Bayern Munich are the favourites for this season’s Champions League according to Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian told to Corriere dello sport: “They’re the favourites for three reasons. Firstly, they’re a strong team with a coach who knows how to win this competition.
“Secondly, they’re champions and this is important. Thirdly, they have already won the league in practice and can devote their attention to the Champions League. This is the most important reason.”
The German club, now led by Pep Guardiola after the retirement of Jupp Heynckes last summer, also added Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara to their treble-winning squad of last season.
They meet English club Arsenal, currently occupying second place in the Premier League, at the Emirates Stadium, tonight.
The two clubs met at the same stage in the competition last season, with the Bavarians comfortably winning the away leg 3-1, only to end up clinging on to victory via away goals with a 2-0 loss at home.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s imprtance to Los Blancos was also the subject of discussion for Ancelotti, who replied: “He’s highly professional who is very focused on Madrid, like all of us. He does not live for comparisons with other players. La Decima is the dream for every Madridista.”
