Like every year, the Champions League is one of the most exciting things that football fans can look forward to. With the new format this year meaning more games are played, we are more likely to see more of the best teams play each other earlier in the competition. We could see the biggest German team Bayern Munich play the best English team, Manchester City, in the opening week.
Usually, we would need to wait for a match-up like this but the new change gets us the match early. Unfortunately, more games are being played now which is a worry for player health but UEFA cares about their money more than the health of the players.
With that being said, predicting the Semi-Finalists of the Champions League is always one of my favorite things to do when the season starts and this year is so different, so here are the predictions for the semi-finalists of the Champions League.
Manchester City Vs Arsenal
Now, it is very rare that the two teams who are the favorites according to the odds on the Premier League face off in the Champions League, one because normally one team makes it farther than the other and two because luck doesn’t allow it. However, as I was writing this I just had a weird gut feeling that this game would happen and I am not sure why.
Although according to the bookmakers, Manchester City are the favorites for the title, I think that this is Arsenal’s best chance. They have strengthened more than the city and have kept their best players. They currently have fewer injuries and have the motivation. With this in mind, if these two giants face off in the Champions League, I edge it to City but I think either way it would be one of the most exciting games in the tournament.
Real Madrid Vs Bayer Leverkusen
The shock of the season last year was the success of Bayer 04, and success is putting that lightly. They blew the socks off every football fan around the world with an unbeaten record in all the DFB Kopal and the Bundesliga on their way to the title. They also reached the Europa League final with an unbeaten record and were one win away from an unbeaten treble, a feat that will never be replicated again.
Them winning the league was a shock but the manner in which they did it made every fan excited to see how they do this season. Now with Champions League football on the cards and a feeling that they probably can do it, I think we will see Leverkusen give the Champions League everything they have.
On the other hand, I have predicted Madrid, who are an absolute lock to make it to the final, let alone the Semi-Final. Quite similar to the Leverkusen side, the Madristas have just won a double with the league and the Champions League and now they have added to this side one of the best and most sought-after players in the world, Kylian Mbappe.
This is a scary sight for all football fans but also exciting in the same vein. I think this will be a close match and Leverkusen will do surprisingly well in the competition. However, the star power and the inevitably of this Madrid side will make it almost impossible for any team to beat them.
It would not surprise me if next season we see them come close to a treble again or even do it. As always I am excited to see how this unfolds and see who can win what.
