Opta’s data creates a new Champions League frontrunner

Opta’s supercomputer has named Arsenal as the top favorite to win Champions League after the round of 16 draw.

The Champions League round of 16 draw, held on Friday, produced several high-profile clashes and defined the path toward the final in Budapest.

Arsenal stand out as top contenders

According to Opta’s data, Arsenal are the clear favorites to win Champions League. The London club, led by Mikel Arteta have been given a 27.40% chance of winning the title.

Arsenal finished first in the league phase and are also leading the Premier League which has boosted their rating well above the rest of the competition.

Notably, their chances are almost double those of their closest rivals.

Bayern, Liverpool and City follow

In second place, Opta ranks Bayern Munich with a 14.28% chance. They are followed by two English sides:

• Liverpool at 12.83%
• Manchester City at 10.79%

Barcelona are the highest-ranked Spanish team, placed fifth with 7.72% under head coach Hansi Flick.

Their round of 16 opponents, Newcastle United, sit seventh with 4.66%.

Low odds for Real Madrid and PSG

On the other end of the scale, Opta gives relatively low chances to several traditional giants. Real Madrid have just 2.78% while Atletico Madrid are even lower at 2%.

Surprisingly reigning champions Paris Saint Germain are rated at only 4.64% to defend their title. Turkish side Galatasaray sit bottom of the list with 0.17% making them the least likely winners according to the model.

Opta Supercomputer .. Title chances

1. Arsenal: 27.40%
2. Bayern Munich: 14.28%
3. Liverpool: 12.83%
4. Manchester City: 10.79%
5. Barcelona: 7.72%
6. Chelsea: 6.86%
7. Newcastle United: 4.66%
8. Paris Saint-Germain: 4.64%
9. Real Madrid: 2.78%
10. Sporting Lisbon: 2.73%
11. Atletico Madrid: 2.00%
12. Tottenham Hotspur: 1.22%
13. Atalanta: 1.06%
14. Bayer Leverkusen: 0.47%
15. Bodo/Glimt: 0.39%
16. Galatasaray: 0.17%

Numbers vs Reality

Despite the strong numbers, Opta’s predictions are not guarantees. The Champions League has often delivered surprises, with underdogs beating favorites and changing the story on the pitch.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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