Who will win the Champions League this season ('12-'13)
 

Yes - I used to start one of these every year. Some of the people here may remember that I am a die-hard Bayern Munich fan. Having lived through last year's final, being in Munich, in that stadium and that city and having my heart crushed like that was something I'd rather forget. It took me weeks to get over it...to be honest, only the awesomeness of Bayern this season made me somehow get to grips with it. The emptiness I felt that night, comparable to a terrible break-up really. I couldn't do or say or think anything.

But, a new season is on it's way so time to be optimistic again. 10/11 victories 32:4 goals, 7 points ahead of Schalke and 11 points ahead of Dortmund. Bayern is rolling. Players like Martinez, Shaqiri, Dante and Mr. Claudio Pizarro have improved the quality of the squad. Bayern is about to report record revenue figures (which were anyway amongst Europe's top 5 every year) and Allianz is about to invest ~100Million Euro for 9% of the club. Last year we were great, but with all these amazing new signings, being a second season with the same coach, and the machine-like football we are playing, it is almost impossible to see beyond Bayern this season.

And I will make another statement, I think Borussia Dortmund has a strong chance to. Depending on when they meet, it will be between Barcelona, Real, Bayern Munich and Dortmund this season. And since the final was in Munich last year and Bayern lost it to Chelsea, I hope they'll win it next year in London.

I can't see any English team make it to the final. None of them seem quite strong enough. And the Italians have been on a downward trend for a long time. Who knows, there might be a surprise from a club like PSG, Malaga or Shaktar Donetsk but I don't think it's very likely. And then of course, there's my hometown, CFR Cluj. Doing ok - with a bit of luck they can make it out of the groups which would be historic for them. I guess you can always hope. And now time to sleep :D

Your thoughts?

Dortmund looking very very strong. Winning that group in the way that they did. Crazy stuff.

Any thoughts? Obviously, Barcelona is the clear favourite again. But who is the Number 2 and 3? That's the main question.

In my view, it's Real Madrid and Bayern but directly after I see Dortmund and Donetsk (sp).
Of course, everything may change in the spring but I think this is going to be a very strong season. Especially looking forward for Barca vs. Dortmund. If that game happens it will be a joy to watch.

And is it just me or is the decline of the Premiership a little more evident this year than last? I know, last year Chelsea won it, but that was some form of miracle that only happens when all stars align and all gods are asleep and and and....
In any case, I can't see any English team in the final this season and I am actually struggling to see one in the semis either. Maybe United if they are a little lucky but right now, they are not one of Europe's top 4 teams by any means.

I always play as Bayern on Fifa 13, but my favourite team in Germany is Dortmund. Amazing stadium, passionate fans and an attacking ethos to the game.

However, it's gonna be Jose's year. And his final year. He'll take a bow from Madrid by winning the Champions League, deffo. Ronaldo is the best I've ever seen too this season. Better than Messi

Better than Messi. Right.

Given that my team is now enjoying the heady heights of playing in the Scottish 3rd division, Champion's League football isn't something I'll need to be worrying about for a while :)

I think Jim if Celtic get into the last 16, it could be good bye everyone else witht he money they bring in

Until Rangers get back into the SPL and rebuild a team capable of winning the title, Celtic will walk it every year with CL money or not.

Attendances in the SPL have nose dived this year counter to the mistaken belief that with no Old Firm domination, more fans would turn out to see their team potentially vie for the title which hasn't happened so the clubs are already skint and their turnover is going down too. Just look at the state of Hearts and they're not the only club having trouble with money.

With that being said, I have a sneaking suspicion that Celtic might do the age old Scottish habit of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, drop the ball and wind up the the Europa League instead of the last 16.

This season he has been i think.

Charlie Austin's the only player better than Messi at the minute.

Jesus, I'm sick of this Messi love in.

He's getting service from the best midfielders in the world. Ronaldo makes and scores goals for fun and he's far more physically dominant.