Dark Horse Picks to Advance to the Champions League 2024–25 Knockout Stage

Surprise Teams Primed for European Success

The Champions League is the pinnacle of European soccer, and the 2024–25 season promises to be another thrilling competition. While the usual suspects like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City will be among the favorites, there are a number of dark horse teams who could make a deep run into the tournament.

FC Porto (Portugal)

FC Porto is a Portuguese powerhouse with a rich history in European competition. They have won the Champions League twice, in 1987 and 2004, and have also been runners-up on three occasions. Porto has a talented squad led by forward Mehdi Taremi and midfielder Otávio, and they are always dangerous at home.

Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany)

Eintracht Frankfurt is a German club that has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years. They won the Europa League in 2022, and they have also had success in the Bundesliga. Frankfurt has a young and exciting squad, led by forward Randal Kolo Muani and midfielder Jesper Lindstrøm.

PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands)

PSV Eindhoven is a Dutch club that has won the Eredivisie 24 times. They have also had success in European competition, winning the European Cup in 1988. PSV has a talented squad led by forward Cody Gakpo and midfielder Ibrahim Sangaré, and they are always a threat in the Champions League.

Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)

Shakhtar Donetsk is a Ukrainian club that has won the Ukrainian Premier League 13 times. They have also had success in European competition, winning the UEFA Cup in 2009. Shakhtar has a talented squad led by forward Mykhailo Mudryk and midfielder Tete, and they are always a dangerous opponent.

Conclusion

The Champions League is always full of surprises, and the 2024–25 season is sure to be no different. These four dark horse teams have all the potential to make a deep run into the tournament, and they will be looking to prove that they belong among Europe's elite.