By Michael Rietdyk

We are nearly halfway through the campaign and as the Champions League group stages came to a close, the number of clubs in contention for glory has become much slimmer. These are the strongest sides in with a chance.

1. Real Madrid

No team has ever won Europe’s most prestigious football competition two seasons in a row. This fact maybe threaten as the competition’s most successful team in securing glory once again this coming May.

However, just five months after replacing Rafa Benitez as Real’s head coach, Zinedine Zidane became the seventh man to win the European Cup as both a player and a manager. Clearly a terrific manager, for one so inexperienced.

Forward Cristiano Ronaldo is the competitions current top scorer… Could he help them defy history and win the trophy for a second consecutive season?

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2. Juventus

In this current campaign, the Italian giants have some of the lowest possession statistics in the competition. Highly anticipated for a team with such a defensive background.

Their typical defensive style is perfect for knockout football and has brought many sides success in the past. They’re certainly used to this style as it is prominent in Italy’s Serie A.

A world record transfer fee of £89m sale of their midfield maestro Paul Pogba has helped Juventus build a side with much more quality and depth all round.

Despite spending most of that Pogba cash on striker Gonzalo Higuain, the Italians spent big in summer. Signing names such as Miralem Pjanic and Dani Alves permanently and Medhi Benatia and Juan Cuadrado on loan. Could this be their year?

3. Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich have reached the competition’s semi-final in the last five consecutive years and hunger levels must be incredibly high after recent failures with Pep Guardiola at the helm.

Their new boss, Carlo Anchelotti is the most successful coach around in Champions League terms. He has definitely been brought in to win this title. He was successful in the competition as a player, and he has won as a coach three times – which is a champions league record; twice with AC Milan and once with Real Madrid,

The German giants have truly unbelievable depth, especially in midfield where the majority of their qualities originate. This midfield has pushed them to the highest possession stats in Europe this campaign, just ahead of Barcelona. As well as this, world-class striker Robert Lewondowski has helped them to being the highest scorers in the competition so far.

Is it their year? Statistics say they’ll be there, or thereabouts.

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4. Barcelona

Barcelona have undoubtedly the best front three in world football; Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. They all shine with different qualities, which could turn over any side.

The Spaniards have added quality throughout in summer, especially through the spine of the team. Signings like Paco Alcacer, Andre Gomes and Samuel Umtiti will help bring a fresh approach both mentally and physically with younger, more energetic teams like Atletico Madrid causing problems for big sides in recent seasons.

The four time champions faced an early exit last campaign and will be hungry for success this time around after finishing top of their group, a huge six points ahead of Guardiola’s Manchester City.

5. Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid have superb ability in cup competitions, making them my favourite outsider. Led by Diego Godin, the defensive resilience they show is second to none. Atletico play with unmatched high press and as their squad is young, they can keep up this pressure for the full 90 minutes.

Atletico only conceded two goals in the group stages, one of which came away at Bayern Munich in the final match, having already topped the group in style. With arguably their strongest squad to date, Atletico will strongly believe they’re in contention for the cup this time around.