Andrea Pirlo Names Five Teams Who Can Win Champions League, Leaves Out Real Madrid

Italian great Andrea Pirlo doesn't like Real Madrid's chances in the Champions League.

The Spanish giants have won the European football-holy grail an impressive three times on the trot, but the club experienced a huge shake-up in the summer.

From Zinedine Zidane leaving his managerial post to Cristiano Ronaldo securing a transfer to Juventus.

Julen Lopetegui was appointed - he's been sacked since - with the club failing to lure in a 'Galactico' to fill Ronaldo's void despite being linked with a bunch of high-profile names.

Real Madrid's poor summer transfer window reflects the clubs start to the new season.

Image: PA

They're struggling in La Liga, languishing in ninth but sitting at the top of their Champions League group.

But Pirlo has failed to mention Real Madrid when naming his favourites to win the competition.

"There are] four or five teams [in the running for the Champions League], including Juventus," he told Sky Italia via Goal.

"Then there are Liverpool, Barcelona, Manchester City and Bayern Munich. The teams are more or less those."

A shout out for two Premier League clubs in the shape of Liverpool and Manchester City.

Image: PA

Image: PA

Pirlo also talks up his former sides Serie A aspirations.

"Meanwhile in Serie A, Juventus have shown and are proving to be a step or two steps above the others.

"Cristiano Ronaldo? My friends - his coaches, like Ancelotti - tell me he is a serious professional and a humble person.

"I'm not surprised at all, the results on the pitch are showing that.

"Ronaldo, Pjanic or Dybala? They have a great choice now because all three are very good shooters, but now Pjanic and Dybala might find it a bit more difficult because maybe the priority goes to Ronaldo."

What's your take on Pirlo's assessment of the Champions League and Ronaldo?

Let us know.

Topics: Football News, Football, Andrea Pirlo, Juventus, Champions League, Real Madrid

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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