Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says he is “convinced” that Manchester City will win the Champions League again this season if they beat his side in the playoff round.
Both clubs failed to make it into the top 8 during the League phase of the competition but Ancelotti was full of compliments for Pep Guardiola and his team ahead of the first leg on Tuesday evening:
“They are one of the best teams in Europe and they have the best manager out there. It’s a nightmare preparing for games against him because he always has ideas that make you think.”
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“I am convinced the team that goes through from this tie will go on to win the competition.”
City need their January signings to perform to go far in Europe
Based on the club’s form this season, even the most optimistic City fan would struggle to see their team making it all the way to the final.
The Premier League champions did try and address the imbalances in the squad during the January transfer window, with the arrivals of Nico Gonzalez, Omar Marmoush and others.
It remains to be seen whether those additions can move the needle in terms of Guardiola’s side being competitive on the European stage.
Who have the bookmakers made favourites to win the Champions League?
The bookies do not agree with Ancelotti’s claim that City or Real will be lifting the European Cup at the end of the season.
After finishing top of the league phase, Liverpool are currently regarded as the favourites (4/1), with Barcelona and Arsenal (6/1) joint second among the other runners and riders.
Real (7/1) and the Cityzens (10/1) are 6th and 7th in the running respectively among the vast majority of betting firms.
Read our exclusive interview with Shaun Wright-Phillips. He talks about why City should still make the top 4 this season.