The greatest club competition in the world i.e., the UEFA Champions League, has begun, with some great matches and surprising results in the group stage. The competition will be the last to use the group stage structure, as UEFA plans to implement a new league system beginning next season. But the question on everyone’s mind is: who are the favorites to lift the iconic trophy in May 2024? Let’s find out.
1. Manchester City
After winning the treble and creating history last season, the high-flying English champions are the favorites to defend their title. They have dominated Group G, easily winning both games against Crvena Zvedza and Young Boys. They have a dynamic and star-studded team that includes players like Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, and Phil Foden, led by the brilliant Pep Guardiola. They have a formidable defense as well, led by Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, and John Stones. They have added more depth to their squad this season and look unbeatable.
2. Bayern Munich
The German powerhouse looks good once again as they try to bring the trophy back to Munich. They have performed brilliantly so far in Group A, defeating Manchester United and Copenhagen. With Harry Kane, Leroy Sane, and Thomas Muller, they have a devastating attack full of experience and speed. They also have a strong and talented midfield lineup that includes Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Kingsley Coman.
3. Real Madrid
The Kings of Champions League are once again heavy favorites to lift the crown. In Group C, they have been dominant, winning both games against Union Berlin and Napoli. Carlo Ancelotti has great experience leading his side in this competition, having won it twice with AC Milan and Real Madrid. Real’s squad is well-balanced and in top shape, featuring veterans such as Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and David Alaba. Vinicius Junior, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jude Bellingham are among his young stars who can make the difference when it matters the most.
4. Barcelona
The Spanish champions have made good progress this season in terms of the quality of their squad and their play. They have gone undefeated in Group H, winning both games against Antwerp and Porto. Xavi Hernandez, who won the competition as a player in 2009 and 2015, has taken over as manager. Xavi has restored Barcelona’s famous possession-based style of play. He also has several outstanding players at his disposal, including stars like Pedri, Robert Lewandowski, and Gavi. This could finally be Barca’s year as they look to end their eight-year wait for the trophy.
5. PSG
Despite a terrible record in the competition, the French champions are one of the favorites to win the title. In Group F, they have been beating Borussia Dortmund and getting convincingly beaten by Newcastle United. As always, they possess a star-studded squad that includes Kylian Mbappe, Ousmanne Dembele, and Goncalo Ramos. In addition to Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, they have other strong players in different positions. Luis Enrique, their new manager, is yet to identify the perfect system for his club, but the team will improve as time progresses.
According to the stats and booking odds, these are the top five clubs to win the UEFA Champions League in 2023–24. Other teams, though, could oppose them or pull off surprises along the way.
What are your thoughts on these predictions? Who do you believe will win the 2023–24 UEFA Champions League?
