2017-18 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FAVOURITES
The new season of the most prestigious European competition kicks off today with mouthwatering matches to be played all across Europe in designated locations.  Just as last season we picked out the top favourites among the 32 teams gunning for the ultimate prize in which one of our favourites teams went on to clinch the title in Cardiff, which was the Real side of Madrid making it 12 titles in all, and also setting a record not only as the team with the most trophy but as the first team to win the competition back to back since the name of the competition was changed in 1992.
Likewise we will be doing the same this season; we have our favourite teams to win the 26th edition of the UCL.
REAL MADRID
The Spanish giants are the most successful team when it comes to the European club competition with 12titles to boast of and are also the defending champions having getting the better of Serie A giants Juventus in Cardiff with a 4-1 thumping. The Los Blancos did what was termed impossible by making it a back to back win. We can say they are favourite among the favourites to lift the trophy once again having won it on three occasions in the last four editions. Much has been said about the Zidane’s men breaking and setting records since the Frenchman takes over as the coach. After selling Morata to Chelsea, Mariano Diaz to Olympique Lyonnais and also sent James Rodriguez on loan to Bayern Munich for 2 years, Real Madrid added Theo Hernandez from archrivals Atletico Madrid who spent last season on loan at Alaves, also Dani Ceballos from Real Betis. With the emergence of Marco Asensio, Isco and also the attacking trident of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo popularly known as BBC all eyes will be on them if they can make it three in a row.

BARCELONA
 Another Spanish giant on the list is the Catalan side Barcelona. Over the years they have been one of the most consistent team in UCL lifting the trophy 5times. The Catalans are one of the much talked about team in this summer’s transfer window in which they acquired the services of Ernesto Valverde as their new coach from Athletic Bilbao, sold one of their most prized asset in the person of Neymar to PSG for a world record fee of €222million and also adding the likes of Deulefeu who is bought back from Everton, Paulinho from China, Nelson Semedo from Benfica, coughing up a whooping sum of €150million for the youngster Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund who took over the number 11 jersey at the Catalunya side. Barcelona still has the likes of Lionel Messi the 5 times balon d’or winner, Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, and Sergio Busquets to bank on in this year’s competition.

BAYERN MUNICH
Just like Barcelona, the Bavarians have successfully lifted the UCL on 5 occasions most recently in 2013. They lost controversially last season at quarter final stage to the eventual winners Real Madrid. The German side were able to keep hold of their players this summer but sent Renato Sanches on loan to Swansea but added Sebastian Rudy and Niklas Suele both from Hoffenhaim, Corentin Tolisso from Olympique Lyonnais, James Rodriguez on loan from Real Madrid. They can bank on the experience of their current coach being one the most successful coaches in the competition.

JUVENTUS
Having made it to the finals on twice in the last three seasons the old ladies lost to a Spanish opposition in both finals but still pose a threat to other favourites in this year’s competition. The Turin side added Blaise Matuidi, De Sciglio, Douglas Costa and Szczeny to their squad but pathed ways with Bonucci who joined fellow Italian side AC Milan. The in-form attacker, Paulo Dybala has been firing in all cylinders scoring 7 goals in 4 games already this season, Allegri can be rest assured that he cannot only bank on his defensive strength but also his attacking prowess this season.

PARIS SAINT GERMAIN (PSG)
One of the most talked about team in the summer if not the most talked about team will be hoping their spending spree at the transfer market will yield result for them this season. Acquiring the services of Neymar from Barcelona in a deal worth €222million,Dani Alves from Italian giants Juventus and also adding Kylian Mbappe who will initially come on loan from their archrivals Monaco with an option to buy next summer. The two marquee signings joins Edinson Cavani in a new attacking trident that is ready to lighten up the European competition, their first game together was a success with the three getting all the five goals in the 1-5 thumping of Guingamp over the weekend. Unai Emery will be relying on the three strikers to help him the trophy for the first time after successfully leading Sevilla to three consecutives Europa League trophy.

MANCHESTER UNITED
After missing out of the competition last season and settling for a position at the second fiddle European Club competition, many would be surprise with the inclusion of the last winners of the Europa League as one of the favourites. Knowing fully well that the United side of Manchester qualified for the competition through winning the Europa League not making it directly from the league process. The Red Devils boast of one of the best managers when it comes to club football and he knows how to compete well when it comes to champions league football in the person of Jose Mourinho. With the likes of Paul Pogba, David De gea  and also adding the likes of Romelu Lukaku from Everton, Victor Lindelof from Benfica, The Veteran Zlatan Ibrahimovic recently given a year contract, Manchester United can add to their 3 UCL titles if they can make it all the into the finals come 28th of May 2018.


All eyes will be on the ultimate prize come 28th of May 2018 at The Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex, Kiev, Ukraine to see which team will eventually be crowned the Champions of the 2017-18 Uefa Champions League Competition.

                        
                                                                                            By: Raphael Olumide Abiola
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