Oh yeah. You do need the balls. You don't go up against the best unless you think you have the cojones to beat them. Most of the "open league gods" get their ***** handed to them in champions leagues.
There's good reason for that... EVERYONE in these leagues knows how to make a team that will win 100+ games in an open league.
Personally, I've made it to 3 WS in them, and lost every one. Some tough competition.
I faded out of them recently, because I hate the fatigue strategy with a passion, and too many owners were using it there.