Real Madrid favorites, as 16 progress

Real Madrid [Image from flickr by Global Panorama]

The group stages came to a conclusion as the champions managed a clean sweep as they destroyed all before them. It looked an easy group,  but it provided its tricky tests. Atletico Madrid also looked good with a solid defense and strong showing. The 2013/2014 finalists also among the favorites managed to slip up at Olympiacos but recovered. Their defense looking solid as they evaded a tough group.

Bayern, Barcelona and Chelsea the other strong contenders for the European crown. As we approach the draw we await some mouthwatering clashes. PSG-Real Madrid would be entertaining and a test for both sides; or another Barcelona-Arsenal clash.

The group stage saw records broken,  teams flop and lots of goals scored. Basel have managed to be an English slaughtering as they knocked Liverpool! Only Barcelona and Real Madrid have a better points average against English sides. Defensively Monaco, and Chelsea managed to concede the least goals while Chelsea were also the top scorers.

The Germans have four clubs in Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Schalke and Borussia Dortmund through and look formidable.  Could a German side win the title?Dark horses are through in the form of Italian giants Juventus who have failed in Europe recently, Porto let by Algerian Yacine Brahimi and Jackson Martinez, Manchester City who will have Kun Aguero back and fit, Shakhtar Donetsk who possess a talented duo in Luis Adriano and Alex Texeira.

No side has ever defended their crown but Real Madrid are odds on favorites to achieve this. We await the draw now...Over to you UEFA!

Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira

Twitter: @bchanakira2