The draw for the 2023-2024 knockout stage has turned each soccer fanatic’s consideration to the much-awaited remaining to be held on 1st June 2024. The battle traces have been drawn as soon as once more as Europe’s greatest soccer competitors enters its final levels.
Though we must wait till February earlier than the competitors returns, the nervousness is already palpable as the large boys of European soccer and the underdogs likewise odor a possibility to get their names inked within the annals of historical past as among the many biggest to have ever performed on European soil.
The knockout stage or the spherical of 16 as it’s also recognized will see 16 groups battle it out for the 8 slots within the quarter-finals. The fortunate 8 will then sweat it out to be among the many 4 that may play within the semi-finals the place the perfect two must sq. it out at Wembley for the perfect crew in Europe title.
On this article, we analyze all 16 groups and rank them from who’s least prone to raise the trophy come June to probably the most favorites. For all of your soccer bets together with for the Champions League use GGbet for probably the most aggressive odds wherever. Go to the location or obtain the ggbet app and revel in soccer betting like by no means earlier than.
The Underdogs
Lazio
Lazio certified as quantity 2 from the group levels in a gaggle that included group winners Atletico Madrid, Feyenoord and Celtic. They placed on an excellent efficiency to qualify however can’t appear to be constant and put collectively a good run of type that’s essential to carry out properly within the Champions League. A match-up towards Bayern places their hopes of progressing doubtful.
RB Leipzig
Leipzig carried out properly within the group levels after shedding solely two video games towards Man Metropolis. They’ve had an excellent run within the Bundesliga profitable their final 4 video games. Going through them is all the time a frightening activity however their draw towards Actual Madrid seems like an excessive amount of for them to chew.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen defied all odds to qualify from a reasonably powerful group that included Bayern Munich, Galatasaray, and Man United. Their coach has instilled a spirit of fearlessness within the crew, one thing they are going to want as they play towards Man Metropolis within the knockouts.
Napoli
Napoli’s type domestically has not been spectacular already having misplaced 5 video games out of 16 which is greater than they collectively misplaced final season. They certified second from a reasonably easy group behind Actual Madrid and have been paired with FC Barcelona. To beat Barcelona in a two-leg recreation will want a variety of enchancment from their facet.
The Lengthy Shorts
FC Barcelona
Just like Napoli, Barcelona too has been struggling domestically. They got here prime of their group within the group levels though unconvincingly, however have all the time been recognized to show issues round and produce prime performances when required.
Porto
Porto progressed from their group alongside Barcelona and will have led the group had been it not for the 2 defeats they suffered by the hands of the Spanish facet. They’ve been matched up towards in-form Premier League leaders Arsenal and the percentages look barely towards them.
PSG
After the Messi period, PSG has been attempting to select up the items however all the time seems a second away from catastrophe. They wanted to dig deep and draw with Dortmund to qualify second of their group. They go into the knockouts as favorites towards Actual Sociedad however you may’t be assured they are going to come out victorious.
Actual Sociedad
Actual Sociedad stunned everybody with their unbeaten run towards Inter, Benfica, and RB Salzburg within the group stage. Additionally they produced nice defensive shows conceding solely two objectives. The technical capability of its gamers was additionally spectacular making their conflict with PSG one to sit up for.
Contenders
Dortmund
Dortmund impressively gained the group of loss of life and appeared to make use of the Champions League as a distraction to a nasty begin to their marketing campaign within the Bundesliga. From earlier expertise, Dortmund may cause an upset to any crew with their free play and we wait to see how far they are going to progress.
Manchester Metropolis
Manchester Metropolis certified prime of their group though they didn’t hit the highest type we’ve related them with. Their type has additionally been poor within the latest Premier League video games however you may’t simply write them off. They play harmful attacking soccer and on an excellent day can dismantle any defence.
PSV Eindhoven
PSV stay unbeaten of their league and put up good performances of their group qualifying second towards an important Arsenal facet. Additionally they suffered just one defeat. They’re a free-scoring crew with greater than 10 gamers of their squad having three objectives already this season. Their star seems brilliant and we are able to solely wait to see how far they are going to progress.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico has all the time been a tricky crew to play towards. They scored 17 objectives of their group coming second to solely Man Metropolis who had extra group stage objectives. Their defensive self-discipline and attacking prowess all the time produce outcomes no matter who they’re dealing with.
Favorites
Actual Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti’s facet has solely suffered one loss to this point throughout all competitions. This plus their unbeaten run within the group stage reveals they’re a power to reckon with. Who is aware of could also be they are going to go all they as we’ve change into accustomed to.
Bayern Munich
Bayern made the group stage appear to be youngster’s play with convincing performances that showcased why they’re a prime crew. Harry Kane can’t appear to cease scoring, including a deadly side to their recreation. They’ve had defensive lapses just like the latest one towards Frankfurt that noticed them go 5 down however they all the time choose themselves up and reply when required.
Arsenal
Arsenal has began to silence their doubters with nice performances each within the Premier League and Champions League. They appear to by no means settle for being overwhelmed with their late objectives and attacking soccer that’s leaving groups tattered. They’ve a profitable mentality that they’re but to show into trophies. Will this be their yr?
Inter Milan
Inter Milan seems to construct on their expertise from final yr’s defeat on the finals to trigger an upset this yr. They’re enjoying spectacular soccer with a squad wealthy in depth, expertise and tactical prowess. They rating when they need and are tough to interrupt down. This will simply be their yr.
Originally posted 2023-12-21 11:28:33.