As the Champions League Round of 16 continues, so things are starting to become clearer.
Bayern Munich, for example, hit a roadblock in the competition on Wednesday night and didn’t even manage a shot on target in their 1-0 defeat against Lazio.
Paris Saint-Germain, thanks to Kylian Mbappe’s 44th UCL goal in 68 games, and a wonder strike from Bradley Barcola – his first-ever in the competition – eased themselves past a dogged and determined but ultimately toothless Real Sociedad side.
Man City romped to a deserved 3-1 win over Copenhagen, whilst Brahim Diaz’s wonder goal was worthy of winning Real Madrid’s first leg at RB Leipzig.
There are still four more first leg ties to play next week of course, but Fabrizio Romano already knows who he thinks will be lifting the trophy at Wembley later this year.
“I don’t think it’s a big surprise that I’m tipping Man City to go all the way in the Champions League again. They are big favourites this year,” he said in his exclusive Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside.
“Having secured the European title last season there is less pressure on their shoulders than in previous years, and that is a big bonus for Pep Guardiola.
“They have a fantastic squad and are also ready to make special things happen again because they’ve got a lot of experience after winning the treble too.
“It’s gonna be difficult to stop them.”
Given just how well Pep Guardiola’s side are playing, it’s difficult to argue with Romano’s pick.
All of the teams left in the competition have something about them or else they wouldn’t have made it that far in the first place, but City just have that little bit extra.
They’ve got the bit between their teeth in the Premier League, and they remain at their most dangerous when going on one of their epic unbeaten runs.
The rest of Europe need to watch out.
It’s arsenal’s time now
I’m rooting for Arsenal to lift the UCL. There’s something about that team that’s amusing. The team is capable of defeating any opponent.