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This season, the Champions League has the makings of being one of the best tournaments yet with all the big names on show and some new faces that are not afraid to splash the cash in the transfer market.
Back in May, Chelsea upset all the odds to lift the trophy and their victory will give so many teams hope going into the competition. They showed that with good organisation, a desire to win and perhaps a bit of luck – you can go far.
It was Bayern Munich who they beat in the final despite the German side dominating much of the game. This season, Bayern are sure to be out for revenge and looking to go one better.
Barcelona and Real Madrid will yet again be the two side’s that everyone is tipping as the favourites.
Both crashed out of the tournament in the semi-final last time out, something that would have surprised many.
Barcelona will be relying on Lionel Messi to come up with something special again this season. He managed 14 goals in the Champions League last season.
As for Real, Cristiano Ronaldo is the main man for them and will be desperate for Champions League success – he scored ten goals in the previous competition.
Manchester City and Manchester United will want to do a lot better than what they managed in the last campaign.
Both were eliminated in the group stages and would have been incredibly disappointed.
It was the Citizens debut season in the Champions League and they are sure to come back stronger now with the experience they have.
As for United, they have added players to their squad in the transfer market and are likely to have more strength in depth this year.
Then you have big spenders PSG, German Champions Borussia Dortmund and Serie A winners Juventus who will also fancy their chances in Europe’s elite club competition.
Tournament Winner
At the moment it is Barcelona who are the current favourites to lift the trophy with odds of 4.50 (7/2) with BetFred.
Real Madrid are then another big contender and VC Bet are offering odds of 5.00 (4/1) on them winning the tournament.
With their spending power, Manchester City are not to be taken lightly, you can back them at 8.00 (7/1) with Paddy Power.
Manchester United are available at 13.00 (12/1) with Bet365.
Recommended Bet
After showing their intention in the transfer market, PSG could really cause a few surprises this season. If they are still in the tournament come January then they can add more names to the squad. The French side lifting the trophy is being offered at 17.00 (16/1) with StanJames.
