De Bruyne's absence was extremely noticeable. As this deficiency returns, there is a difference in the team's offensive game play. Can one player have that much impact? If Haaland contributes, Manchester City will become a difficult team to stop for other teams.
Yes, exactly. De Bruyne's absence really affected Man City in scoring goals, this also affected Halland's goal productivity. What is very unfortunate for the EPL teams is that none of them really took advantage of Man City's prolonged downturn from November to December. Now it looks like Man City will continue their title bid again with De Bruyne back in the lineup and Haaland also set to return in the near future. then it is not impossible that they will also defend the UCL title.
In my opinion, the biggest favorites are City and Real Madrid, although Bayer Munich is a team that loves the championship, I can say that they have not shown any weakness at the moment. As the eliminations approach, the pieces will fall into place.
The three teams you mentioned will indeed be the strongest favorites in the UCL league this season, these three teams have strong and very consistent teams. However, among the three teams you mentioned, the ones that are most favored in my opinion are Man City and Real Madrid. However, if these two teams meet in the final, Real Madrid will be the champions. because as far as I know Real Madrid have never lost when playing a final, they are always winners in the final.