Who will be lifting the Champions League trophy in Kiev next year? That’s the big question for this article. The answer? Well, it’s Real Madrid obviously. Stop reading, there’s no point in carrying on with this preview. Los Blancos have been so imperious in Europe of recent times that it seems almost implausible that they won’t win it again, or does it? Clubs throughout Europe have spent ridiculous amounts this summer so the pressure is on. Let’s have a look at the contenders.
PSG
Odds to win Champions League: 9/1 (888Sport)
Last Season: Round of 16
Star Player: Neymar
PSG were part of one of the greatest nights in Champions League history last season. It wasn’t so great for them though as they surrendered an almost unassailable lead to crash out 6-5 on aggregate to Barcelona in the round of 16.
Champions League success has long been the target for the club’s ambitious owners, and this year the club signalled their intent in spectacular fashion signing Brazilian forward Neymar from Barcelona for a reported £200m. PSG’s Qatari owners have made no secret of the fact that they are desperate for their club team to win the Champions League before their country hosts next summer’s World Cup.
Neymar will certainly add an X factor to the Parisians, but it remains to be seen whether or not he can provide them with the ruthless winning mentality that they so clearly lacked in last year’s competition.
Bayern Munich
Odds to win Champions League: 5/1 (888Sport)
Last Season: Quarter-Final
Star Player: Robert Lewandowski
The German champions will look back at last season’s campaign with some bitterness, having been dumped out of the competition on the back of some questionable refereeing decisions.
Colombian international James Rodriguez has joined Bayern from last year’s tormentors Real Madrid in a loan deal along with Corentin Tolisso from Lyon. Following a disappointing pre-season, Bayern Munich will be keen to start quick and avoid a potential disaster. With 3 time Champions League winner Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, the reds will be confident of success in Kiev.
Real Madrid
Odds to win Champions League: 5/1 (888Sports)
Last Season: Winners
Star Player: Cristiano Ronaldo
Zinedine Zidane guided Los Blancos to their second Champions League victory in a row last season as they mercifully put Juventus to the sword in Cardiff. The Frenchman will be looking to make it 3 times in a row this time round, and who would bet against them?
Despite losing Alvaro Morata to Chelsea over the summer they still look incredibly strong, and could still secure the signature of teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe. Real Madrid’s pace and skill in wide areas proved too much to handle for most teams last season and could do again this year. Ronaldo made history by becoming the first player to score in three Champions League Finals in history, he’ll certainly fancy making it four. At the current odds, it would be foolish not to back them to win the competition again.
Whatever happens this season, it looks set to be another action packed campaign with the return of English teams Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool sure to add a bit of spice to the competition. If you’re looking for a great tip for the 2018/19 season though, look no further than Huddersfield Town. Who will be fresh off the back of winning the Premier League. Can you tell which club I support yet?