Champions League 2026: Bayern Munich crush all opposition – Kroos tips former club as favourites
What a week of football! The last-16 ties of the 2025/26 Champions League are done and dusted, leaving eight European giants standing. No one has been more impressive than Bayern Munich, who, despite a nervy finish, deservedly saw off a tricky opponent. Now, a dream quarter-final awaits against either Real Madrid or Manchester City. European football has its first blockbuster tie in the hunt for silverware at the UEFA Champions League Final 2026.
Kroos: "Bayern are favourites, no matter who they face"
Former Bayern icon Toni Kroos didn't hold back when asked about his old side's chances. Speaking after the draw, he was unequivocal:
"Regardless of whether it's my old club Real Madrid or Manchester City, I'd still make Bayern favourites for the quarter-final. The depth they have, that relentless winning mentality – no one else can match it right now," said Kroos, now a pundit for German television.
Bayern signalled their intent during the group stages, and they powered through the last 16 with a 7-2 aggregate demolition. With Harry Kane on fire and Jamal Musiala providing the creative spark, it's easy to see why Kroos backs his former teammates.
Potential banana skins await – but Bayern fear no one
Real Madrid and Manchester City are both sides packed with pedigree and match-winners capable of going all the way. But Bayern have that extra edge this spring: defensive steel combined with devastating counter-attacks. Add to that the advantage of a second leg at the Allianz Arena, a fortress where few visitors thrive.
While fans wait with bated breath to discover their semi-final opposition, we can already start dreaming about the Champions League 2026 final. Whispers about the host city for the 2027 UEFA Champions League final are just beginning to circulate, but first, this year's heavyweight clashes must be settled.
How to make the Champions League even more exciting
For us fans who love to get stuck into the big games, there's no better way to follow the action than by running your own tournament pool. Right now, several international competitions are running where you can design your own quarter-final brackets and go head-to-head with mates. Why not get the gang together and set up a Champions League bracket for the 2026 European Cup? It's simple: you predict the winner of each knockout tie all the way to the final, and the one with the most correct predictions wins a dream trip or, at the very least, eternal bragging rights.
- Bayern Munich – the clear favourites, according to those in the know
- Real Madrid or Man City – no easy task, but Bayern have the second leg at home
- The 2025–26 UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds served up several surprises – most of those teams are now out, but the memories linger
- The 2027 final is already being talked about, but first, the 2026 trophy is up for grabs
Make no mistake: the spring of 2026 will be a festival for anyone who loves European football. From the tense qualifying matches last July to the drama of the final in May – every step along the way counts. And right now, it's Bayern Munich wearing the broadest smiles and looking the sharpest in front of goal. Get ready for those quarter-finals – they're going to be explosive!