12/09/2023【Feature】Fernando Hierro – UCL champion analysis

Fernando Hierro is the best defender in the history of Real Madrid and Spanish football. He played for Real Madrid in 14 years and won 17 titles which included 3 UCL and 5 La Liga. In addition to those club triumphs, he also appeared in 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cup, and 1996 and 2000 Euro Championship for Spain.

Real Madrid and Manchester City to fight for title
The quality in the Champions league continues to grow and, once again, I feel a number of clubs will start the competition with a good chance of winning it. However, for me, there’s no doubt that my former club Real Madrid and defending champions Manchester City are the favourites.

What a great signing Real made in Jude Bellingham! He’s still very young but he’s adapted to life in Madrid perfectly. Of course, it will be difficult to maintain the scoring form he’s currently in, but his all-round game is so strong, with fantastic physique, so I see him as someone who will shine this season. With Vinicius Junior also in the line-up, Real have a very young, exciting team these days.

As for City, I believe with the quality and experience in their squad they must always be considered as potential champions because they have one of the best coaches in the world in Pep Guardiola, one of the best goalscorers, Erling Haaland, and world-class quality all over the pitch. After finally winning the competition last season, there will also be less pressure on them.

Barca, Bayern, Arsenal look strong
Barcelona have the ability to challenge this season. We all know Robert Lewandowski is a born goalscorer, while new signings Ilkay Gundogan, Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo make the side much stronger. Raphinha is dangerous from wide and Pedri and Gavi are fantastic young players who will look to emulate Xavi and Andres Iniesta in the future. I have to admit they have the potential to compete for the title.

Another team who have done good business is Bayern Munich. Harry Kane is a magnificent forward, one of the best in the world, and he’s moved to Germany to win trophies. Lewandowski was always going to be a tough player to replace but, after they struggled last season, I believe Bayern have found the perfect replacement.

Speaking of new arrivals, Declan Rice is a great signing for Arsenal. They came very close to the Premier League title last season and have strengthened since then. Rice has excellent positional sense, and he has joined a team who can be electric, fun to watch and have a lot of quality. It’s Arsenal’s first time in the competition since 2016-17 – a long absence – and I think they’ll do well.

EPL and La Liga remain on top
I’d generally say clubs from Spain and England have the biggest chance of becoming champions. It’s clear the Premier League is number one in terms of investment and economic power and so many quality players move there, but La Liga still has the two giants of Real and Barca. Overall, the Premier League is a little above La Liga but both produce some great teams.

As I said, I believe City and Real are the favourites but this is a special competition so one bad day in the quarter-finals or semi-finals and you can be eliminated. I think there can be a surprise contender, but eventually the winner will come from Madrid or Manchester – and let’s hope it’s title number 15 for Real!