Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich midfielder, Michael Ballack, has predicted Liverpool as the favorite team to win the Champions League trophy this season.
Ballack, who spoke after Liverpool defeated Lille 2-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday, 21 January, 2025, said Arne Slot’s side are dominating every team in the Champions League so far this season.
Liverpool, English Premier League giants, booked their place in the knock-out stage of the Champions League after beating the French Ligue 1 side at Anfield.
Mohammed Salah and Harvey Elliot scored the goals for the Premier League leaders against the visitors.
Speaking to German publication Sport Bild, Ballack said: “Judging by their performances so far, Real Madrid are not my top favourite.
“That would be Liverpool, who who are currently dominating the Champions League.”
He added, “I was positively surprised by how Arne Slot managed the transition after the Jurgen Klopp era came to an end.
“It is always twice as difficult when you follow greats like Klopp or somebody like Jose Mourinho at my former club Chelsea, who achieved something unique.
“I see Atalanta as the secret favourite. They have a clear plan offensively and defensively and dominated Bayer Leverkusen in last year’s Europa League final.”
