Carlo Ancelotti has named the only team that can win the Champions League over Real Madrid this season.
Real are reigning champions heading into this season's competition, having defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the 2023/24 final in June.
But Los Blancos had a difficult group stage campaign this term, winning five of their eight games in the new format.
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They suffered back-to-back defeats to AC Milan and Liverpool, and also lost 1-0 away at Ligue 1 side Lille.
That meant they could only qualify for the Champions League play-off round stage, where they face 2023 champions Manchester City over two legs.
The tie begins on Tuesday evening at the Etihad Stadium - with Ancelotti confidently declaring in his pre-match press conference that there were only two teams in the entire competition this season that could ultimately go on and win it.
"I am convinced the team that goes through from this tie will go on to win the competition," he stated.
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"It will be a difficult game, hard to predict. It will depend a lot on the attitude and confidence of the teams."
The Italian continued: "It seems like a 'Clasico' because we have played each other a lot of times in this competition. It's the most difficult game we can face, regardless of form.
"They are one of the best teams in Europe and they have the best manager out there [Pep Guardiola]. It's a nightmare preparing for games against him because he always has ideas that make you think."
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His decision to snub Liverpool - who won seven of their eight group stage matches - and even El Clasico rivals Barcelona - who won six, drew one and lost one - might surprise fans, given their respective performances.
Real, though, are undoubtedly the kings of Europe, having lifted the Champions League trophy on a record 15 occasions.
Ancelotti has won the trophy three times with Real and twice with AC Milan, and will hope to add a sixth title to his haul by the end of this season.
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There have been reports that the Italian is considering whether to step down from his role in the summer, despite his contract having another year left to run.
But back in November, Ancelotti appeared to make his feelings clear on his short-term future by telling France Football (via Marca): "Before stopping, I would like to win a new Champions League. And then another. Every coach wants to get to the top.
"But coaching Real Madrid is really... this club is special. It is the best in the world. Because of its history, its atmosphere, its fans. And so the goal was to, one day, be in that place."
Ryan Smart