Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa: Long-shot Champions League Predictions for 2024

The 2024-25 UEFA Champions League will introduce a new format where 36 clubs will compete in a league phase, replacing the traditional group stage. Each team will face eight different opponents, with matches split between home and away. The top eight teams will automatically progress to the Round of 16, while those finishing ninth to 24th will enter a playoff for the remaining spots. This new structure aims to revitalize the competition and increase excitement among fans. Manchester City, the reigning champions, are favored to win again with +280 odds, followed closely by Real Madrid at +350. Other top contenders include Arsenal, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, all with strong historical performances in the tournament. However, the unpredictability of the new format opens the door for potential surprises, as evidenced by the recent success of underdog teams like Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan. Atletico Madrid enters the tournament with high hopes, bolstered by key signings such as Julian Alvarez and Conor Gallagher. Their manageable draw in the league phase, with only a challenging away match against PSG, positions them well for advancement. Manager Diego Simeone's experience in maximizing team potential adds to their prospects. Aston Villa, while considered the fourth-best English team, has a talented roster and a skilled manager in Unai Emery, known for his success in European competitions. With tough matches at home against Bayern Munich and Juventus, Villa's experience from their recent semifinal run in the UEFA Conference League could prove invaluable as they aim for a deep run in the Champions League.