~Snip
Not really all that shocking to see which teams have qualified so far. I mean it's been 4 games only, and the yare already qualified, that means that they did get the most out of the group stages.
This means that they can rest their players until last 16, that's a good thing, they could lose the last two games and rest, and that would be as good as it gets. I get that sometimes it doesn't look like that and we look at something and think that they have to still take it seriously because there is money in the end, but most of these clubs are rich too, they do not need the money that they get from wins, they could just rest their players and not risking any injury feels like that would be a better situation for them in the end.
Exactly, but Real Sociedad and Leipzig are certainly surprising. I thought Benfica was much more convincing than Real Sociedad at first, but Benfica's performance was beyond expectations even though they were very consistent in the Portuguese League. Real Soicedad and Inter have been able to rest some players without underestimating the other teams fighting for the Europa League, but fighting for the main position in the group stage is also important to avoid many strong teams in the other group.
Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich are not surprising in my opinion, meaning they have been favorites from the start. The three teams are favorites for the title this season, but it is all but certain as their toughest challenge will be winning the knockout games. Manchester City have a chance to retain the title or at least go to the final this season, but of course that really depends on how they maintain their best form later.