Favourites to steal Liverpool’s Champions League throne after Ro16 1st leg
Before the tournament kicked off, as well as during the campaign, Man City has always been mentioned as the favourites to take it.
After their victory over the 13-times champions, it seems Pep Guardiola is homing in on his goal for UCL gold. Their 2-1 over Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu places them right at the top of the winners’ list.
With Sergio Ramos receiving his 26th red card in his career against Man City, Madrid could be in doom. If he is out, they will have a huge problem keeping out Kevin De Bruyne and co. What counts in their favour heavily, they only have the Champions League to concentrate.
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Liverpool’s already 22 points clear at the top of the Premier League standings and has four games remaining before they are officially named as Premier League champs. This will give Pep and his boys all the time to work and focus on Champions League football.
Another reason counting in City’s favour, they have their main man Aymeric Laporte back in defence. The Spanish manager has been after this trophy for years and wants major silverware after missing out on the EPL title. They have recently been crowned EFL Cup champions for the third consecutive season under Pep.
Worth the mention
Yes, Atalanta demonstrated some special football when hammering Valencia 4-1. Their fairytale looks far from over, but their pick of the round of 16 draw was surely a kind one. They have the goods to be the Ajax of last season.
Related Story. Power Ranking the 4 EPL teams in the UCL. light
Both them and Olympique Lyon are enjoying their footballing lives as they rock the world. This is arguably the most upsets in one round of Champions League football we have ever witnessed.