Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has reportedly earmarked Liverpool as one of the three clubs capable of defeating Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid advanced to the Round of 16 of Europe’s premier competition 6-3 on aggregate on Wednesday night after defeating Man City 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg of the Knockout Round playoffs.
The defending Spanish and European champions were favorites to advance after winning the first leg 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium last week, and Mbappe’s goal in the fourth minute set the tone in Spain.
The France international forward completed his hat-trick in the 61st minute after scoring in the 33rd to put Madrid ahead 2-0. For City, Nico Gonzalez’s goal in the second minute of injury time was merely a consolation.
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Guardiola spoke highly of Madrid after the game, saying they were superior to his club.
According to Team Talk, the former manager of Bayern Munich acknowledged that Madrid are the favorites to win the Champions League this year, but he cautioned the Los Blancos that Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Liverpool would compete fiercely.
The Spanaird said: “Of course Madrid are a contender, definitely. But there are other good teams around. It will be an interesting Champions League season.
“Madrid are always favourites for this trophy. There are other teams who are having a very good season but Madrid are always favourites.
‘But there are other teams that are playing very well. Liverpool are having a really good season up until now, Barcelona are amazing, Paris Saint-Germain, with my friend Luis [Enrique] in charge, are on the march.
“But obviously, Madrid are favourites.”
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