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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
John McDougall

Barcelona icon issues surprising Champions League Man City claim against Inter Milan

Barcelona icon Rivaldo has gone against the grain and believes there is no favourite in the Champions League final despite many anticipating Manchester City will emerge victorious against Inter Milan.

City booked their place in the Istanbul showpiece next month with a demolition of Spanish giants Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium. A stunning 4-0 victory on the night for Pep Guardiola's side ensured a 5-1 win on aggregate over the Santiago Bernabeu outfit as Carlo Ancelotti's side were humbled.

Pep Guardiola's men will take on Inter in next month's final in Turkey. The Nerazzuri beat cross-town rivals AC Milan 3-0 on aggregate in their semi-final as they reached the centrepiece of Europe's top club competition for the first time since 2010.

READ MORE: Every word from Guardiola ahead of Man City vs Chelsea as Blues close in on Premier League title

The bookies have City as the heavy favourites to emerge as victors and, in the process, win the Champions League for the first time in the club's history. But Brazil and Barcelona legend Rivaldo is cautious to label City as the likely victors, believing they will take on an experienced Inter team who will make like difficult for them.

Speaking to Betfair, Rivaldo said: "Everyone is saying that Manchester City will be Champions League winners when they face Inter Milan in the final in Istanbul, however, I am always more cautious in these analyses.

"Yes, City are one of the best football teams today and they have a squad of enormous quality, something that was proven in their 4-0 win over Real Madrid.

"But on the other side will be an Inter team that has a lot of experience in the competition with three titles, and knows very well how to play defensively, trying to make life difficult for their opponents.

"It's clear that Man City come packed with quality and will usually win the match, however, a victory for Inter is not an impossible scenario for the reasons I already mentioned above. I don't risk a winner that easily."

Get your hands on our 48-page souvenir United v City FA Cup Final print supplement by clicking here.

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