Michael Owen dubs Man City 'favourites' vs Real Madrid and makes score prediction

Michael Owen has made Manchester City favourites for their Champions League semi-final tie against Real Madrid, while making his prediction.

The Blues go into the game having beaten Sporting Lisbon and Real's Madrid rival Atletico in the previous two knockout rounds. Carlo Ancelotti's Madrid side haven't been without a slice of fortune to reach this stage of the competition.

In the last 16, Real produced a sensational comeback to dispatch PSG. Then, in the quarter-finals, they managed to recover from a spirited Chelsea fight back to progress in extra time of the second leg.

ALSO READ: Man City boss Pep Guardiola reveals 'secret' behind his brilliant record vs Real Madrid

With both teams leading the way in their respective divisions, it is likely to be a tight two legs in Manchester and the Spanish capital. However, speaking to BetVictor, Owen believes that Pep Guardiola's men are the favourites.

He explained: "What a tie this should be. City were impressive at the weekend, and they’ll enter this with some confidence.

"We all know how desperate City are to win the Champions League, I’m expecting a good performance. Real have done so well to get to this round, but I’m not entirely sure how they’ve done it.

"Chelsea had plenty of chances to knock them out in the quarters, I don’t think City will be as wasteful. I’ll never write off Real in this competition, but I have to favour City.

"City will keep the ball and I can see them frustrating this Real side. I think Real will score, but I’m going for a 3-1 City win."

Should the former England internationals prediction prove accurate, it would put the Blues into a commanding position to reach the Champions League final in Paris at the end of the season.

Sign up to our City