Another UCL Week: What Are Your Predictions?

It’s a rarity to see UEFA Champions League group stage games follow each other in quick succession. But this season is being fast-tracked (at least, its beginning) after the calendar was disrupted by the outbreak of the pandemic.

And so, for the third week running, fans of the UCL will enjoy action featuring Europe’s best legs, including Cristiano Ronaldo – yes, he’s back with a bang, scoring twice for Juventus over the weekend.

What teams are there to look out for?

1. The High-scoring Sides

Sometimes, getting out of the UCL group stage is more than just the points. In a scenario where teams are tied for points, goals can make all difference in deciding which opponent will be face in the Round of 16. Some teams, knowing this fully well, have started their campaign like a house on fire, scoring as many times as possible.

Barcelona and Manchester United may be enduring false starts in their respective leagues. In the UCL however, they have not been goal-shy. Since the season began, they have scored the most goals, 7.

Three other teams have also managed to score an average of two goals per game – Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Atalanta. As the season enters its third MatchDay, you can expect the goals from these sides.

2. Leaky Defenses

Atletico Madrid is notorious for their ruthlessness on the pitch whenever they play. Their defense, usually one of the best in Europe, has however, conceded five this season already. It is one of the worst any side has managed since the season has started.

Rb Leipzig have also conceded five goals in two games while Ferencvarosi have conceded seven, letting in an average of three goals per game.

3. Teams on a Winning Run

A number of teams are still unbeaten in the competition this season. However, there are some sides that have set themselves apart from the rest by winning all their UCL games so far this season. One of such teams is Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. The Reds’ winning run is made all the more interesting by the fact that they are yet to concede a goal this season.

Bayern Munich and Manchester City are two of the favorites to go all the way in the competition this season. And they have started their campaign on the right foot by winning their first two games of the season. Barcelona and Manchester United are also yet to either draw a game or taste defeat in this campaign.

The UCL anthem will ring loudly again across stadia in Europe. The superstars will come out to play again (and hopefully shine again) underneath dark European skies. Which of these teams do you think will win their games this season? Drop a comment below and join the conversation.