Rio Ferdinand has pinpointed two formidable teams that could challenge Manchester City’s quest for a second consecutive Champions League title. After a convincing 3-0 victory over Young Boys, securing their spot in the knockout stages, City now stands as one of the elite clubs with a remarkable 11-season streak. A draw against RB Leipzig at the Etihad in three weeks would secure their position atop Group G.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are the only other teams in the Champions League boasting a perfect record, albeit having played one less game than City. Ferdinand acknowledges these European giants as potential obstacles for City. Real Madrid, with their strong tournament history and talented players like Jude Bellingham, is a formidable force. Bayern Munich’s dynamic forward line, coupled with Harry Kane’s impressive goal-scoring form, can trouble any opponent.
However, Ferdinand maintains City’s superiority over both Real and Bayern, considering them the “complete team.” He believes that other teams have their flaws, but City stands out as the most well-rounded.
Currently, Bayern leads Group A with three wins in three games, while Real tops Group C. Both teams are in a good position to secure a place in the Round of 16.
It’s worth noting that City overcame Bayern and Real on their way to their first Champions League victory last season. They dispatched Bayern with a 4-1 aggregate score in the quarter-finals and secured an emphatic victory over Real in the semi-finals.
Guardiola, however, remains cautious, emphasizing that the job isn’t complete despite qualification for the knockout stages. He recognizes Leipzig as formidable opponents in the group and stresses the importance of securing the second game at home in the last 16.