Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits Liverpool's gap at the top of the Premier League "doesn't lie".
The Reds stand 18 points clear of second-placed City going into the final round of matches this weekend.
Victory at Newcastle United on Sunday would ensure Jurgen Klopp's side set a new club record points tally in a season of 99.
It would also give them a chance of beating the record of the biggest winning margin at the top of the table, which is currently held by City when they finished 19 points clear of neighbours United two years ago.
And asked if Liverpool's lead was an accurate representation of the season, Guardiola was in no doubt.
"It is fair," said the City boss. "When you finish 18 points behind, right now is the situation because it is fair.
"It is similar with the third placed team in the league. I don't know who many points we are in front of them (City are 15 points clear of United), but this is far.
"The truth is the real champions are Liverpool, and the reality is the gap doesn't lie."
