The playoffs are over, and only sixteen sides remain. Some big clubs have already left the stage, including AC Milan and Manchester City. While fans still argue about whether the format is any good compared to previous tournaments, the time has come to rank the best teams—and the likeliest to win the trophy.
5. Atlético Madrid
Betting odds: 21 (22bet)
Atlético may not be among the top favourites, but they’re always a threat in this competition. A Madrid Derby awaits, with the last encounter ending in a 1-1 draw. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the club deprioritize the Copa del Rey in favour of focusing on La Liga and the Champions League.
This season, improved squad depth has allowed Diego Simeone to introduce fresh attackers late in matches – precisely when opponents tend to lose focus.
Atlético de Madrid finished fifth in the group stage rankings, showcasing the resilience and grit they’re known for. With added talent like Simeone and Julián Álvarez, they could be in for a deep run and have the potential to cause more than a few upsets.
4. Barcelona
Betting odds: 5.4 (22bet)
Barcelona finished second in their Champions League group, just two points behind Liverpool. Although they lost to Monaco in the opener and were held to a draw by Atalanta in their last match, they remain a difficult side to defend against. With Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Pedri, there is no doubt that the Catalans are a feared squad.
While past European campaigns often ended in mental collapses against elite teams, Barcelona’s goalscoring record speaks for itself. They’ve netted 28 goals in eight Champions League games but have also conceded 13 – highlighting their bipolar nature.
Dream big. 🏆 #BarçaAtleti pic.twitter.com/KJYVg1oT2j
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 24, 2025
The second match against Benfica was a perfect example. Trailing by two at half-time, a few tactical tweaks from Hansi Flick led them to a thrilling 5-4 victory.
This volatility could be costly in the knockout stages, where mistakes are more challenging to recover from. However, Barcelona find themselves on the “easier” side of the draw, facing Benfica once again. With few heavyweights blocking their path to the final, they have a legitimate chance.
Tactically, the club boasts one of the most complete midfields in the tournament, with Pedri, Gavi, Fermín López, and Dani Olmo. Unlike in previous years, they now have goal threats beyond their wingers and strikers.
Gavi is game ready. #BarçaAtleti pic.twitter.com/O46ZdfuXuT
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 24, 2025
Hansi Flick has also reintroduced a gegenpressing approach along with an aggressive high line and an offside trap. This strategy has frustrated La Liga teams and has worked in the Champions League as well.
3. Liverpool
Betting odds: 6.4 (22bet)
It would be impossible to exclude the leaders of the group stage, Liverpool. At the beginning of the season, many believed they’d need time to transition from Jürgen Klopp to Arne Slot. However, the change has been seamless, with the squads’ only loss coming in a meaningless match against PSV after they’d already qualified.
Both in the Premier League and the Champions League, Liverpool have proven themselves among the favourites, with Mohamed Salah leading the way. He’s been involved in 60% of the team’s goals. While he was always the star under Klopp, Slot has ensured even more play runs through Salah, explaining the Egyptian’s increased goal contributions.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 25, 2025
The Dutch coach has focused on maximizing individual strengths without compromising collective dynamics. This has led to significant improvements in players like Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.
Defensively, Virgil van Dijk remains an imposing presence. His ability to delay tackles gives Liverpool the time to regroup in case of errors. He’s a key factor in their improved defensive record under Slot.
2. Inter Milan
Betting odds: 12.7 (22bet)
If Real Madrid are the favourites due to mentality and experience, Inter Milan are the likeliest to win on paper. Simone Inzaghi has built a versatile team capable of sitting deep and defending (as seen in the final against Manchester City). They’re also able to play with a risky high line against the same opponent less than a year later.
While Inter Milan may not boast as many stars as Real Madrid, they are a cohesive unit with the ability to adapt. This has become increasingly important in modern football, as fewer coaches adhere to rigid ideologies or tactical philosophies. Instead, most prepare their players for multiple scenarios, allowing them to react to their opponents’ adjustments.
El Niño 🫠#ForzaInter #CoppaItaliaFrecciarossa pic.twitter.com/oP8cJFpBXJ
— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter) February 24, 2025
Inter have Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez—two strikers with distinct profiles. Their wing-backs provide the flexibility to sustain attacks or defend for extended periods.
Unlike Real Madrid, who had to go through the play-offs to qualify for the RO16, Inter Milan lost just one match in the group stage, securing a qualification by finishing in the top eight.
1. Real Madrid
Betting odds: 4.4(22bet)
Like every year, Real Madrid remains my favourite. But not because they are the best side – in fact, they are one of the most inconsistent clubs. Historically, that has never stopped them from winning another Champions League trophy.
While domestic leagues usually determine the most consistent squad, the Champions League still rewards the team that best capitalizes on momentum.
🤯 No words for this level of genius anymore.
✍️ @LukaModric10#LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/3pb2RgVcTm— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 25, 2025
Tactically, Real wouldn’t be in the top ten. However, they’ve started to unleash Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman has found his flow with Vinicius after a problematic start following his arrival six months ago.
Before Mbappé’s arrival, Madrid managed to get through delicate situations with Vinicius Jr as the main star. Now, with Jude Bellingham integrating perfectly into the squad, the club have all the ingredients for the famous Bernabéu comebacks.
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