Every season, Europe’s premier club competition serves up a surprise package.
From Atletico Madrid to Porto, there is always a team that takes the competition by surprise. So which club could go under the radar this season and perhaps snatch the title?
Paris Saint-Germain
PSG are not quite the underdogs with a decent record in the Champions League, reaching the quarter-finals consistently since 2012. However, despite their funding, they have never proven that they are a true member of the European elite having yet to win the competition. This season may be the perfect opportunity to strike. The French champions have a wonderful squad, but their latest signing may be the catalyst that sends them to European glory. Angel Di Maria is a veteran of the Champions League, having helped Real Madrid to La Decima two seasons ago and is a welcome addition to Laurent Blanc’s team. Many had written off the Argentine after a relatively poor season at Manchester United, but with a boost of confidence, Di Maria could help PSG sneak further through the Champions League than previous years.
Arsenal
Arsenal have suffered many years of disappointment in the Champions League, having failed to progress past the round of 16 since 2010. In fairness to the Gunners, they have had poor luck with the draw, encountering Bayern Munich and Barcelona in three of the past five seasons. The 2014-15 season was a poor one for Arsenal. Despite coming second in the group stages, the North Londoners collapsed in the round of 16 against Monaco, losing 3-1 at home. The away leg of the tie showed promise but the 2-0 win was too little, too late, but it proved that Arsenal have the ability to overcome the top teams in Europe. Arsene Wenger will need to call upon that second leg performance in every Champions League game if he and his team have any hope of progressing. Star players Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have had ample time to settle and the signing of Champions League winner Petr Cech is a signal that the Arsenal squad is ready to challenge the best in Europe.
VfL Wolfsburg
The Wolves had one of their best seasons in 2014-15, finishing second and deservedly earning a Champions League spot. Wolfsburg have a good chance of success in the Champions League if they can get the best out of a fantastic squad. Dieter Hecking will be hoping that Bas Dost hits another purple patch as he did in the second half of last season. The Dutchman scored 16 goals in 21 appearances to finish as the club’s top scorer and World Cup winner Andre Schurrle could prove to be a vital cog in the team. In a blow, however, Le Wolfe have lost prized asset Kevin De Bruyne to Manchester City. That hole in the squad could be to their detriment if it cannot be filled on deadline day.
Sevilla
Sevilla qualified for the Champions League by winning the Europa League for a record fourth time. The Red and Whites have been weakened by the losses of Aleix Vidal and Carlos Bacca but have remedied this by signing Ciro Immobile on loan. Manager Unai Emery has worked wonders with the team since he took over in 2013, finishing fifth in La Liga and taking back-to-back Europa League titles. If he can replicate their sensational Europa League form on the Champions League stage, Sevilla may cause a few upsets.
[interaction id=”55e3f6b0d126414f210da67d”]
Of course, the title of dark horse may not fall to any of these teams. As is often the case with football, anything can happen. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona will be gunning for the final, but there is always room for the underdog.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
