1
MANCHESTER CITY
Venue: Etihad Stadium in Manchester England
Uniform: Light blue shirts
Nickname:The Citizens
Past Legendary Players: Sergio Agüero and Vincent Kompany
Current Stars: Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish
Why they can win the Championship: They have, perhaps, the best coach in the world with Pep Guardiola. Their players are all of international caliber. Manchester City are currently leaders in the Premier League.
2
BAYERN MUNICH
Home:Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany
Uniform: Red shirts
Nickname: The Bavarians
Past Legendary Players: Franz Beckenbauer and Lothar Matteus
Current Stars: Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski
Why they can win the championship: They recently scored seven goals against Salzburg FC to demonstrate their offensive firepower. This legendary German team plays with machine-like precision.
3
REAL MADRID
Venue: Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid Spain
Uniform: White shirts
Nickname: The Whites
Past Legendary Players: Alfredo Di Stefano and Zinedine Zadane
Current Stars: Karim Benzema and Luka Modric
Why they can win the championship: This Spanish team has in their history no less than 13 Champions League trophies, more than any other team. They have experience and a winning mentality.
4
CHELSEA
Home: Stamford Bridge Stadium in London, England
Uniform: Blue Jerseys
Nickname: The Blues
Past Legendary Players: Frank Lampard and John Terry
Current Stars: Romelu Lokaku and Christian Pulisic
Why they can win the championship: The defending champions bring almost the same team to the tournament with the goal of winning again.
5
LIVERPOOL
Home: Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England
Uniform: Red shirts
Nickname: The Reds
Past Legendary Players: Kenny Daglish and Steven Gerrard
Current Stars: Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz
Why they can win the championship: The football club from the city where the legendary rock band The Beatles were formed have a solid defense and a dangerous scoring duo of strikers. Liverpool are a very balanced team.
6
VILLAREAL
Home: El Madrigal Stadium in Villareal
Uniform: Yellow Shirts
Nickname: Yellow Submarine
Past Legendary Players: Diego Forlán and Roman Riquelme
Current Stars: Giovani Lo Celso and Gerard Moreno
Why they can win the championship: Last month’s dominating 3-0 win against Juventus to reach the quarter finals has given this Spanish club confidence to perhaps become the surprise team of the tournament.
7
BENFICA
Home: Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal
Uniform: Red shirt
Nickname: The Eagles
Past Legendary Players: Rui Costa, Eusebio
Current Stars: Nicolas Otamendi and Rafa Silva
Why they can win the championship: Portugal’s most storied team has won the Champions League twice in their history. A possible Champions League title number three is in its sights as the team has steadily improved throughout this tournament. Their surprising victory against Dutch team Ajax last month was impressive.
8
ATLETICO MADRID
Home: Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain
Uniform: Red and White vertical striped shirt
Nickname: Mattress Makers
Past Legendary Players: Diego Simeone and Hugo Sanchez
Current Stars: Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suarez
Why they can win the championship: The third most successful Spanish club behind Real Madrid and Barcelona is peaking at the right time. Convincing win against Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United last month elevated their chances to win the tournament.