Manchester City strengthened their squad during the winter transfer window with key players like Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo. Omar Marmoush’s impressive display against Newcastle highlighted that City has more than just Erling Haaland as a star forward.
This team is filled with talent and is closely competing with Arsenal in the Premier League. Any of the top three teams can potentially win it all this year.
2. Arsenal
Arsenal’s defense is considered the best globally, even their substitutes would be starters for teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, and Chelsea.
While the attacking side has shown inconsistency with players like Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli, their overall unity could be more beneficial than teams with big names but lacking cohesion.
1. Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich is currently the top team. Although they have some concerns in midfield and defense, their attacking lineup with Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Luis Diaz, Lennart Karl, and Jamal Musiala is unparalleled. Adding veteran Serge Gnabry and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson makes their attack even more formidable.