Can Gianluigi Buffon Lift the UEFA Champions League Trophy with Juventus?

With Gianluigi Buffon making a return to Juventus, many football enthusiasts are asking whether the legendary goalkeeper can lift the UEFA Champions League trophy with his current team. Buffon's come-back is undoubtedly one of the best moves he could have made, and with the addition of Cristiano Ronaldo, the chances of winning this prestigious competition have significantly increased.

Buffon's Return and the Presence of Cristiano Ronaldo

Although Buffon's return isn't a big change in terms of a complete lineup overhaul, there is a strong argument that this could be the best opportunity for him to win the Champions League. The reason for this is simple: Cristiano Ronaldo. Having CR7 on the team drastically increases the chances of winning this competition by around 23%.

Given that this could potentially be Buffon's last season, Ronaldo might put in even more effort to secure this win. If Buffon was ever going to win the Champions League, it would be now. The combination of Ronaldo, a new coach (Massimiliano Allegri, who recently returned to the club), and a talented squad makes for a formidable line-up.

Challenges Ahead in the Champions League

While Juventus have indeed become stronger with the addition of several talented players, Champions League football is a knockout competition. As such, it is essential to acknowledge that reaching the final to secure the trophy is not a guarantee, despite past litigation.

Nevertheless, Juventus are on track to win the league and domestic cup easily due to their strengthened squad. However, the UEFA Champions League is an altogether different competition, and it is not clear if they have the necessary squad quality to clinch the trophy. With Buffon having already lost three finals in his career, it adds an extra layer of pressure to achieve the ultimate victory.

Post-Season Future for Buffon and Ramsey

Beyond this season, Buffon is likely to be inducted into the club hierarchy as a board member. This new role offers a strong reason for why he rejected Porto and stayed with Juventus. Additionally, it's anticipated that Buffon will surpass Paulo Maldini's appearance record in Serie A, as he is only six games away from breaking it.

However, the impact of new signings like Aaron Ramsey remains to be seen. Marco Sarri, the new coach, has never won the Champions League, and his rigid style of play may not suit players like Ramsey who are used to tracking back and providing defensive support. This change in playing style could affect the team's overall performance.

Given all the factors, it seems reasonable to conclude that this is Buffon's last season with Juventus. With a strong squad and the support of Ronaldo, Juventus are among the top five favorites for the Champions League title. However, their chances before the first game kicks off are still slim, at around 10%.

Despite the challenges, a reformed Juventus squad, even if not one of the top favorites yet, has a better chance than most. Fans and supporters remain hopeful that Buffon and his teammates can bring the UEFA Champions League trophy back to Juventus, making this a season to remember.