Champions paradox: no European leader is in the round of 16

A great paradox occurs in the two great European competitions. The 16 survivors of Champions, among which there are no major absences except for Inter or Manchester United, are, a priori, the best teams on the continent. However, to this day, none of them lead their domestic championship. Mr. Chip goes one step further and points out on his Twitter account that It is the first time in history that this has happened. The postponed games, the coronavirus crisis, the injuries … Everything influences that none of the colossi, not even the Bayern Munich, are leading your League with an iron fist.

Conversely, in Europa League there are a total of 15 European leaders. The five major leagues are dominated by Real Sociedad, Tottennham, Leverkusen, Lille and Milan, all of them participants in the morning draw. A priori, the weaker powers settle for the second continental competition. This year, where anything is possible, they even dream of lifting the championship. Of course, it should be noted that teams like Imanol Alguacil's are first in the standings with more games played than some of their pursuers.

In addition to those already mentioned, they are also leaders and survive in the Europa League Rangers, Dinamo Zagreb, Bruges, Ajax, Young Boys, Slavia Prague, Red Star, Salzburg, Dynamo Kiev or Olympiacos. Some of the names mentioned come directly from third place in the Champions group. Perhaps the effort in their regular competitions took its toll on them every Tuesday and Wednesday.

In the Champions League, some of the disappointments so far this season continue. Sevilla and Barcelona already take flight somewhat, although for weeks they were down in the classification. Dortmund just fired Lucien Favre for poor fifth position in the Bundesliga. Manchester City settle for ninth place in the exciting start of the season in England. Porto is already in tow in Portugal. The Juventus he can't keep up with Milan. Neither does the Atalanta