Real Madrid is the strong favorite to become European champions for an unprecedented 10th time -- while reigning champions AC Milan have no chance of repeating last season's success, according to a Reuters poll of sports journalists.
In the survey, taken between Aug. 29 and Sept.7, 15 out of 23 journalists said the Spanish title holders would win the Champions League when the final is held in the German city of Gelsenkirchen on May 26.
AC Milan, who won the trophy for the sixth time with their penalty shootout victory over Italian rivals Juventus at Old Trafford in May, received no votes in the poll.
"Although there are still considerable question marks over Real's defense, they possess greater creativity and striking options than any of their rivals for the trophy," said Stephen Halliday at The Scotsman.
Opening matches for the Champions League, Europe's elite club competition, will be played on Sept. 16 and 17.
Four sports journalists said Chelsea would be champions, two favoured four-times winners Bayern Munich, one said Arsenal and one backed Juventus to win.
Juventus ended Real Madrid's bid to become European champions for the 10th time last season when they beat the Spanish aristocrats 4-3 on aggregate after two epic semi-final encounters in April.
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