Barcelona full-back Dani Alves has backed Manchester City to knock Atlético Madrid out of the Champions League and then go on to win the competitions.
City currently hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg of their quarter-final tie with Diego Simeone’s side earlier this week, with Kevin de Bruyne’s goal giving them a slender lead heading into the second leg.
The clash at the Etihad proved to be a difficult affair for Pep Guardiola’s side, who enjoyed 71% possession in the game and 15 shots, albeit two on target.
They were frustrated by an Atlético side that played defensively throughout the entire game, sitting back, closing spaces and offering nothing going forward.
Manchester City will certainly need to be at their bet to ensure their progression to the semi-finals, but Alves, who, of course, played under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, is backing them for success.
“I think so, and they are my candidates for the title,” he told Mundo Deportivo when asked if Manchester City will beat Atlético.
“They are the team that has the best concept and the clearest concept of how to play and compete and how to do things. I’m a fan of Pep; whatever he does, I’ll be applauding.”
