Football is back and the official dates of the UEFA Champions League have dawned on us. Let’s take a look at every team currently in the knockout stages and their chances of lifting the Champions League this season.

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN : 8.5/10

KEY PLAYERS : MBAPPE, NEYMAR, NAVAS.

The French giants have a revitalized and fit squad for the Champions League. With Neymar back fit and Mbappe in solid form, their chances have been boosted incredibly. A major concern will be match fitness since they haven’t played a match since March.

ATHLETICO MADRID : 6/10

KEY PLAYERS : FELIX, OBLAK, GIMENEZ.

After knocking out the current champions Liverpool, the team has gained momentum going forward. However, lack of consistency from experienced players at the club has caused them to falter. The presence of Oblak in goal will be vital for Athletico.

ATALANTA : 5.5/10

KEY PLAYERS : GOMEZ, ILLICIC, HATABOER.

The dark horses of this edition of the Champions League, Atalanta destroyed Valencia’s hopes of progressing by beating them 8-4 on aggregate. However, they are counting on the likes of Gomez, Illicic and Hataboer to boost the teams chances of lifting the title. The team has also scored a record 95 goals in the Serie A.

RB LEIPZIG : 5/10

KEY PLAYERS : UPAMECANO, POULSEN, GULASCI.

The German team knocked out previous Champions League finalists, Tottenham convincingly. However without their main man Timo Werner upfront, the team’s chances are not looking so good.

FC BAYERN MUNCHEN: 9/10

KEY PLAYERS : LEWANDOWSKI, NEUER, MULLER.

The team most likely to win the title this year is none other than Bayern. After winning the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal, the team looks ready and competent. With Lewandowski in red hot form, a Champions League title would surely boost the hopes of the Bavarian giants for next season.

CHELSEA : 4/10

KEY PLAYERS : WILLIAN, MOUNT, PULISIC.

Chelsea are already 3-0 down on aggregate against the Bavarian giants. A miracle of Anfield proportions is required in order to progress further. Chelsea will have to rely on the likes of Willian, Mount and Pulisic to pull off a major comeback.

REAL MADRID : 6.5/10

KEY PLAYERS : RAMOS, HAZARD, BENZEMA.

The team has been dealt with a major blow as the team lost at home to Manchester City. However since the return, the team has been unbeaten and has also won the Spanish League. Moreover, Hazard is fully fit and ready to go.

MANCHESTER CITY : 8/10

KEY PLAYERS : DE BRUYNE, STERLING, AGUERO.

Guardiola’s team is back, hungrier than ever. With the 2 year ban imposed on City overturned, this might be the chance to make history. City had already dominated Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabaeu and will hope to proceed further.

JUVENTUS : 7/10

KEY PLAYERS : RONALDO, CHIELLINI, DYBALA.

Although the team was surprised by Lyon in the previous fixture, the Old Lady still have a decent chance of lifting the title. With Cristiano Ronaldo and Dybala upfront and De Ligt and Chiellini at the back, the team is filled with experience all round.

LYON : 6.5/10

KEY PLAYERS : DEPAY, TOUSART, AOUAR.

The French side made headlines after beating Juventus in the first fixture and will hope to secure the tie in the next game. With the likes of Depay and Aouar finally fit, the team has a decent chance of progressing further.

NAPOLI : 5/10

KEY PLAYERS : INSIGNE, MILIK, ZIELINSKI.

The team has been impressive under Gennaro Gatuso. After managing to scrummage a draw against Barcelona, the team will be motivated to perform against the Catalan giants. However, the performances of Insigne, Zielinski and Milik will be key.

BARCELONA : 7.5/10

KEY PLAYERS : MESSI, GRIEZMANN, TER STEGEN.

Despite the team’s awful current form, the Blaugrana still have a chance at the title. However, the team will need to rely on Messi for progressing further. Moreover, the form of Griezmann, Suarez and Ter Stegen will be crucial.