Amid the AI (Artificial Intelligence) trend, we asked Grok for a Champions League prediction, once the knockout stage matchups were defined. The response was surprising, as it is clear about who will be the next champion of the competition, and there is a surprise: Barça. Considered the best prepared team to win the "big ears," the AI dared to say who its opponent will be in the grand final: Liverpool.
AI is clear: Barça will win the Champions League
Speaking about Barça's path in this Champions League, the AI was blunt. "They face Benfica in the round of 16, a reachable opponent. With Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal in great form, Barcelona has a favorable path to the semifinals."
"They could face Lille or Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals, and then Bayer Leverkusen or Bayern Munich in the semifinals," the AI added.
It didn't stop there, clearly pointing out Grok: "This side of the bracket seems less competitive overall, which favors Barcelona."
As for Liverpool, the other finalist according to the AI, it pointed out: "They face PSG in the round of 16, a very competitive duel. Liverpool has shown exceptional form in the league phase and under Slot, with a solid defense and an attack led by Salah. PSG, although renewed after Mbappé's departure (with Dembélé and Barcola standing out), could struggle against Liverpool's intensity."
Finally, it concluded: "If Liverpool advances, they would face the winner of Club Brugge/Aston Villa in the quarterfinals, a favorable matchup, and then the winner of Real Madrid/Atlético de Madrid vs. Arsenal/PSV in the semifinals. Liverpool has a solid path to the final, but Real Madrid or Arsenal would be very tough opponents in the semifinals."
"1-2 for Barça"
"Barça will be the winner of the 2024-2025 Champions League, under the direction of Hansi Flick", affirmed the AI. "Their current form, the talent of their squad and a relatively more accessible path position them as the main candidates from their side of the bracket."
The AI also predicted "a hypothetical final against Liverpool (the strongest team on the left side). "If they overcome PSG, Real Madrid/Atlético, and Arsenal/PSV) Flick's playing style, combined with Barça's attack, could prevail" over Liverpool. It concluded that the match would favor Barça "with a close result like 1-2 on May 31, 2025, in Munich."
In this regard, Grok couldn't be clearer: this will be the year of the sixth Champions League for Barça. We'll have to see if it comes true...