Champions League: One of these clubs could make a surprise run
By Mike Luciano
The 2020 Champions League looks wide-open after the group stage draw.
The 2020 Champions League will once again pit heavyweights like Real Madrid, Liverpool, Juventus, and reigning champions Bayern Munich against one another for club soccer’s ultimate prize. However, even in comparison to past seasons, the field this year is as wide open and competitive as possible.
Without a true “Group of Death” this year, this opens up the possibility for one club to make a Cinderella run to the final, like what Atalanta and Red Bull Leipzig almost pulled off last year.
https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1311703319686066176
In a year that looks as unpredictable as any UCL ever, don’t be surprised if these four teams end up in Istanbul.
These four teams could make a run in the Champions League Final
4. Lazio
The Biancocelesti are not a traditional Serie A power, but they were just four points off of the Italian title last year. Striker Ciro Immobile picked up the Golden Boot after netting 36 times in 37 league games, completing his rebirth after a poor spell at Dortmund. While Immobile and the Lazio attack make them a favorite to come out of a group that includes Dortmund, Zenit St. Petersburg, and Club Brugge, this is a complete team with studs at every level.
Thomas Strakosha is becoming one of Europe’s best goalies, while towering 6-4 midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s ability to function as a No. 10 and a defensive-minded midfielder has all of Europe’s biggest clubs chasing after him. Only Inter Milan allowed less Serie A goals than Lazio last year. This team might not have a ton of hype, but they have all the pieces needed for a deep run.