UEFA Champions League: Top-five teams to watch out for
The grand spectacle of football is all set to unfold with the giants ready to fight till the final minute in a bid to claim the coveted title.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: September 16, 2013 09:17 PM IST
The 58th edition of the UEFA Champions League - a tournament once termed by Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho as more competitive than the FIFA World Cup - will begin from Tuesday. Here are the top-five teams to watch out for in the highly-anticipated event that has fans glued to every action, each year.
5. MANCHESTER UNITED
The Red Devils have a new manager after 26 years in David Moyes, who is making his Champions League debut and while that might not inspire much confidence, the likes of Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney sure do with their skillful magic on the pitch. The EPL defending champions will look to allay ghosts of the past - the team was knocked out in the round of 16 last season.
4. CHELSEA
The 'Special One' is back. Even though his nickname has changed to the 'Happy One', there is little happiness in Jose Mourinho's time in the Champions League, in the previous three editions. The Blues will be hoping to change all of that and repeat their performance from 2011-12 - the year they lifted the trophy. Mourinho though wasn't a part of the team then.
3. REAL MADRID
The Galacticos lived up to their tradition of being big-money spenders by shelling out 100 million euros for Gareth Bale. Pair him with Cristiano Ronaldo, and one gets a 'Real' combination. New manager Carlo Ancelotti will have his task cut out in dealing with the big names in a way which helps the unit as a whole, deliver a strong performance and earn its first title in 11 years.
2. BARCELONA
The Camp Nou side has the two biggest names in football right now - Neymar and Lionel Messi. In addition, the club also has a new manager Gerardo Martino which means once again this year, Barcelona enter Champions League as one of the strong favourites. With two titles in the last five years, Barcelona will be the team to beat and competitors will be devoting an entire chapter in their strategy books to this side, in particular.
1. BAYERN MUNICH
Bayern Munich this year, have what Barcelona don't - Pep Guardiola and his rich experience.
The reigning champions won the treble last season and the addition of Guardiola's expertise will further cement their challenge. Then there are the on-field heroes like Arjen Robbin and Frank Ribery who will continue to pose the biggest threat. In fact, experts believe that Bayern could become the first club since 1990 to defend the title.