17 December 2018, by: Leonard Solms

RANKING THE CONTENDERS FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Monday saw the draws for the first knockout round of the UEFA Champions League and Europa League finalised. Here are our tips on the teams to watch in the Champions League.

Juve have consistently challenged for Europe’s most coveted prize in recent seasons, coming up short in the 2014/15 and 2016/17 finals. The signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid appears to have given them the edge needed to topple Los Blancos, who have won the last three tournaments. However, the Old Lady will face a tricky last 16 tie against Atlético Madrid.

PSG made a superstar signing of their own last year in Neymar, but Kylian Mbappé has stolen the show so far this season. Thomas Tuchel’s charges are unbeaten in Ligue 1, and after topping the Champions League group of death over Liverpool, Napoli and Red Star Belgrade, can count themselves relatively fortunate to have drawn out-of-form Manchester United in the last 16.

After dominating the Premier League last season, all Pep Guardiola has to do in order to cement his status as the greatest manager of his generation is lead Manchester City to European glory. Having already won two Champions League titles while in charge of Barcelona, he will have a plan to improve on last season’s quarter-final exit. Few squads, if any, can match City’s depth, and they have been handed a favourable last 16 tie against Schalke 04.

As Liverpool fans love to remind their Manchester United counterparts, they are England’s most successful club in European competitions, with five previous wins in this tournament. Last season, they came agonisingly close to a sixth, losing 3-1 to Real Madrid in a controversy-filled final. Jürgen Klopp, whose Borussia Dortmund side lost the 2012/13 final to Bayern Munich, will be plotting revenge on them in the last 16.

Real Madrid have dominated the Champions League in recent seasons, but Barcelona look the more stable of Spain’s two giants in 2018/19. With Lionel Messi on top form and a seemingly straightforward last 16 draw against Olympique Lyon, it would take a brave punter to bet against Ernesto Valverde’s side.

DARK HORSES: Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund

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Leonard Solms

Leonard Solms is a sports journalist who features regularly on various local and international platforms including ESPN, New Frame, FARPost, Tagged Online and Careers Magazine, as well as this one. He enjoys the occasional bet and the most important tip he can give you is to bet within your means.