With Barcelona and Real Madrid Stronger, Can an English Club Be King?

O.E. Rivas by Contributor Written on November 27, 2009
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 06:  Lionel Messi of Barcelona battles for the ball with Florent Malouda of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Second Leg match between Chelsea and Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on May 6, 2009 in London, England.  (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) Clive Rose/Getty Images

It's no surprise that in this years Champions League all members of the "Big Four" of England's Premier League were present. Two of the biggest clubs Manchester United and Liverpool have played well but are not on top form.

At times they were even struggling for first and second places in their groups. Much to the degree where "The Reds" will not see a Champions League knockout round. As they have now been relegated to the Europa League. With only three English teams still alive, does England have a chance at bringing the trophy home?

Competition in this years Champions League is fierce. Football seems to be more balanced this year than years before. Smaller clubs with a big heart have put themselves in the top of their group above clubs with bigger names and even bigger wallets.

A big surprise this year is Rubin Kazan, putting Internazionale in danger of qualification to the next round. Manchester United in spite of being momentarily top man in their group with 10 points. Have not secured qualification and a loss in the next leg and a win from CSKA Moscow over Besiktas could mean elimination.

Even so the odds of an English team lifting the trophy in Madrid are great. But it wont be easy as Spanish teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona are in their best form in years. Arsenal with a team full of youngsters most capping in their own national team, have showed no sign of weakness at the top of group "H".

Chelsea with a healthy team of experienced veterans and promising young players, plow along with first place in their group and most clean sheets with only two goals conceded.

Although the dream final in most peoples minds would be Barcelona vs. Madrid. An English club could yet again make its way into the final and into the history books with Champions League glory.

As for an Italian team reaching the final, not likely. Recently Internazionale Milano current holder of the Serie A "Scudetto" and currently first in their league, have not only struggled in their Champions League group but have been made to look second rate in their previous match against Barcelona.

Being the most likely scenario, a final with clubs of the nationality of Spain and England. A Spanish club vs. Spanish club, or an English club vs. English club, and of course a Spanish club vs. English club. Means the odds of a English team being crowned champions of Europe, is a very likely possibility. 

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Most likely to win Champions League?

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Results - Author Poll

Most likely to win Champions League?

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  • Total votes: 16
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written on November 27, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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