Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has identified four teams he believes have the strongest chances of winning the UEFA Champions League this season following his team’s painful quarter-final exit from the competition.
Guardiola’s hopes of defending the Champions League title were dashed after his side suffered a 6-3 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday night. The Spanish giants, who have a rich history in the competition, proved too strong for the defending champions, knocking them out in dominant fashion.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Guardiola acknowledged that Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Liverpool, and Barcelona are the top contenders for the prestigious trophy. He highlighted their tactical depth, squad strength, and European pedigree, which make them formidable opponents in the race for the title.
While praising the quality of all four teams, Guardiola admitted that Real Madrid remains the clear favourite to win the tournament this year. He cited their winning mentality, experience, and consistency in European competitions as key factors that set them apart from the rest.
“There are always a few teams that stand out every season, and this year, I believe Real Madrid, PSG, Liverpool, and Barcelona have what it takes to go all the way,” Guardiola stated. “Of course, Real Madrid is always a step ahead in this competition. They know how to handle these moments better than anyone else.”
Guardiola’s assessment comes as the competition heads into its final stages, with each remaining club aiming to etch their name in European football history. With City out of contention, the focus now shifts to whether Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid can once again assert their dominance or if another club will rise to the occasion and claim the ultimate prize.
