Joe Cole claims four clubs more likely than Real Madrid to win 2022-23 Champions League

Joe Cole believes four clubs have more chance of winning the 2022-23 Champions League than current holders Real Madrid.

Madrid lifted the European Cup for a record-breaking 14th time in May thanks to a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the final.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side were crowned European champions for the fifth time in eight years after going on a remarkable run during the knockout stages, producing three stunning victories over Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Madrid then added yet another trophy to their extensive collection on Wednesday night, defeating Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt to secure the UEFA Super Cup.

Before the game kicked off, BT Sport pundits Cole, Owen Hargreaves and Joleon Lescott was asked for their Champions League predictions.

All three of the former Premier League players believe Man City, who have never won the Champions League before, will finally lift club football’s most prestigious trophy at the end of the season.

Lescott and Cole are backing City’s Erling Haaland to finish at the competition’s top scorer, while Hargreaves went for Barcelona’s summer signing Robert Lewandowski.

Cole believes Lewandowski will be named the competition’s best player, while Lescott and Hargreaves reckon that accolade will go to City’s Kevin De Bruyne.

As for the best young player of this season’s Champions League campaign, Lescott and Cole are expecting big things from City star Phil Foden. Hargreaves went for Barcelona’s Pedri.

"We say it every season and it hasn't happened yet. Why is it different this season for Man City?"