Things to watch out for this season of UEFA Champions League

The 66th season of the Champions League is on the way. The group stages of the 2020-21 season start on the 20th of October. There are quite a few interesting things to watch for during the group stages of this season of UCL:

1. Can Bayern Munich defend their title

Bayern Munich was excellent last season. They became the first team in the history of the competition to win all the matches in the competition en route to winning the cup. 

They on their course for the title played two of the most memorable matches of the 21st century. Having defeated Tottenham 7-2 at their home and a scoreline of 8-2 against Barcelona in the quarter-finals. Bayern Munich also saw individual brilliance from quite many players. 

This season the team faces a tough fixture. Apart from that, the team will possibly get almost no winter break for the FIFA Club World Cup. 

Additionally also their will an extra pressure to defend the title. Hansi Flick and his boys have an uphill task to complete. Given the quality of the team they have, defending the title shouldn't be something impossible for them. 

2. The return of the Messi-Ronaldo duel 

After 2018 as Ronaldo left Real Madrid to join the Old Lady, the El Clasico has been missing this famous duel. 

But now Messi and Ronaldo meet in a completely different stage and environment. Both Barcelona and Juventus have been drawn together in the group G of this season of UCL.  

The last time the two players met in the Champions League was way back in 2011. 

A lot has changed since then. A lot of big guns are gone. Also, Messi will be seeing Cristiano in a different jersey and a different role. It remains to be seen how they both compete against each other. 

3. Will the high-spending teams of this transfer window churn out some magic 

Coronavirus may have had stopped football and the world. But the transfer window remained the same old way. We saw some of the crazies transfers happening. 

Chelsea under Frank Lampard was the obvious headliner. The club spent close to $200m this summer. But the newcomers haven't clicked till now the way they were wanted. 

Chelsea has not got a hands-on the UCL trophy since 2012. Both the fans and the club would like to see if Lampard can lead the side for the trophy.  

The Qatari owned Manchester City also had an inflow of players. They spend huge sums to strengthen their defence. Pep Guardiola has not been able to win the trophy since 2011. He would obviously like to do it this season.   

Barcelona has been facing some serious setbacks in the competition for a couple of seasons now. Under Ronald Koeman, the team had an excellent transfer window. Also, the team looks set for a good trajectory for the trophy. Messi and co. looks determined to become the kings of Europe once again.