UEFA Champions League: A Look At The Standout Teams So Far
We take a look at the standout teams in the UEFA Champions League group stages so far.
The Champions League group phase is nearing its thrilling conclusion, with just two games left before the fate of the participating 32 teams is sealed.
A place in the last 16 is already guaranteed for some, while for others, there’s no chance of progression beyond the groups.
Even at this early stage, we might have been given something of an indication of who’s going to challenge for the title of European champions.
So, with that in mind, let’s have a look at some of the teams who have stood out as potential Champions League winners in the first four games.
Bayern Munich
When Bayern Munich completed the signing of Harry Kane in the summer, Thomas Tuchel’s side instantly became one of the favourites to win the European Cup, with those looking for Champions League bets.
The Bundesliga outfit certainly haven’t disappointed so far either, picking up a full 12 points from their four games – thanks to a 4-3 win over Manchester United, a 2-1 victory over Copenhagen, and two wins over Galatasaray (3-1 and 2-1).
Bayern are already guaranteed the top spot despite still having to face Copenhagen and Man United again and are firm second favourites to win a seventh Champions League title.
Real Madrid
You can never rule out Real Madrid in the Champions League, and Los Blancos have been more-or-less faultless in their four games thus far, as they seek a record-extending 15th European Cup.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men weren’t drawn into the easiest of groups alongside Napoli, Braga and Union Berlin, but they remain unscathed, and it would take something special to deny them the top spot in Group C.
Madrid beat Union Berlin (1-0) and Napoli (3-2) before backing two wins over Union Berlin, beating the Bundesliga side 2-1 and 3-0, respectively.
Manchester City
Manchester City haven’t been the most convincing at times in their group, but Pep Guardiola’s side are showing the grit and determination of true defending champions and are churning out positive results.
The Citizens won all of their first three games 3-1 against Red Star Belgrade, RB Leipzig and Young Boys, before beating the latter 3-0 on matchday four.
Now that Man City have the burden of never winning the Champions League lifted from their shoulders, there’s a chance they could kick on and dominate the competition for years to come. They are certainly the favourites in the football betting tips.
Real Sociedad
A team you might not have expected to see on this list, Real Sociedad qualified for the Champions League for the first time in 10 years, and just the fourth time in their history, when finishing fourth in La Liga last season.
The expectations for the White and Blues wouldn’t have been set that high, especially in a group with last year’s runners-up Inter Milan, RB Salzburg and Benfica.
However, Sociedad have already confirmed their place in the last 16 with two games to spare, thanks to a draw with Inter, a 2-0 win over Salzburg and two victories against Benfica (1-0 and 3-1).
The aforementioned Inter Milan, who are also unbeaten in Group D, deserve recognition, as they are the final of the four teams who have already qualified for the knockouts.
