The UEFA Champions League is expected to be a very tightly contested one this season. Manchester City are the defending champions but seem to be struggling at the moment. If things don't improve for Pep Guardiola's side, then it might open the window of opportunity for several other teams. Real Madrid have to be considered one of them.
Despite their lack of squad depth and never-ending injury list, Real Madrid have continued to find ways to win games. They sit atop the La Liga table and won all their group stage games in the Champions League.
So, if anybody is counting out Real Madrid's chances in the Champions League this season, they might be making a major mistake. Carlo Ancelotti's side are well and truly in the running for their 15th European crown.
Jamal Musiala quite certainly is not taking Los Blancos lightly. As reported by SPORTbible, he believes Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid are the Champions League favourites along with Bayern Munich, as he told Abendzeitung:
"Real Madrid and Manchester City. But Arsenal are also playing very good football under Mikel Arteta."
Musiala makes fantastic Real Madrid claim
That is certainly a good list of players. We have already talked about Real Madrid and how good they have been this season despite difficult circumstances. There is just a 'never give up' attitude in this team that is very special.
On the other hand, one can never count out Manchester City. They just have too much quality and always seem to get stronger towards the end of the season.
Arsenal have never won the competition but are playing some fantastic football under the management of Arteta. They might be this season's darkhorses in the Champions League.
Finally, Bayern Munich are always contenders for the Champions League. They also have arguably the best player in the world right now in Harry Kane, scoring goals for fun and a coach in Thomas Tuchel who has already won the competition under much more difficult circumstances.