Now that the Champions League group stage is complete and we have reached the round of 16, the timing is perfect to break down which teams have been the most impressive so far. It’s no surprise that the two Spanish giants have once again been among the best teams so far. That’s why they’re the favorites to win the Champions League.
But, there is a growing feeling that at least one or two teams will have a very good chance to knock them out on their quest to win a title. Here is a quick look at the five most impressive teams that we’ve seen in the Champions League action so far.
1. Real Madrid
Real Madrid has already made Champions League history as the first team to finish the group stage with maximum points, and they did so with ease. Cristiano Ronaldo led them to the second-highest goal total through the group stage with 16 and their ability to transition to the attack once they gain possession in the midfield has been nothing short of incredible. No team has ever repeated as the Champions League winners but Real Madrid is listed as the favorite to win again this year at +300. As long as they stay healthy, they have as good a chance as any team to win it all.
2. Chelsea
No team scored more goals in the group stage than Chelsea and there have been very little negative aspects of their game to point out. Even though they aren’t the favorites, the Blues have attracted more action than any other team when it comes to betting the Champions League winner. That comes in part with their dominance and in part because of a relatively easier road to the final (in comparison to some of the other top contenders). Chelsea’s revamped attack has been impressive both in the Champions League and at home in the Premier League and that should continue.
3. Bayern Munich
Bayern stumbled in their loss to Manchester City, but aside from that defeat they have been among the top teams in the Champions League all along. Arjen Robben, Mario Gotze, Fanck Ribery and Thomas Muller comprise an incredible group of attacking players and Pep Guardiola has done an excellent job of managing such a talented group.
Real Madrid and Barcelona get a ton of respect, but Chelsea and Bayern Munich are the two teams with an excellent chance to take them down should they meet. There’s value on the betting lines with these two sides.
4. Barcelona
They may not be the force they were a year ago, but Neymar has come on strong, and if Luis Suarez can find his touch, then Barcelona will be as dangerous a team as any. Holes in their back end are still the biggest reason to doubt the Catalans, but considering the firepower they have up front led by Lionel Messi’s brilliance, it’s impossible to ignore Barcelona as one of the best teams so far. Their offense is the reason they’re a true contender to win it all.
5. Manchester City
It’s important to remember this list breaks down the most impressive teams in the Champions League so far and not the teams with the best chance to win going forward, although there has been an obvious overlap between the two through the first four teams on the list. That won’t be the case for Manchester City if Sergio Aguero is forced to miss an extended period of time with ligament damage. Even so, it’s important to note how good City has been to this point of the season including their wins over Bayern and Roma. A favorable draw would potentially open the door for City to bide its time until Aguero returns from his injury but we’ll have to reevaluate then. However, looking back, there is certainly no debate about how good they have been to this point.
