Barcelona, Arsenal and Inter the teams to beat
Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter and PSG continue to prove why this season they are the best teams and most difficult to beat in Europe. These four clubs boast having strengths in defense, midfield creativity and control as well as attacking dominance. All these factors have gone on to support why these four teams could try their luck and go all the way in the Champions League. All teams also managed to secure an immediate spot in the Champions League knockout round through the league phase. With all these teams boasting strong qualities and strong squads it makes it much more unpredictable in determining the best team.
Blaugrana back at the top
After a few rough seasons the Blaugrana have managed to put themselves back at the pinnacle of football. Flick’s main focal point has been on establishing high press, direct play, intensity and the rebirth of their tiki-taka playing style. This has seen the Catalans score a whooping 145 goals in 48 matches. Raphinha one of the notable names for Barcelona seemed on his way out of last season after two frustrating seasons. However he has been revived under Flick scoring 28 goals in all competitions proving a key member of their attack. Pedri is another name that has been on the lips of many football spectators. His ability to control the tempo of the game and pick a pass has been one of the many reasons Barcelona win games so easily. Not to mention Yamal’s ability to beat defenders one on one then accelerate past them.
Inter’s defense hard to break down
Inter’s pragmatic defensive style has seen them keep a compact shape and stay organized at the back something the italians are known for. This makes them a difficult opposition for any attack to face as they often know how to defend a lead and sit back and defend. Their offensive transitions and their direct play has also seen their attack thrive creating a perfect balance around attack and defense. The Nerazzuri only conceded 1 goals in 8 games in the Champions League leag further highlighting their reliance on strong defending. Inter also has one of the most formidable forwards in the world Lautaro Martinez who often proves to be the difference maker for the Italians.
Arsenal looking like an all round balanced team
Arsenal have managed to create a well balanced squad that can control the midfield as well as defend. These attributes have seen Arsenal become a tough team to beat. They recently recorded a famous victory over Real Madrid that saw Rice score two direct free kick goals. Arsenal have had their main forwards injured with Jesus and Havertz out for the season. However that has not proved to be much of as much of an issue as first though as Merino has notched in 6 goals in 9 games proving to be a reliable false 9. They also have Saka and Martinelli who know how to drift in the box and create chances. Arsenal has also been known to disorganize the opposition’s shape and exploit loose spaces. We often saw them do that against Real Madrid which allowed them to create chances and nearly saw them win by more.
PSG seen as the darkhorses at the start of the season
PSG will fancy their chances of going all the way in the Champions League as they stand a better chance with improved tactics. Les Parisiens have more of a team identity and managed to find balance all around their team. Moreover the players seem like they want to play for Enrique. The Spaniard has managed to create a positive environment around the PSG camp which has many dreaming of a first UCL. The overload in the midfield and the flanks as well as their attacking dominance have made them a team to fear in Europe. Their success could also be largely attributed their team no longer being centred around individuals but around a team. Enrique has also unlocked Dembele’s potential by giving him a role where he can move more freely. This has seen him score 32 goals in 41 games after a frustrating debut season at PSG.
