Finally, after the longest UEFA Champions League in history, we have a winner. Bayern Munich claimed their 6th European title on Sunday evening, defeating PSG 1-0.
Personally, I loved the one-legged format. It made for great drama, similiar to what you’d get from a big international tournament. Remember those?
So, on to next year. As expected the betting is tight, so let’s see who has the most appeal at these early stages.
Ruthless Bayern Fancied Again
Newly crowned European champions Bayern Munich are now joint favourites (9/2) with Manchester City for next seasons UEFA Champions League. The Bavarian side ended PSG’s hopes of a landing a first Champions League trophy with a 1-0 win, courtesy of a Kingsley Coman header. For the first time in the competition’s history, Bayern won all of their 11 games played, amassing 43 goals in the process.
The French side spurned multiple chances to open the scoring. For once, it was Kylian Mbappé who was the main culprit in front of goal. They have never been able to get it quite right in Europe. At 8/1 for next season’s Champions League, there may be better value elsewhere in the market.
City Lack Appeal
Despite a feeble end to this year’s campaign, Manchester City share favouritism with Munich for next seasons Champions League. There’s a long time between now and then, and Pep Guardiola has a huge puzzle to solve if he’s to end City’s Champions League hoodoo.
City have spent millions building this squad, and despite winning the English treble in 18/19, they ended 19/20 trophyless. This will be Pep’s biggest test to date at the Etihad. At 9/2, they aren’t that attractive for next season’s elite title right now.
Liverpool to Bounce Back
Liverpool suffered a blow just before shutdown when they were eliminated from the Champions League by Atletico Madrid. Back-up goalkeeper Adrian was at fault with a couple of errors but ultimately the Reds didn’t make it count despite dominating both legs.
Next season, however, may prove different. Now Premier League champions, the shackles will be off Liverpool, paving the way for them to excel in Europe’s elite competition. At 5/1, they make most appeal at the prices just now.
All Change at Barcelona
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus all seem to be in a state of transition at the moment. Especially the two Spanish clubs. It’s all change at Barca with Ronald Koeman coming in and further changes in personnel are expected. The functional, yet effective Real Madrid are slightly overpriced at 12/1. With some investment that will no doubt shorten.
New Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo goes into his first season of management nailed on for a tenth Serie A title in a row. Can he emulate ex-Juve star Zinedine Zidane and lift the Champions League in his inaugural season? The Italian legend is 12/1 to lead Juventus to a first Champions League title since 1996.
