UEFA Champions League Preview
The 61st edition of UEFA Champions League will kick-start with the first group stage matches on 15th and 16th September. Champions League is the pinnacle for every European teams as the 32 best teams will start their journey towards San Siro in 2016.
The teams are divided into 8 groups of 4 teams each. The group stage will have each team playing against the other 3 teams home and away. At the end of group stage, the top two will qualify for the knock-out phase. The third placed team of every group will then go on to play in the second level European competition, UEFA Europa League.
The riches of Champions League as well as the specter of rubbing shoulders against the top sides make it an exciting tournament. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, PSG and many other continental giants make the roster worth looking forward to.
On paper, defending champions Barcelona look a very strong team. The presence of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Iniesta makes them a difficult team to play. Odds of $4.00 at Ladbrokes put them as favorites for the title.
Barcelona’s domestic rivals Real Madrid continue to be their main threat in Europe too. Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema would want to add the 11th European title to their accomplishments. Odds of $6.50 at Ladbrokes make them interesting contenders.
Same is the case with Bayern Munich. Managed by Pep Guardiola, the German champions are eager to push their case in Europe. Odds of $5.50 at Ladbrokes make them a strong choice.
Among other teams, Manchester United will be back in Europe after a one year absence. Big spending Manchester City and Chelsea will try to find answers to the European riddle for the English sides.
From the rest, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla could be the underdogs. Little known teams like Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Malmo and Bate Borisov will provide real joy to their local fans. Then of course there is the Kazakhstan team FC Astana which will be tricky purely because of the long travel.
All eyes will be on the glamorous teams as Europe gets ready for the Champions League showdown. Success will only come to those that can juggle their domestic commitments with continental duties. May the excitement begin!
