Champions League: A clean slate and a shot at permanent glory

Forget about the ruckus in the media about Sir Alex Ferguson having big plans to stop Barcelona after hundreds of days plotting against them and forget about the dossier that he got on Lionel Messi and his weaknesses. Barcelona is like one of those X-Men called Juggernaut, unstoppable when in full force. Problem is, they also have the powers of Magneto; when all their passes stick and shots end up in the back of the net and to put a stop to this power, it takes a one-off performance of unbelievable heights. So when the Battle for Europe begins with the first match-days this week, the slates are wiped and it is an opportunity for clubs to add permanent glory to their history. I have tried to narrow my search for the top teams who could win the Champions League, and I have taken the express liberty of adding a few out of the box sides I feel should do well, alongside a wee bit of analysis of group winners. Favourites: Barcelona, still hungry, still smooth, still classy and now stronger with the additions of Alexis Sanchez, Cesc Fabregas and the emergence of a world-class talent in Thiago Alcantara. Sad as it may sound to my beloved keyboard — where half of my life passes either following football or taking a Manchester United squad past season 2018-19 in Football Manager to their 10th Champions League title — in reality, Barcelona are the Kings of Europe. It may be an insult to their neighbours, the noisy Madrid version who splash the government’s secure cash on the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and who have won a record 9 Champions League titles, but the golden era of Barcelona shall flourish at least for now. [caption id=“attachment_82569” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Barcelona is like one of those X-Men called Juggernaut, unstoppable when in full force. AP Photo”] [/caption] Real Madrid, yes, are my second favourites. With the Kaka-like Turk Sahin, a more mature left back in Fabio Contreao and Karim Benzema firing on all cylinders, it looks like they can go all the way. One player I must mention here is Mesut Ozil, who I think is one of the best midfielders in the world at the moment. Keeping aside his statistics, which are not bad at all, it is his flair and creativity which can take any football fan’s breath away. Add to that a solid defence line and Madrid have a typical squad full of stars who just cannot seem to play together! But if they can — and Mourinho sure has the ability to do that — I do not see why he cannot win his 3rd Champions League winners’ medal. Manchester United could easily be my first choice, but I like being the underdog team in Europe, therefore not being too disappointed at the end of it all. This year, the team looks strong, raring to go and decimating teams in front of them. But then again, it is too early. If they can keep going at the rate they are and if Wayne Rooney can continue being an absolute marvel in front of the goal, the chances are high. Not only that, but the emergence of Phil Jones, my future tip for captain of club and country is another asset. Not to mention their most potent weapon — belief. And of course, Sir Alex. Against Barcelona though, they must take a different approach this time around. Very different, especially if they want to come up trumps. Manchester City, and not Chelsea, take my fourth spot for a possibly long trip through the championship. Outside the box, yes, but purely possible, given the tremendous squad they have and the ability Roberto Mancini has to forge them into a team. With Sergio Aguero, a personal favourite and Edin Dzeko coming of age in England, this team is one to watch out for. Samir Nasri and David Silva have age and ability on their side and Yaya Toure the experience over the years. City, in a nutshell, are contenders, with or without experience. Continues on the next page Outside chance: The giant Milanos from Italy surely fit the bill. More Inter though, because of their ability to keep the talismanic Wesley Sneijder and getting a top loan deal in Mauro Zarate. That is correct, Zarate, the player who was at Birmingham City for 14 games. AC Milan are in this list purely because of their record in the league. Otherwise, they have to work pretty hard. Borussia Dortmund are my outside chance team of the league. Fresh from a league winning campaign and a youthful squad made out of the most notable talents of Neven Subotic and Mario Gotze, this team could spark a surprise! Bayern Munich shall be spoken in the same breath because of their inability to convert their most golden chances into championships. Their best players remain with them and their chances to win are as similar as they were two years ago. On the other hand, I believe their squad may have more togetherness and maturity this time around than before and you never know from what direction an Arjen Robben volley comes and breaks your hearts. Muller, Toni Kroos and Badstuber are all looking good and this might just be the time to shine. I would really like to say Arsenal, Lyon, Ajax and Villareal all stand a chance, but it is not happening. With Arsenal in transition and the rest of the clubs more of selling ones than those who have the ability to retain their best, it will be hard. I might have to eat my hat at the end of the Champions League, but well, take a bet.