Rio Ferdinand names the two clubs who can challenge Man City for Champions League

Rio Ferdinand has named the two clubs who he believes can challenge Manchester City for the Champions League title this season.

Pep Guardiola's side sealed qualification to the knockout stages on Wednesday evening after they beat Young Boys 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

A brace from Erling Haaland and another from Phil Foden wrapped up the victory, as the current holders made it four wins from four in Europe.

The only other two teams to also boast a 100 per cent winning record in the competition are Real Madrid and Bayern Munich - and Ferdinand reckons they are the only two teams who can rival City.

When asked who City's closest competitors were in the Champions League, Ferdinand told TNT Sports: "Real Madrid have obviously got that relationship with this tournament and they’ve got some fantastic players, Jude Bellingham in fine form. They’d be one you’d mention.

"I think the forward line, the front line especially at Bayern Munich could cause any team in this competitions problems, especially with Harry Kane scoring at the rate that he is.

"But I don’t see anybody who is the full package, you can pick holes in all those teams. This [Man City] is the only team you look at and think they’re a complete team. That’s the problem with everyone else."

Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Guardiola praised his side's consistency, stating: "The word that define this group of players for many years is the consistency. We have high standards and and that is why we are still in the Premier League up there and qualified from the Champions League.

"People say 'yeah, the group stage, it is easy', but you have to do it. In life, you have to do it when people expect you to do it.

"Two games left. Leipzig are the toughest opponents in this group and we have to try and finish further. It is important in the last 16 to have the weapon of second game at home rather than away."

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Topics: Rio Ferdinand, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Champions League, Football

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno