With a World Cup year on the horizon, most players are all in to prove their worth and to earn a ticket to Brazil. Most coaches focus on their performances in the most elite tournament in Europe, the Champions League.

Last year, we saw the first ever all-German Champions League final. Bayern Munich were crowned the Champions and in the process they punished all the teams on the road to Wembley including mighty Barcelona, who lost by a difference of 7 goals on aggregate. Jurgen Klopp’s Dortmund were also impressive last season, but they were unable to stop Bayern from completing the treble.

Last year’s tournament was full of drama too. Sir Alex Ferguson’s last attempt to European glory ended in disappointment as his former player scored against them at Old Trafford and knocked them out. Mourinho had mixed feelings after the match and famously claimed, ‘The Best team lost’.

Looking forward, this year’s tournament would be more exciting. The new inclusions such as Bale, Isco and Neymar in Madrid and Barca would bring more freshness to the tournament.

5 Things that you should expect from this year’s Champions League tournament are as follows:-

1 –Lots of New faces:

Not just players like Neymar and Bale would be seen in the tournament, but also managers like Gerardo Martino and David Moyes would compete with the best in Europe. Pep Guardiola, who has already won two Champions League medals in his short managerial career, is back to retain the Cup for german giants Bayern Munich. The 3-time winner Samuel Eto’o is also back and would be looking to grab his fourth with the West Londoners under Jose Mourinho.

2-German dominance yet again

Bayern Munich under the new management look unstoppable like they were under Heynckes. They still have the same fire power and are doing pretty well in the Bundesliga too. Leverkusen and Dortmund are also teams to watch out as they too have great quality and it could be a german football revolution this year.

3-Great expectations from Spanish sides

Barcelona after a very succesful era have developed a reputation of being the favourites every season and with the addition of a big signing the air of expectation would be more than ever. Real Madrid too splashed a lot of cash in the summer transfer window just to make sure they win their 10^th European Championship.

4-More English effort

Arsenal look rejuvenated with the inclusion of Ozil. Not just that Aaron Ramsey is a player to watch this season. Manchester City would also be looking to make an impact this time around after failing on previous occasions. But, all eyes will be on Mourinho and Moyes as they are already under fire after a bad start to the season.

5-Some upsets as well as comebacks

It is the most interesting tournament as any team can beat a giant and cause an upset. We see it every year, and this year won’t be an exception.