For the first time in the history of the Champions League, five Premier League teams have been playing in the first round, and all of them have been capable to qualify into the second round. Furthermore, four of them have finished as first in their groups and just Chelsea couldn't do it, still, they have gone through on the probably toughest group.
Even though they lost the first spot against Rome, the Londoners survived while Atletico, two times runners-up in the last four years, has to settle for playing the Europe League.
Nevertheless, there is still time until February to keep improving, when it will start the second round.
And the next Monday, these five teams will know their rivals, knowing that none of them would like to face the English.
Hopefully, the Premier League will keep showing its strength in the last stages of the competition. Contrary to the last season, when just Leicester reached the quarter-finals, and Atletico ended their European adventure.
Liverpool smiles and Manchester City loses for the first time
Although they just needed a draw to pass the group, Klopp's team scored seven goals against Spartak. In doing so, Liverpool has become the most prolific English team in the first round of the Champions League. Clearly and if they keep on this level, Coutinho, Mané, Salah and Firmino have the quality to spread fear in the defenders of any European team.
On the other hand, Manchester City has lost for the first time in the season. But they had already qualified as firsts on the group, and Guardiola gave rest to many players in his squad. Bearing this in mind, they will be prepared to face Manchester United at Old Trafford during this weekend.
Precisely, the 'Red Devils' were the leaders of a softer group than the others.
Anyway, Mourinho' strategy will be surely a jigsaw hard to resolve for any team facing Manchester United. Certainly, they seem in the correct path to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2014.
Tottenham finishes on style
Along with Chelsea's group, Tottenham Hotspur's was the most difficult of the competition. Despite this, the Londoners have finished above Real Madrid, a team that was clearly overpassed during their match at Wembley.
With five victories and the draw that they got at the Stadium of Real Madrid, the 'Spurs' might be the eventual revelation of the tournament. Until this moment, they have done a remarkable Champions League.
Thus, teams such as Bayern, Juventus or Real Madrid may be the rivals of the Premier League teams that have finished on top. Moreover, Chelsea shall face Barcelona, PSG or Besiktas. The draw will be done the next Monday, and fortunately, the five English squads will be there.
