The past 2 months in the soccer world have consisted of many ups and downs. Countless undefeated teams have suffered their first tastes of defeat as others rise up the ranks. As the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 begins in a few days, many tough adversaries and strong rivals will clash to determine the strongest team of 11 in Europe. Among all of the teams competing for the top spot, a few squads stand out. Not only are these teams the best of the best, but they never fail to amuse the masses with their outstanding performances. The following teams have earned a spot as one of the best in Europe in the past by demonstrating their prowess on the field and will no doubt continue to do so.
10. Tottenham Hotspur (-5)
Tottenham has qualified to the Champions League round of 16 while being second in their league to Barcelona. In the round of 16, the Spurs are facing off against Dortmund, the first in Bundesliga, who will probably turn out to be a formidable opponent. Nonetheless, with Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Korean international Son Heung Min, the team has built of a strong offense that has competed against the powerhouses in the Premier League and may do so in the Champions league as well.
9. Bayern Munich (+3)
Being second place in the Bundesliga and first in their group stage, Bayern can be considered one of the strongest and most complete teams in Europe. Their all-round skill and systematic play have helped them win some crucial games and is an important reason why they were at the top of their group. Within the group, however, none of the teams were quite powerhouses. As a result, it was fairly easy for Bayern to stand out and come out on top.
8. Atletico Madrid (+3)
While Atletico was second to Dortmund in Group stages, the competition would be better described as neck and neck. The two teams had the same number of wins, losses, and ties. In the two games they played against Dortmund, they won and lost one each and have even tied against Barcelona in the past which proves that Atletico may prove to be formidable opponents. However, they are facing off against Juventus, a powerhouse with five-time Balon d’Or winner Ronaldo, in the round of 16. This will definitely pose a challenge to the squad. Nonetheless, with Antoine Greizmann and Diego Costa leading the team’s offense, this will surely prove to be an interesting matchup
7. Manchester United (+6)
Although the Red Devils had a bit of a rocky start to this premier league season, which set them back quite a bit, the addition of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the team's manager gave them a kick start. Ever since their new manager, the Devils have not lost a game in the Premier League. Qualifying as second place in their group, Manchester City will be playing PSG in the round of 16. PSG will most definitely prove to be a really tough opponent, however, if the Devils can carry their momentum from the Premier League, they will prevail.
6. Borussia Dortmund (-5)
Dortmund has been on the top of their group stage and the Bundesliga table for a while. With Marco Reus at the center of their plays, Dortmund's balanced play and skill has got them this far. In the round of 16, Dortmund will be playing Atletico, who they've both lost to and one against. This rivalry between true equals will provide us with yet another amusing match to look forward to.
5. FC Barcelona (+1)
Here is another team that was on top of both their league and group in the champions league. Needless to say, the Barcelona squad is full of capable players led by five-time Balon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi who has never failed to give us a show. This is a relatively high ranking for Barcelone, but the were place at #5 because of their draw with Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinals. Barca will be going against Lyon, a team that's not known to be a big powerhouse. As a result, this is predicted to be an easy win for Barcelona, naturally being the crowd favorite. However, Lyon may still prove to be a challenging adversary.
4. Paris Saint Germain (-)
PSG has been the unprecedented king of Ligue One all this season. Having lost only once to the likes of Lyon recently, the players of PSG have proved themselves against weak and tough opponents alike. In the round of 16, PSG will be facing the Devils who have built up quite the momentum to win this match. However, with Neymar Jr. and Young Player of last Year Kylian M’bappe, PSG have just as much chance at victory. Due to their loss at their first domestic competition game of the season, PSG was placed at #4.
3. Liverpool (-1)
Liverpool is second place in both the Premier League and their group. A loss in January to Manchester City gave them their first taste of defeat and ended their momentum. In the round of 16, the Reds will be facing Bayern Munchen, who similar to them, place second in their league. This game is sure to be an interesting matchup with equally talented players such as Mo Salah and James Rodriguez on each side
2. Manchester City (+1)
Manchester City has been competing for the top place in the Premier League with Liverpool. As of right now, Manchester City has the #1 spot in the premier league. However, it is very possible and likely that this might change. The Sky Blues will be competing against Schalke 04 in the Round of 16. With Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, and Aguero in the offense and De Bruyne in the Midfield, City is sure to provide Schalke with an obstacle.
1. Juventus (+3)
Juventus is no doubt the best team in Europe as of right now. While having the top spot in their group and in Serie A, Juventus has never failed to wow the crowd. Ever since the addition to the Ronaldo to the roster, Juventus has been winning more and more games. They are one of almost none other teams that are still undefeated in their league, this far into the season. However, winning the Serie A is a task that has been accomplished by the squad of Juventus many times in the past. Nevertheless, Juventus has not yet managed to win a Champions League title. But this is the first time they are playing in the Champions League with a five-time Balon d’Or winner in their squad. Juventus may not get a better chance than this to win the Champions League title for the first time.
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