Alessandro Del Piero, the Italy football legend, has identified Bayern Munich as the current favourites to win the UEFA Champions League, suggesting they have surpassed Arsenal as the strongest remaining team in the competition.
Del Piero made the comments during an appearance on CBS Sports, following Bayern’s commanding 6-1 victory over Atalanta in the first leg of their last-16 tie. The result underlines the German champions’ formidable form as the tournament progresses to its decisive stages.
Speaking on the broadcast, Del Piero stated, “I truly believe that this moment, they are the best team. Maybe a couple of months ago, Arsenal had something about them. In my opinion, the other teams are struggling a little bit. So they have more chances to win it more than other teams.” His analysis positions Bayern, the five-time European champions, ahead of Arsenal, who themselves advanced to the quarter-finals with a victory over Porto.
The former Juventus forward’s viewpoint highlights a perceived shift in momentum. Arsenal entered the knockout phase as one of the competition’s in-form teams, but Bayern’s emphatic win against a strong Atalanta side appears to have changed the narrative for some observers. Del Piero’s assessment also notes a broader context where several traditional powers have shown vulnerability, creating an opportunity for the most consistent side to capitalise.
Bayern Munich, who lifted the Champions League trophy in 2020, will look to seal their quarter-final place in the second leg against Atalanta. Arsenal, meanwhile, face a two-legged tie with the winner of the Real Madrid versus Manchester City tie. Del Piero’s comments add to the pre-match discourse surrounding both clubs’ prospects, framing Bayern as the team to beat as the competition enters its crucial final phase. The upcoming fixtures will test whether the Italian’s prediction holds true.
