Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, in that order, are the main favorites to win the Champions League after the round of 16 matches, according to bookmakers.
The odds on the Catalans are around 4, on Paris Saint-Germain 4,4, which is slightly less than the estimated chances of the current and 14-time European champion Real Madrid (4,5). Bayern are next (around 6), then Arsenal (8), while Aston Villa (29) and Borussia Dortmund (42) are the only real outsiders before the quarter-final duels, at least when it comes to winning the European title.
Barcelona, apart from their great performance and return to form, which has restored their primacy in La Liga, also has the advantage of having two of their main rivals for the Champions League (at least according to estimates) on the other side of the "skeleton" and facing each other in the semi-finals. So, in order to win the Champions League trophy for the first time since 2015, Barca will not have to eliminate both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, but possibly only one of them, and that in the final.
Tima Hansia FlickHowever, on the way to the desired final, there is definitely a giant waiting for them, because after Borussia Dortmund, which has not shone this season (it is tenth in the Bundesliga table), in the semi-finals they will face Bayern or Inter - former European champions, leaders of the Bundesliga and Serie A, respectively.
Barça has a slight advantage, at least because of the way the player is, even at “Montjuic” while waiting for the adaptation of the new “Camp Nou”.
- I am very pleased with the team's reaction to the away game against Lille, but now we have Barcelona waiting for us - that is a different dimension and a much more complex opponent - he said Niko Kovač, coach of Borussia.
The "Millionaires" were a sensation last season when they reached the final, now it would be a big sensation if they eliminated Barcelona, whose real test before the Munich final could only await them in a clash with Inter or Bayern, giants who are also seeking their path to glory.
On the upper side of the draw, Paris Saint-Germain's "stocks" jumped sharply after a fantastic game against Liverpool, and the frightening form in which the youngest team in the Champions League is, with an average age of just over 23 years.
The odds have jumped so much that most bookmakers rank the "saints" above the indestructible Real, who in the first drama eliminated city rivals Atletico for the fifth time in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
The chances are higher, because Madrid, before the potential semi-final, will face a tougher rival than PSG. A tougher English team awaits them, because it is clear that Arsenal is currently a better team than Aston Villa.
It remains to be seen whether the Parisians' chances will be better if they actually clash with Real Madrid.
This is a "projected" semi-final, on the other side Barca stands out, whoever their eventual rival is - Bayern or Inter.
El Clasico in the Champions League final, for the first time in history? Not just the Champions League, but any European cup.
Yes, it's possible. Is history being made at the Allianz Arena on the last day of May?
Bonus video:
