I don't expect teams like Girona and Bologna to do well in the Champions League next season. However, there is no doubt that both these teams have played brilliantly in the last season. The Girona team competed for the La Liga title. And it was a completely unexpected event. The Girona team has struggled to avoid relegation in the past. But last season this team fought for the title.
However, we have seen erratic performances from Girona's players in the matches at the end of the season. Moreover, if you want to perform consistently well in the Champions League, you need a lot of experience. Girona and Bologna management may be able to build stronger squads if they spend money. But getting the squad players experienced will not be an easy task for Girona and Bologna.
Teams like Girona and Bologna are not teams that often play in the Champions League so their level of play will be very different, even though both of them played well in their respective leagues last season. As we know, the Champions League is very competitive and the competition here is quite big so it will be difficult for them to qualify for the next stage. Every season there will definitely be one team that is quite surprising but when entering the next season most of them lose their best form.
Without having experienced players it will be much harder to play in the Champions League and even we see how strong teams that often play in the league also have difficulty facing the tight competition. I don't think both of them will easily get through the group phase because there will be quite tight competition from the opponents they will face.
You all enjoy your big-name teams, I know. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, the usual suspects. The Champions League's true beauty, though, transcends mere who is projected to win. Its about who can write history and beat the odds.
Take Bologna; they disappeared decades ago but are back now. Back with a fire in their gut. Love that. I love watching a team win again. Furthermore Girona? Neither should you count them out. Though they came from a modest league, they achieved their position fairly and honestly. They are talented and have heart. You also know what? They may simply surprise us all. The magic of sports is that. Unpredictability. Thrilling.
Allow them underdogs to shine. Lets see what they produce. Since its not always about the biggest stars. Its about who is more driven to defend their historical place. And Im excited to see what these two teams can do. Remember, people, everything is possible. See the underdogs with faith.