Carlo Ancelotti has named the one team he thinks can beat his Real Madrid side to the Champions League title this season.
Los Blancos, who have been crowned European champions a record 14 times, were knocked out by Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side last season, on the Blues' journey to securing the title for the first time.
However, with the addition of England international Jude Bellingham, who has hit the ground running with 12 goals and two assists in the top flight of Spanish football, Madrid are once again seeking European glory as they eye a 15th title in the 2023/24 campaign.
Ancelotti's side currently top Group C with 15 points from their opening five games this season, as they now look ahead to their upcoming clash against Union Berlin on Tuesday evening.
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Speaking ahead of the second meeting between the two sides this season, after Madrid secured a 1-0 win back in September, Ancelotti revealed the one team he thinks will compete with his squad for the trophy this season.
"City are favourites because they have a squad that saw them win it last season and they haven't changed much. However in the Champions League, like always, there are surprises at the end," Ancelotti said.
"Real Madrid are a team that are going to fight until the end. We never think of ourselves as favourites, just as I think City don't. They won it last year, they can win the Champions League."
Despite their dominance last season and the kind words from Ancelotti, City fans might not be feeling so confident regarding their chances in Europe, given their current form in the Premier League.
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After being held to three draws on the bounce against Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham, City were defeated by Unai Emery's impressive Aston Villa side last week before scraping 2-1 win against Luton Town at the weekend, with Guardiola attracting attention for his erratic touchline behaviour.
City continue to compete across all competitions but injuries to Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku will have teams fancying their chances against last season's treble winners.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, Jude Bellingham, Manchester City, Champions League