5 clubs that are contenders to win UEFA Champions League 2023/24

The 2023/24 edition of the UEFA Champions League has started with a bang. Almost all the teams that were expected to perform well are well on track to be some of the contenders to win the title. It is Europe's most prestigious tournament and arguably the biggest league in Football over the years. Every club would love to win the title to be proven the best team in the world. For that to happen, the players would be ready to give everything and contribute to the success of the team.

So far, most of the teams have played their first 5 matches in the league. At this point, it is not that easy to predict anything about the future of the league. But given how well they have played in the tournament till now, a conclusion can be made about the gameplay, which might be the closest for the respective clubs to take them far in the league. Some of the topmost teams in the history of the league have been in very good form before the all-important rounds get started. 

Here are the five clubs that are contenders to win the UEFA Champions League 2023/24. 

5. Bayern Munich 

FC Bayern Munich have started their campaign on a very good note. They have been one of the best teams in Europe, but could not quite perform at the Champions League in the last couple of seasons. In the 2019/20 season, they won the title. The focus from them would be to replicate the feat. It seems like they are on a mission to do the same. In their 5 games so far, Munich has 4 wins and a draw to their name. They are yet to lose a match in the league and top Group A as of now.

The decision to let go of Lucas Hernandez was not ideal. But they got Kim Min-jae, who has been good for them till now. Bayern has a good coach in Thomas Tuchel, who can help them in the Knockout stage of the tournament with his unique formations. He had helped Chelsea to win the Champions League in the 2020/21 season despite joining the club in the second half. The Bavarians have some very good players like Kimmich, Musiala, Gnabry, Coman, Sane, Davies and so on. 

4. Arsenal 

Arsenal was one of the best teams in England's top league in the previous season. They were very close to beating Manchester City in the previous season. Regardless, they impressed everyone with their performance in the last season. This time around, they seemed to have continued their performances. In their 5 matches in the group stage of the season so far, they have won 4 matches and lost one to top their group. Group B, they are likely to proceed further.

The Gunners have got some talented players this time around. Some of them seem to be the future greats. The likes of Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Jurrien Timber make their unit a lot stronger. Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus have continued their good form in the club, which has helped them big time. If they can maintain the momentum by performing the same way they have till now in the tournament, they can go far in the season without a doubt.

3. Manchester City

Manchester City can never be counted out, particularly since the last season, when they achieved the treble. The inclusion of Erling Haaland has been a boon for the club, which has changed everything for them. Haaland is now the superstar of the sport and has been the fastest to score 50 goals for the club, which is insane, to say the least. It is nothing different this time around either, as they look good for defending their title. It is that man, Haaland, who has been in sensational form yet again.

In their 5 games in the season, the defending champions have won all of them and have lost none. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, the Cityzens have become a force to reckon with. Gundogan is a big miss for sure, but they would be hoping for Mateo Kovacic to come good. Some of the players in the team like Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, and Ruben Dias are in good form, along with Haaland. If they can continue the juggernaut, they will be unstoppable.

2. FC Barcelona 

FC Barcelona

was criticized a lot when they left Lionel Messi to go to PSG. Some of the fans of the club were unsure of the future of the club. Since then, Barcelona have not been as good as they were once. Yet, they have held their own to remain one of the top clubs in Europe. The Spanish club won La Liga in the last season. Even in this season, they are one of the favourites to win. Though they could not win Europe, they put up a good performance. They have got some very good players.

The likes of Inigo Martinez, Ilkay Gundogan, and Orio Romeu have strengthened them. Under Xavi Hernandez, the rebuilding of the team has taken place well. In the UEFA Champions League 2023/24, they have got a good start. In Group H, they have topped with 4 wins to their name. Despite losing a game in 5 appearances, Barcelona has looked good in the season. Defence, midfield, and attack have been balanced for Barcelona in the season. Their future will depend a lot on Xavi's game plan. 

1. Real Madrid

Real Madrid is one of the most successful Football clubs ever. In the ongoing season, they have played like one. The signing of Jude Bellingham has paid huge dividends for them, which has given them a terrific midfield not just for this season, but with potentially many more seasons to come. Karim Benzema is an irreplaceable entity. But Joselu can be expected to fill the big shoes in his way. In the 2021/22 season, Real Madrid won the Champions League under Carlo Ancelotti.

This time around, they look like huge favourites to have a crack at the title. The presence of 'Juju' and many other talented players make them one of the most exciting teams to watch out for. Some of the players like Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelian Tchouameni, and David Alaba form the core of the team, who can help them to win the title. In their 5 games in the season so far, they have won all five to top Group C.