Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards says Real Madrid are not favourites for the Champions League, citing Barcelona and Bayern Munich as stronger contenders

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has claimed that Real Madrid are not favourites to win this season’s UEFA Champions League, despite their 5-1 aggregate victory over City in the last 16.

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Madrid won 3-0 at the Real Madrid and 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium, with Vinicius Junior scoring twice across the two legs.

Richards argued that other clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich are better positioned to lift the trophy this season.

He said: “Real Madrid winning the whole thing? Right now, I’d say no. The tie vs City, individual brilliance and Bernardo’s red won them the tie. Barcelona on their day could beat anyone. Bayern are also there. If I had to bet, I’d say no on Real Madrid winning because there’s better teams. Real Madrid have players for the biggest moments. That’s what the UCL is. Couple of seasons back they got past Chelsea, City, they weren’t playing well but they just got over the line.”

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Richards’ comments highlight the unpredictability of the Champions League knockout stages, where past European giants often rely on key moments to progress, rather than consistent dominance across the season.