Each UEFA Champions League Quarterfinalist's Chances at Glory

por Wosti -

As the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League progresses into the quarterfinal stage, football fans across the globe are on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what is set to be an electrifying phase of the competition. This year's tournament has already seen its fair share of drama. Europe's elite club competition hadn't seen a penalty shootout decide a two-legged in eight years but in this year's round of 16, two ties went the distance.

Arsenal held their nerve to defeat FC Porto at the Emirates thanks to two penalty saves from Brentford loanee David Raya. Runaway Serie A league leaders Inter Milan were heavily favored to progress past Atletico Madrid however, it was the Spaniards that did enough to secure the victory, overturning a 2-0 deficit at one point to progress at the Wanda Metropolitano. Now, as we move forward, eight teams remain in the hunt, each with their eyes firmly set on the prestigious trophy. Let's delve into the chances of each quarterfinalist, analyzing their journey so far and evaluating their prospects of going all the way.

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City enters the quarterfinals as the reigning champions and online soccer odds betting providers have made them the +165 favourite to retain their crown at Wembley Stadium on May 31st. With their blend of tactical flexibility and a squad brimming with talent and experience, it would take a brave punter to bet against the Blues.

Their attacking prowess is spearheaded by the prolific Erling Haaland while the creative brilliance led by the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden, has been second to none. They have been in scintillating form already this term and are the favorites to retain the Premier League as well as the European Cup. However, they are currently locked in a three-way battle with rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, and it will be interesting to see how much the pressure of that particular battle takes on their continental exploits.

Arsenal

Speaking of Mikel Arteta's Gunners, as well as being a protagonist domestically, they are also a +450 second favorite for the Champions League as well this term. That may well come as a surprise to some, especially considering the fact that their victory against Porto sent them to the last eight for the first time in 14 years.

The North London outfit has displayed a blend of youthful exuberance and strategic maturity, making them a tough nut to crack. With a cohesive unit that thrives on high pressing and quick transitions, the additions of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz have transformed the club from hopefuls to genuine contenders on more than one front. They are without a Premier League title in exactly two decades and have never tasted European glory in their history, but that could all be set to change this year.

Real Madrid

The 14-time record champions Real Madrid are no strangers to success in this competition and they too are priced at +450. Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, Los Blancos possess the experience and quality necessary to go all the way. The evergreen midfield duo of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos has been supplemented with the addition of the brilliant Jude Bellingham, and the trio has reaped the rewards. The club is set to claim La Liga back from 2023 champions Barcelona, and it wouldn't be surprising to see them secure yet another European crown as well.

Bayern Munich

German giants Bayern Munich have consistently been at the pinnacle of European football and they are the +600 fourth-favorites. However, this term they are enduring a miserable campaign, and their 12-year stranglehold on the meisterschale looks set to come to an end as Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen are a mighty ten points clear at the summit of the Bundesliga. Despite the turbulent season, the Bavarians' squad still possesses world-class talents like Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sané, while summer signing Harry Kane has been finding the back almost at will. Their path to glory will rely heavily on the goals of the English hitman, as well as somehow finding a way past the continent's heavyweights, something they have been unable to do in Germany this term.

Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain, led by the mercurial talent of Kylian Mbappé, are always a threat in this competition. Despite their relatively lower odds at +1200, the Parisians finally look like a team under Luis Enrique, rather than eleven individuals. They impressed in the round of 16 with a comprehensive 4-2 victory against Real Sociedad, but it remains to be seen whether they can keep their composure when the pressure is on.

Barcelona

Barcelona's rebuilding process under Xavi seemed to be bearing fruit as they romped to the La Liga crown last term. However, this year, they have fallen off a cliff and their iconic former midfield orchestrator will be leaving his post at the end of the current campaign. They managed to defeat Italian champions Napoli in the second round, but most of Europe's finest will be licking their lips at facing the Blaugrana, especially away from the Nou Camp.

Atlético Madrid

Diego Simeone's Atlético Madrid, fresh off their dramatic victory over Inter Milan, are known for their resilience and defensive solidity. Often thriving as the underdogs, this year the Rojiblancos have adapted their style of play to a more fluid, fast-paced, intricate system centered around Antoine Griezmann. Nobody will want to face them in the last eight and they have a potential to be a real dark horse at +1800.

Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund are the rank outsiders at +2500 and after their performances have left them a whopping 20 points off the pace in the Bundesliga this season, that is unsurprising. The recent return of Jadon Sancho has raised the spirits at Signal Iduna Park, but we'd be amazed to see them reach the semifinals.