Underdogs That May Go Far in the UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League is one of the most prestigious competitions in club football, featuring the best teams from across Europe each year. The competition features some of the world's best footballers in a knockout format, bringing together the best clashes, which is a spectacle to entertain all. In previous years, numerous underdog stories have added an extra layer to the competition, enlightening the world with a ‘What if?’ story. These underdog stories provide fans worldwide with more than just the slaying of a giant; they also allow players from lower-status clubs to showcase their worth on the global stage. Although rare, stories like these in the UEFA Champions League are truly special, allowing fans to connect with the club on a deeper level. The current UEFA Champions League campaign is well underway with the relatively new group stage format returning for its second rodeo. In this article, we will cover some of the lower-status clubs that may shock the world with a late push in the knockout rounds, exciting all fans worldwide. Additionally, the popularity of the competition has even influenced the online casino space, where some fans look to play live casino games that feature football-inspired themes.
Marseille
The inaugural UEFA Champions League winners are considered a sleeping giant in French football, who have recently shown promise in their return to the competition. Under Roberto De Zerbi, the French giants have picked up some incredible finishing runners in the previous 24/25 Ligue 1 season, including the treble winners PSG. As of writing this, Marseille are currently leading the Ligue 1 campaign and will be looking to transfer their league form into the domestic competition, all whilst keeping fitness to pristine levels. Some pioneering players in the reconstruction of Marseille include the lightning attack of Igor Paxiao, Mason Greenwood, and the formidable Benjamin Pavard at the back. To add to the youth flair, Marseille have experienced professionals to compete at the European level, with players such as Aubameyang and Emerson knowing what it takes to progress in the competition.
Galatasaray
It has been over 11 years since the Turkish leaders reached the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, though this coming year may be one to change that. Coming off an unstoppable season in the Super Lig, where they only faced a singular loss, Galatasaray will be hoping to transfer their league success to European triumph. In the previous season, Galatasaray had a disappointing season domestically, after facing an early exit in the UEFA Europa League by AZ Alkmaar. This coming season, the Turkish giants hope to make up for their disappointing season under the management of Okan Buruk. The Galatasaray backroom staff have prepared the club well for the UEFA Champions League season, including a permanent transfer for leading talisman Victor Osimhen. Additionally, Galatasaray have brought in Leroy Sane from Bayern Munich on a free transfer, bringing bags of experience at the highest level.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur are fresh off the back of a wonderful UEFA Europa League campaign, where they won their first European trophy. Despite winning last year's Europa League campaign, Tottenham parted ways with manager Ange Postecoglou after poor league performance, beginning a new era under Thomas Frank. In the off-season, the Tottenham Hotspur staff worked tirelessly to bolster their squad, bringing in attacking firepower with the arrivals of Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons. Bringing in a proven attacking threat to combine with the deadly defensive duo of Romero and Van de Ven makes Tottenham Hotspur an underdog in the 25/26 UCL season. As reigning Europa League winners, Tottenham gained automatic qualification to the Champions League, where they will attempt to re-enact their success story.
Athletico Madrid
Despite being one of the most consistent performers in the LaLiga each year, Atlético Madrid has yet to win the UEFA Champions League. They have reached the final on three occasions, though have failed to emerge victorious on any occasion, and this year they look set up for another deep run in the competition. Managed by the incredible Diego Simoene, Atletico Madrid remains one of the toughest teams to beat, known for their defensive concentration and structure. Many football fans worldwide often overlook Atletico Madrid due to the monumental success of their neighbours, Real Madrid. In the 25/26 season, Simeone’s side hopes to etch their name in the history books and win the trophy for the first time. Leading the line, Julian Alvarez has marked his name as one of the greatest strikers in world football, bursting onto the scene at Manchester City before making the big move to Madrid. Alongside him, Antoine Griezmann and Alex Baena provide additional attacking threat, both possessing incredible technical ability and a unique passing ability. In the previous UEFA Champions League campaign, Atletico fans were left disappointed after getting knocked out in a two-legged tie to rivals, Real Madrid. So far in the league, Simeone and Atletico have had a strong start, and will hope to take their performances to the knockout stages.
