Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick on Wednesday night knocked Pep Guardiola’s side out of the Champions League, and the Catalan native has named Real Madrid as a potential victor of the championship.
It was all too much for the four-time Premier League champions, with Erling Haaland left on the bench, Paris-born Mbappe demonstrating his world-beating abilities, and Guardiola’s disjointed season reaching a new low.
Ultimately, the reigning champions, who raised the cup aloft for the record 15th time last season, demonstrated that class is permanent and are among Guardiola’s handpicked quartet of candidates to win the final, which will be place in Munich on May 31, 2025.
It’s no surprise that Guardiola, who previously won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2008/09 and 2010/11, has picked Carlo Ancelotti’s well-drilled team as one of the favourites to win in Germany, according to The Mirror.
“Of course Madrid are a contender, definitely,” the 54-year-old – one of the best football managers of all time – declared after being knocked out of Europe’s top table in the play-off phase, although against one of the competition’s strongest sides.
Jude Bellingham and Co struggled to sign from the same hymn sheet in the competition’s new-look league phase this season, finishing 11th, one point behind the automatic progression spots (1st-8th).
Guardiola then paid tribute to Real Madrid’s Champions League history, implying that the La Liga juggernauts will always be among the top contenders, regardless of their form.
“However, there are other good teams nearby. This will be an exciting Champions League season. Madrid have always been the favourites for this Cup. There are other clubs having excellent seasons, but Madrid are usually favourites.”
Guardiola omitted rival Premier League club Arsenal from his list of prospective victors, instead naming Arne Slot’s Liverpool, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain at the end of May.
The Reds dominated the league phase as table toppers, with Barcelona close behind. PSG, on the other hand, is still looking for their first Champions League title, and their 10-0 aggregate win over Stade Brest demonstrates their ambition.
“However, there are other teams that are doing exceptionally well. Liverpool is enjoying a great season so far, Barcelona is terrific, and Paris Saint-Germain, led by my pal Luis [Enrique], is on the rise. However, Madrid are unquestionably favourites.
